Our Founder

A Virginia educator recognized her students' need for learning that extended beyond the classroom walls.  As a fifth grade teacher, she transformed any available space—hallways, playgrounds, grassy fields, even under a shady tree—into a dynamic learning environment. But it was a field trip to a Smithsonian Museum that sparked the vision for Great Explorations.  Seeing her students' enthusiasm for hands-on learning ignited the idea: "Why not make the world their classroom?" Twenty years later, that spark has grown into a foundation offering life-changing experiences. Great Explorations provides hands-on career exploration, empowering students to imagine, identify, plan, and achieve their academic and career goals through comprehensive mentoring programs.  Developed by an educator passionate about experience-based learning, our programs empower students to imagine—and change—their futures.