Give to the Passport Office's Gift of Travel Fund

What is the Gift of Travel Fund?

The Gift of Travel Fund is an initiative designed to cover the application costs for eligible students applying for their U.S. passports. In fall 2024, the Office of Immigration and Citizenship Services was awarded the Institute of International Education (IIE) American Passport Project Grant. This generous grant allowed us to distribute funds to 25 students to pay for their passport application fees.

Contribute today to keep giving the gift of travel!  

“It was so relieving to receive the Passport Grant; it definitely felt like a weight off my shoulders, not having to worry about how I would afford my passport. This grant made the process so much easier. I'm grateful for the support!”

-Carmen Ayala 

Why is it important?

A U.S. passport is an essential travel document that allows a student to experience study abroad opportunities, opening the door to future career aspirations, experience personal growth and development and even bring families together. Not everyone has the luxury to afford a passport, but you can help change that.

Give the gift of travel and worldwide opportunities by funding eligible students’ applications for their first U.S. passport.

"Being a recipient of the Passport Grant meant a lot to me, I come from a low-income family with a single mom, so I never had the opportunity to get a passport. When I got accepted in a study aboard program to Finland here at UTD I knew I had to get one. It was extremely helpful to be able to receive these funds to aid me on the journey to my first trip abroad. Being able to get my passport through these funds helps me further my education and go on a trip I never thought would be possible before. I am extremely grateful and excited for what lays ahead which wouldn’t have been as easy without this grant!" 

-Alyssa Scott

What are our goals?

Every dollar you donate will go towards helping a student in need. Our fundraising goal for the ImpactUTD drive is $3,300. This will cover the passport application costs for up to 20 students. That is a $165 gift for each student ($130 application fee plus the $35 execution fee set by the U.S. Department of State). For every additional $165 we raise past our goal, we will cover the costs for one additional student .  

How will your contributions be used?

1. Once the campaign ends, we will open a scholarship application for eligible students that do not currently have an adult passport and express financial need. 
2. Funds will be distributed to selected students. 
3. The UTD Passport Acceptance Facility will help students apply for their passport.
4. The UT Dallas Office of International Education will provide them with various educational opportunities, including access to scholarships to make their study abroad aspirations a reality. 

“Getting this grant to get my passport was very important to me because I have always wanted to travel the world and study abroad. However, without this grant, that dream was put on the back burner because I was focused on paying for school necessities. While the cost of a passport may seem like pocket change, as someone who comes from a lower-income family, it meant a lot not to have to worry about paying. It also helped me take a step into my new independence since I went through the process without my parents’ help.”

-Syenna Pasillas

About the UTD Passport Office

The Passport Office is an official U.S. passport application acceptance facility that is open to the public. The office first opened its doors in spring 2022 and continues to serve the North Texas community, accepting appointments for first time applicants and renewals. 

Visit our website for more information about our office: https://oics.utdallas.edu/passport-services/

About the International Center:

The UTD Passport Office is part of the International Center that helps connect the world to UTD. Check out our UTD International Center: Past, Present, Future documentary for more information: https://f.io/GpXUIGxz.