Photo courtesy of Going Global with Barbara
Going Global with Barbara Celebrates 100th Student Milestone in Paris
A homegrown educational travel company, Going Global with Barbara, is making international dreams a reality for local youth—and now celebrates a major milestone: their 100th International Youth Leadership Program student will travel to Paris, France on April 12, 2025.
Founded in 2019 by retired Navy officer and leadership development professional Barbara Eubanks, Going Global with Barbara was born from a simple but powerful mission: to close the access and opportunity gap for students from underserved communities seeking international educational experiences. Eubanks’ passion for leadership development and global education stems from her own experiences in the military and corporate sectors, where she witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of travel and exposure to diverse perspectives.
“Throughout my career, I saw the positive outcomes that international experiences can have. Yet, most students in our communities never have the chance to participate in study abroad programs due to barriers like financial access and lack of awareness,” said Eubanks. “I founded Going Global to help close that gap—one student, one trip at a time.”
Eubanks will personally lead her 10th student cohort on this upcoming journey, with Addyson Kennedy, a local student, becoming Going Global’s 100th traveler. The trip includes 13 students and six chaperones who will engage in a robust itinerary: visiting two colleges, embarking on a Black history tour, and attending a networking event hosted by the U.S. Embassy. The experience is carefully designed to build participants’ confidence, cultural competence, and leadership skills—qualities highly sought after by both colleges and employers.
The impact of Going Global has been transformative, not only for Prince George’s County students but for young people across the nation. Students participate in a six-week online preparation course before traveling together as a cohort to destinations such as Paris, Barcelona, Senegal, or Jordan. Given that students of color represent only about 6% of American study abroad participants, the program plays a critical role in broadening access and shaping a more diverse future for international leadership.
Alexis Allen-Shorter, PGCEDC’s Health & Life Sciences Director, has played a vital role in supporting Going Global through County initiatives like the EmpowerHER Summits (2024 and 2025) and the She Means Business series. She shared her perspective on the program’s local impact:
“I have had the pleasure of working with Barbara through her organization, Going Global, which empowers youth to build international connections and leadership skills. Barbara has been a key participant in the Prince George’s County EDC’s EmpowerHER Summits and the She Means Business series. Through her work, she has made a significant impact on youth development in Prince George’s County, equipping young leaders with a global perspective, professional skills, and the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond local borders.”
As Going Global reaches this incredible milestone, the organization is seeking community support to help even more students step into the world stage. Donations to their scholarship fund can be made through their GoFundMe campaign or directly via their website. Every contribution helps bridge the gap for the next generation of global leaders.
For more information or to support Going Global with Barbara, visit www.goglobalwithbarbara.com or contact info@goglobalwithbarbara.com.