Melony Allen

Hei Butterfly The Initiative

Hei Butterfly The Initiative is a non-profit manifestation of international education reimagined for Black and Brown students with Black and Brown needs, personhood, and scholarship at the core of all we do. Hei Butterfly seeks to address the most researched obstacles to Black and Brown student participation in international education programs. We provide (1) access to Black and Brown international program alum; (2) information on special funding and grant opportunities; and (3) tools to ensure scholars can actively engage with the world around them with our Gift The World Grant and Passport Initiative and discounted flights with our partnership with Student Universe. Founded on the most researched and discussed obstacles that Black and Brown scholars face within international education, Hei Butterfly seeks to provide a solution and opportunities for students to engage with international education in an international with a supportive community of scholars who look like them. Additionally, we strive to have a tangible impact on students here and now with our passport initiative and Gift The World Grant. Our grant covers all fees associated with obtaining a US passport, one one one passport application assistance, and other support. Our grant is open to all scholars of color at a US college, university, or community college. Last year we raised $2,000 to support ten scholars. This year our goal is 3,000 for fifteen passports. We are currently fundraising, and all donors will receive a donation receipt for their tax records. Annually, we host Passports & Pastries, a nationwide in-person event and virtual experience celebrating National Study Abroad day. Passports & Pastries allows us to live our mission of reimagining international education in real-time. This yea's event is scheduled for Feb. 26-27,2022. To learn more, register for this event, or donate our Gift The World Grant, please visit our website linktr.ee/heibutterfly.