- Newton Public Schools
- GELF Financial Aid
Jennifer Price Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF)
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The Jennifer Price Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF) ensures equitable access for students to participate in Newton Public Schools international education experiences by providing need-based global education financial aid to students whose families cannot afford the cost.
GELF opens international doors to students, many of whom have not left the United States, some of whom have never been on a plane and none of whom would be able to participate in these programs without financial aid.
Support GELF and Come to the 2023 Benefit Dinner
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About GELF
The Newton Public Schools offer a variety of transformative international travel experiences across disciplines to countries like Mexico, Russia, Italy, India, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Cuba, Galapagos, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain, France, Panama, Puerto Rico, Greece, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and China. These school-based travel experiences are offered at an extra cost to students, and not all families can afford the expensive cost of travel.
Through promoting equitable access to trips, GELF:
- Fosters an inclusive community that infuses aspects of personal growth, cross-cultural competencies and expanded world perspectives.
- Promotes equity in education by overcoming affordability challenges and offering students equitable access to educational and travel opportunities.
- Enriches the experience for all students in NPS global education programs by increasing the diversity of the participating student groups.
- Cultivates a community of globally responsive citizens and leaders.
- Develops empathy, self-confidence, independence, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
Global literacy and citizenship skills are a key to all students’ future success. From Beijing to Berlin, Italy to India, GELF has provided Newton students the chance to develop these skills and better understand the world around them. Not only does your contribution benefit students in need, but their presence enriches the experience for all. -
Origins of GELF
The Jennifer Price Global Education Leadership Fund (GELF) was launched in the spring of 2008 when several generous Newton community members made it possible for two students to join the Prague summer program. A group of Newton teachers, parents and administrators coalesced around this act of generosity, and, through a partnership with Newton Schools Foundation, determined to make it possible for any Newton student to participate in an international program regardless of financial means.
Since 2008, we have been able to support 245 students with more than $415,000 to go on programs to Mexico, Russia, Italy, India, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Cuba, Galapagos, Tanzania, Nicaragua, Peru, Spain, France, Panama, Puerto Rico, Greece, Australia, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and China. These trips change lives!The GELF is named after Jennifer Price, former principal of Newton North. Principal Price founded the GELF as part of her commitment to ensuring equal access to global education opportunities. She and her family continue to be strong supporters of the GELF. -
Who does GELF support?
GELF supports students from both Newton high schools with demonstrated financial need. Students should be in good academic standing, and should exhibit leadership within their school community.Since 2008, GELF has provided support to students participating in:- Language exchanges
- Service learning projects
- Summer study programs
- International music performances
- International sports competitions
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How to Apply
Application and Selection Process
To Complete a Financial Aid Application for an International Trip
Part I: Please carefully read the GELF Financial Aid Supplement Explanatory Cover Letter for the GELF Financial Aid Supplement.
Part II: A parent or guardian should complete the online financial aid application no later than the deadline for their child's trip application.
Part III: All parent/guardians (including non-custodial parents) are requested to make a copy of their most recent 1040 tax returns and turn them in to GELF's mailbox at the main office of their child's school. The copies should be turned in by the deadline for the trip application.
Awards Process
The GELF committee will review all applications. Applicants will be evaluated primarily on the basis of demonstrated need; however, a number of other factors, including academic and disciplinary record, will also be considered. Students may only receive one GELF scholarship during their tenure in the Newton Public Schools. The size and number of awards in any given year may vary.
All recipients of GELF scholarships will be required to submit a reflective project about their international experience.
For further information about the Fund, please contact Star Lew. -
Support GELF
Since we sent our first students abroad, the need in our community has become increasingly apparent. To fulfill this need, the fund relies primarily on the generosity of individual donors. GELF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
To support the GELF fund, you can contribute online:
Donate to GELFGlobal literacy and citizenship skills are a key to all students’ future success. From Beijing to Berlin, Italy to India, GELF has provided Newton students the chance to develop these skills and better understand the world around them. Not only does your contribution benefit students in need, but their presence enriches the experience for all.
