Second Baptist Church is pleased to host a year-long empowerment and cultural awareness course catered to the teens of Second Baptist Church and other local high school students of the Evanston community culminating in a learning trip to South Africa in April of 2026.  The goal is to provide an opportunity to develop critical thinking about their intersectional identities through experiences that are centered on empowerment, global solidarity, and transformative action. It will guide students to examine the roots of systemic oppression, explore connections between Black Americans and South Africans, and prepare them to become culturally responsive and socially engaged leaders. (Registration and sign up for the course is now closed).

High schoolers and their chaperones are contributing monthly payments toward this trip. Your donations reduce the financial barriers and make this trip accessible to all participants who have been attending monthly lessons and field trips.

By contributing to the Youth Trip fund, you acknowledge that your donation is a tax-deductible gift to the Church to the extent allowed by law.  While every effort will be made to apply your gift toward the CYT Sojourner Experience Trip as designated, the Church maintains full discretion and control over all contributions to ensure they are used in furtherance of its charitable and religious mission.

If the trip is canceled or if contributions exceed what is needed, remaining funds will be used to support future youth ministry or other mission-related activities as determined by the Church.

First Year High School Student
Age: 14

I like track, music, and reading.

By participating in this trip, I hope to gain an understanding of different cultures.

Junior Year, High School Student
Age: 17

I like theater and Mock Trial.

By participating in this group, I hope to gain information on Black history.

Junior Year, High School Student

I am on the Cheerleading team and I like to dance.

By participating in this trip, I hope to learn about how young people live in South Africa, and how I can grow and stretch my horizons learning about South African culture.

First Year, High School Student
Age: 14

I am in my high school's Key Club and Poetry Club.

By participating in this trip, I hope to gain a full understanding of South African culture.

Senior Year, High School Student
Age: 17

I am on the school rowing team.

By participating in this trip, I hope to gain a new and broader perspective of the world, as well as learn more about myself.

First Year, High School Student
Age: 14

I enjoy playing tennis, baking and journaling. In the summer, I work as a camp counselor.

By participating in this trip, I hope to learn more about a different culture, try new foods, and make more connections.

First Year, High School Student
Age: 15

I play football and am on the wrestling team at my school. I enjoy reading in my free time and trying to cook when my parents aren't home!

I hope to gain more knowledge/a better understanding of the history of South Africa. In addition to this, I perhaps could learn something about myself.