Hilton Worldwide Launches 2014 Teacher Treks Grant Competition

McLean, Va., February 6, 2014 /3BL Media/  - Hilton Worldwide is now accepting applications for its second annual Teacher Treks Grant Competition. The program, developed last year in partnership with the Institute of International Education (IIE), will fund15 K-12 teachers to travel, enrich their curriculum and foster greater understanding between the U.S. and other countries. This year’s program has two unique tracks for travel in the summer of 2014: the Travel Grant and the Teach Abroad Grant.

The Travel Grant will recognize 10 teachers who build awareness of cultural diversity within the classroom and provide an opportunity for them to mold the future generation of travelers. Travel Grant awardees are offered the opportunity to visit another country for two to three weeks to travel, explore and experience culture firsthand.

The Teach Abroad Grant was established to allow English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers the opportunity to travel for two to three weeks to a Hilton Worldwide hotel to provide educational workshops to Team Members in key emerging hotel markets. The purpose of the Teach Abroad Grant is to connect teachers with Hilton Worldwide Team Members who can act as ambassadors to share the culture of the host country. Team Members will benefit from English classes to enable them to connect with English-speaking guests more easily.  

“We’re inspired by Conrad Hilton’s philosophy, ‘World Peace Through International Trade and Travel’,” said Jennifer Silberman, vice president, corporate responsibility, Hilton Worldwide. “The Teacher Trek Grants highlight the impact that travel can have, and we’re thrilled to be able to empower teachers to spread their knowledge and experiences with their students.”

In the program’s inaugural year in 2013, Teacher Treks Grant winners visited more than 15 different countries and reached more than 3,000 students in total.

Hilton Worldwide will continue to partner with IIE, who will support the program's objectives to internationalize classrooms and enhance curriculum by incorporating strong global understanding, as well as design the selection process of the teachers and the pre-and post-departure cultural training. IIE will capitalize on more than 90 years of experience managing educational and cultural exchanges, including the prestigious Fulbright Program for the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

“IIE is honored to administer this exciting professional development opportunity for K-12 educators,” said Edith Cecil, Vice President, Institute of International Education. “In addition to the personal and professional benefits for the teacher, these grants elevate levels of global competence in US classrooms.”

Teacher Treks supports Hilton Worldwide’s commitment to celebrating cultures through Travel with Purposeä.

Teacher Treks details

• K-12 teachers who have at least three years of teaching experience may apply for the chance to travel, explore and share culture with their students and colleagues. To apply for the Hilton Worldwide Teacher Treks Program, interested applicants should visit the program website for a full list of eligibility requirements: www.iie.org/hiltonteachertreks. The application deadline is February 26, 2014. A complete application includes:1 completed and submitted online application
• One submitted online reference from an immediate supervisor, such as a Principal or Head of School
• One submitted additional professional reference

Grant Information

• 10 Travel Grant awardees will receive a grant valued at $6,000, along with a $1,000 donation to their school
• Five Teach Abroad awardees will receive a grant valued at $7,500, along with a $1,000 donation to their school
• 15 runners-up will receive a $1,500 donation to their school to use for cultural activities or enhancements

Selection Process

Following the application deadline, each applicant is reviewed for eligibility, required experience, credentials, and completeness of the application. Eligible U.S. applicants are evaluated by Review Committees, who recommend the highest quality applications for final consideration by Hilton Worldwide. Review committees consist of primary and secondary teachers, university administrators, international education professionals, and program alumni.

For a full list of the selection criteria, please visit http://www.iie.org/Programs/Hilton-Teacher-Treks-Program/Selection-Process. Selected teachers will be announced in late March 2014.

About Institute of International Education

The Institute of International Education is a world leader in the international exchange of people and ideas. An independent, not-for-profit organization founded in 1919, IIE has a network of 19 offices worldwide and over 1,200 member institutions. IIE designs and implements programs of study and training for students, educators, young professionals and trainees from all sectors with funding from government agencies, foundations, and corporations around the world. IIE also conducts policy research and program evaluations, and provides advising and counseling on international education and opportunities abroad.

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is a leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxury and full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and focused-service hotels. For 94 years, Hilton Worldwide has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The company’s portfolio of ten world-class global brands is comprised of more than 4,000 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties, with nearly 672,000 rooms in 90 countries and territories, including Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors®.

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