Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Milkie.
Hi Julie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
We were both teachers in the same district, and we both had experience running student programs, including international youth travel. The dream of starting our own organization, The Sprout Experience, began while watching a bloat of hippos in the Maasai Mara, Kenya (a “bloat” is what you call a group of hippos, no joke). We were on a different continent, experiencing immersive education with a group of students, working with world-class scientists, and making real connections with the local Maasai people. It was a unique, life-changing moment for all of us, and that is when we decided to start Sprout. We wanted to build something that would allow all students to experience true immersive learning through a variety of unique opportunities.
From that day, so much has happened that we never anticipated:
We’ve increased our programming domestically and internationally
60% of our students attend 2+ Sprout programs
80% of our students write their college essays on their Sprout Experience
70% of our students graduate from college in conservation or science-related fields
Sprout has partnered with public and private schools such as Hathaway Brown and Hawken School.
We’ve been impressed with The Sprout Experience, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The only way to explain Sprout is truthfully: There is literally no other youth organization that offers the opportunities that we do. No other students in the world have access to many of our resources, including world-leading research centers and scientists. We do conservation work on restricted beaches, stay with the Maasai on their land, and explore normally inaccessible wildlife conservation areas. We interact with community-based groups and the local communities on a personal level.
Sprout was developed by teachers with an understanding that travel and new experiences can be the basis of education that can change lives for the better. We take the knowledge students learn in the classroom and watch that knowledge take root during our programs. In Trinidad, our students work side-by-side with scientists rescuing, collecting data, and microchipping endangered leatherback sea turtles, and then learn to SCUBA dive in Tobago. In Kenya, they track lions and study baboons with researchers. All of our programs are immersive, hands-on experiences.
Another major highlight of Sprout is that we travel with small groups (8 to 14 students) compared to many other youth programs. We pride ourselves in the fact that we travel like a tight family unit, and this allows many advantages. For example, we are able to accommodate students whose medical or emotional needs might disqualify them from traveling in large groups with another organization. Our world might be “getting smaller,” but many young people are feeling increasingly disconnected. At Sprout, our way of travel allows teens to connect through meaningful conversations & interactions with their peers, group leaders, and our in-country partners. Kids come home feeling proud, happy, connected to others!
Alright, so before we go, can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Families, have your children travel with Sprout! Schools, let’s create a new program for your district. Our educational programs focus on conservation and cultural immersion. Current programs are in Thailand, Kenya, Trinidad & Tobago, Florida Everglades, and Shawnee National Forest.
Organizations and businesses in cultural, art and music, STEM, or conservation-related fields are always looking for new partnerships.
College students, you can intern with Sprout.
Anyone can visit www.thesproutexperience.org to donate money or items. 100% of our donations go towards programming and scholarships opportunities for students. While you are there, join our mailing list and look around the site.
Call Julie, Executive Director and Co-Founder, directly for more information. 440-320-5792
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thesproutexperience.org
- Instagram: @thesproutexperience
- Facebook: facebook/thesproutexperience
- Twitter: @sproutex
- Youtube: thesproutexperience
- Other: TikTok – thesproutexperience
Image Credits
The Sprout Experience
