U.S. Trips for High Schoolers
American Tributaries, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which offers journeys within our vast country for high schoolers, via uniquely-curated, people-focused trips that promote civil engagement and dialogue among Americans.
Why travel with American Tributaries?
unique experiences for college essays
bridge-building within our country
green-conscious train travel
more affordable than many overseas trips
We practice four core values, unconditionally: curiosity, respect, compassion and humility.
We celebrate our interdependence and promote exploring the various currents of American people and communities.
Learning more about others. Learning more about ourselves.
Turning today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders.
Check out our trips by clicking below.
Hear how American Tributaries got started
“The American Tributaries project is about being the change you want to see in the world — one trip, one conversation, one community at a time…This is urgent and important work.”
David Sarratt, San Francisco CA (Spartanburg SC born & raised)
“It’s different….Every kid can go to sleepaway camp. Every kid can go to a sports camp….This was different. I don’t see a scenario where it didn’t have a lasting impact.”
Seth Wilson, Greenwich CT (parent of 2022 pilot trip student traveler)
“Being able to interact with these other teenagers …and have dinner with all these people from South Carolina...really showed me that we're all so similar and that politics isn't the only thing that defines us.”
Miranda Whidden, Brooklyn NY (2022 pilot trip student traveler)
“A trip like this warms our hearts.”
Thomas Byrd, Columbia SC (28-year U.S. Army veteran)
“Humans are such diverse and complicated beings! By getting young people to truly see and listen to people of all ages from across the country (live and in person!) and to be seen and heard themselves, will perhaps enable everyone to see that we're not so different after all. And even if we have different beliefs about things, we can still respect and hold space for each other, learn something new along the way, and maybe even change our minds.”
Katie Honaker, Brooklyn NY (American Tributaries Board of Advisors member)
“This next generation, boutique education travel company is not only needed to allow high school students to experience, rather than just read about, how curiosity can open the mind to expanded understanding and respect for those with different beliefs and values.
It is also inspiring that curiosity, respect and compassion, all intangible, will be highly valued in this endeavor. Relearning these qualities, often overlooked, is so necessary for transcending this polarized time in our history.“
Ki Curtis, Greenville SC