At Expanding Horizons, learning is a two-way street. On one hand, we empower children in marginalized communities with extracurriculars they otherwise would not have access to, and on the other, we educate our volunteers about the history, culture, and current issues braved by the Lakota community living on the reservation. 

 

The Pine Ridge Reservation is one of most impoverished areas in the United States, with 97% of its residents living below the federal poverty line, and an average life expectancy of 50 years. Although Pine Ridge is located in the United States, its statistics are on par with those of 3rd world countries.

 

Ever since 2020, we have strived to empower children in this community with educational opportunities, first through offering weekly zoom classes in Tae Kwon Do, Coding, and Ballet; and then bringing teams of volunteers to organize high quality extracurricular workshops during the summer. During these trips, our volunteers have the opportunity to hear from tribal leaders, local activists, and historians, while partnering with the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center, an organization based at a Lutheran church that has been hosting visitors for decades.

 

Applications are open for the upcoming 2024 volunteer trip!