GCAC Named Finalist for Two Prestigious International Awards

DRESDEN, Tenn. - Global Citizen Adventure Corps (GCAC), a nonprofit based in West Tennessee, has been named a finalist for two international awards by GoAbroad, a leading platform for global study, volunteer, and work experiences. GCAC is recognized in the Global Respectful Disruption Leadership and Innovation in Diversity categories.

Co-founded by Stacie Freeman of Dresden and Julie Hill of Union City, GCAC partners with Bethel University in McKenzie to offer students from rural areas life-changing global experiences.

Finalists and winners are selected by the Innovation Awards Academy, a respected panel of global education leaders. Winners will be announced at the GoAbroad reception during the NAFSA: Association of International Educators conference in San Diego on May 29, 2025. Last year, GCAC received the Innovation in Philanthropy Award during a ceremony in New Orleans.

“These awards honor organizations and individuals pushing global education forward,” GoAbroad writes, “and celebrate those who go beyond the conventional.”

Finalist: Innovation in Diversity

GCAC is being recognized for its commitment to expanding access to international education for traditionally underrepresented students. Many participants come from Title I schools across rural West Tennessee.

One nomination story highlighted GCAC’s founding moment: after a devastating tornado made a Costa Rica trip financially impossible for a group of Dresden High School students, scholarships were created to ensure students could still participate. As a result, GCAC was founded to support students of diverse backgrounds, identities, and abilities. Students earn college credit through Bethel University while engaging in meaningful global service.

Finalist: Respectful Global Disruptive Leadership

GCAC’s model focuses on developing empathetic, informed student leaders through international service and learning. Pre-departure coursework emphasizes cultural humility, while on-the-ground projects align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

All service projects are community-led and designed for long-term sustainability. GCAC encourages alumni to return as co-leaders, and many students go on to pursue careers in public service and global engagement.

At the heart of GCAC’s mission is respect—for people, cultures, and the global community. Through “respectful disruption,” GCAC is redefining who gets to participate in global education—and ensuring every voice has a seat at the table.