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A nationally recognized nonprofit organization, Bright Light Volunteers has a long history of making the world a brighter place for all. Working closely with middle and high school educators and parents, young student volunteers learn skills and experiences necessary to become global leaders of our future.
Founder & Executive Director of BLV Catherine Greenberg has created opportunities for educators and students to experience the world as travelers, not tourists. All of the programs are designed to provide transformative, culturally immersive experiences abroad. Their alumni return home with stories of pickup baseball games in Cuba, Mayan cooking techniques in Guatemala and hugging llamas in Peru! Their programs in Latin America, South America, Southeast Asia, Europe and Africa include exemplary itineraries, experiential learning opportunities, community-led service projects, and highly qualified program directors to accompany the volunteers.
Through Bright Light programs, students participate in meaningful, community-driven service projects—building and renovating schools, installing solar energy systems, supporting environmental conservation efforts, constructing wells, implementing biodigesters, and more. These projects are carried out in partnership with local leaders and NGOs in their partner communities in order to ensure long-term sustainability and real community impact.
Beyond the service itself, the program strengthens students’ global awareness and fosters skills that support them throughout their lives. Participants develop leadership, cultural competency, teamwork, and communication abilities—skills that employers look for but are rarely taught in traditional classroom settings.
BLV is raising money to support the Grow Peace Scholarship Fund, which allows them to provide full or partial scholarships to deserving students so they can participate in international service-learning programs. These scholarships help remove financial barriers and ensure that youth from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to engage in transformational global experiences.
On the afternoon of Sunday, January 25, BLV will host a special fundraising event in support of the Grow Peace Scholarship Fund, with a goal of raising $5,000 to provide much-needed financial assistance to deserving students. These scholarships directly empower young people to participate in global citizenship programs that promote education, leadership, and meaningful service in communities around the world.
Guests will enjoy small bites, drinks, and a featured performance by an ensemble from the acclaimed Sabrosas Latin Orchestra. The afternoon will offer not only entertainment but also an opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about education, cross-cultural learning, global engagement, and volunteerism.
The gathering will take place in the beautiful community room of a private residence in Bankers Hill, across from Balboa Park. In addition to supporters and community members, the event will also welcome past BLV program participants, who will share personal stories about how the program has shaped their academic journeys, broadened their worldviews, and inspired continued civic engagement.
In short, the event will celebrate global citizenship, highlight the transformative impact of experiential learning, and mobilize support to help more students access life-changing opportunities.
The vision of BLV and their Grow Peace Scholarship Fund is to make the world a brighter place by creating a more peaceful, just, interconnected world where global challenges and opportunities are met by educated, compassionate, global citizens and leaders.
For more information, email catherine@brightlightvolunteers.org.
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