Meet the Founder. Discover Our Mission.

Empowering students to explore the world through access and opportunity.

Our Story

  • Access Abroad Project, Inc. was founded in 2025 by Chanterries Roberts, an Atlanta native and Spelman College graduate who once dreamed of studying abroad but faced financial barriers that made that dream difficult to achieve. Years later, her Peace Corps service opened the world to her and revealed the power of global education. That experience inspired her to create Access Abroad Project so every student with a dream to explore the world has the opportunity to do it.

Our Mission:

Access Abroad Project, Inc. (AAP) is a Georgia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that removes financial and logistical barriers to study abroad, global service, and international internships for underrepresented students. AAP provides direct pre-departure grants and wellness support so students can move from aspiration to action and from local to global. Priority is given to first-generation, low-income, and historically underrepresented students.

Our Vision:

We envision a world where global education and service are accessible to all students, not just the privileged few. We strive to eliminate financial obstacles so that young people from every background can pursue life-changing international experiences that broaden their horizons and strengthen their role as global citizens.

Core Values Statement:

At Access Abroad Project, Inc., our values reflect our unwavering commitment to equity, access, and global opportunity. These principles guide every decision, partnership, and initiative.

Our Core Values:

  • Accessibility

    We believe every student deserves the chance to experience the world, regardless of financial background.

  • Equity

    We work to eliminate systemic and financial barriers to international learning and service.

  • Empathy

    We approach our mission with compassion and understanding, recognizing the diverse challenges students face abroad.

  • Cultural Curiosity

    We encourage open-minded exploration and celebrate the richness of global diversity.

  • Integrity

    We are accountable, transparent, and ethical in all aspects of our work.

  • Empowerment

    We invest in students’ independence and growth through global engagement opportunities.

  • Service

    We are committed to meaningful impact that supports not just the traveler, but the communities they reach.

  • Collaboration

    We value teamwork and believe that working alongside donors, volunteers, and the broader community amplifies our impact.

Board of Directors

  • A woman with shoulder-length dreadlocks, wearing a blue jacket and black shirt, sitting outdoors with trees and houses in the background.

    Chanterries Roberts

    FOUNDER & CEO

  • A woman with medium skin tone, black shoulder-length hair, and pearl earrings, wearing a red blouse, smiling in an indoor setting.

    Jackie Santiago

    TREASURER

  • Portrait of an African American woman with shoulder-length black hair, smiling, wearing a black blazer, gold jewelry, and makeup, against a white background.

    Nakiea Smith

    SECRETARY

  • A smiling man in a gray suit with a blue tie, wearing glasses, standing against a brick wall.

    Ernest Comer III

    MEMBER AT-LARGE

  • A professional man with dark hair, wearing a navy suit, white shirt, and burgundy tie, standing against a white background with arms crossed, smiling at the camera.

    Juan Gonzalez

    MEMBER AT-LARGE

Access Abroad Project, Inc. is a Georgia-incorporated nonprofit (Control No. 25185569) and a 501(c)(3) public charity. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.