As 2024 comes to a close, join us in celebrating Pencils of Promise’s key moments of the year.
Best in class: Campaigns & Campaigners
Lucy, the creator of English with Lucy, harnessed the power of her online community to support PoP, raising funds to impact over 1,000 students across Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. This year, Lucy and her husband Will joined an Impact Trip to Ghana, witnessing firsthand how their efforts are transforming global education—proving that anyone with a passion for impact can make a difference.
The Scott’s Bass Lessons team has championed PoP’s mission by running seasonal promotions that fund school builds, impacting hundreds of students in Laos. Having supported two schools to date, they remind us all that through creativity and commitment, it’s possible to bring quality education to students around the globe—no matter where your journey begins.
Pencils of Promise Gala 2024: A Night of Dreams Fulfilled
The 2024 Pencils of Promise (PoP) Gala, themed Dreams Fulfilled, lit up New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom this November, celebrating the organization’s 16-year commitment to providing quality education in the Global South. Led by CEO Kailee Scales, the black-tie event was a dazzling evening of inspiration, recognition, and fundraising, bringing together philanthropists, celebrities, and supporters united by a shared vision of breaking barriers to education worldwide.
The evening began with Scales delivering a poignant opening address, “Imagine a World Where Dreams Come True,” setting a hopeful tone that echoed throughout the event. Guests were treated to a celebratory toast featuring Amber & Opal Honey Botanical Whiskey, co-founded by Ja Rule and Kelvin Barton, as they prepared for a night of heartfelt tributes and spirited fundraising.
A highlight of the gala was the presentation of the PoP Audacious Award to multi-platinum artist Cordae. Known for his Grammy-nominated music and advocacy for underserved communities, Cordae’s acceptance speech emphasized the transformative power of education in breaking cycles of poverty. His commitment to championing systemic change resonated deeply with the audience and embodied the evening’s theme of dreams realized through action.
Other honorees included actor Brian Austin Green and Dancing with the Stars pro Sharna Burgess, who received the Humanitarian Award for their dedication to PoP’s A Student’s Promise initiative. The PoP Dream Maker Awards were presented to Jim Kwik, celebrated author and founder of Kwik Learning, and LifeStraw, a clean water filtration company supporting 300 PoP schools. Mona Patel, founder of Couture Cause, was recognized with the Philanthropist Award for her impactful work through PoP’s A Girl’s Promise program.
The room was brimming with notable guests, including VaynerMedia CEO Gary Vaynerchuk, Miss New York 2023 Rachelle Di Stasio, supermodel Brandi Quinones, designer Nicole Miller, Lance Bass, Sunny Hostin, and Aqua Parios. Each attendee contributed to the vibrant energy of the evening, united in their dedication to advancing education equity.
The gala’s fundraising auction, led by the dynamic Harry Santa Olalla, added excitement to the night. Auction items included Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets, a Napa Valley wine experience, and a luxury Mykonos vacation. The latter was particularly popular, with multiple guests securing the package for $20,000 each, underscoring the audience’s generosity and commitment to PoP’s mission.
With a legacy of building 606 schools and impacting nearly 875,000 lives, Pencils of Promise used the 2024 Gala to celebrate milestones and look ahead to a future where education unlocks dreams for children across the globe. The event not only raised significant funds but also reaffirmed the collective power of community, innovation, and compassion in shaping a brighter world.
2024 Impact Trips
GHANA
Celebrating Milestones and Meaningful Partnerships in Ghana:
In April 2024, Pencils of Promise partnered with Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins to break ground on a new school for Nuaso Anglican Basic School in Ghana. The event brought together over 500 community members, local dignitaries, and PoP leaders, including CEO Kailee Scales and Ghana Country Director Freeman Gobah. This collaborative effort will provide over 400 students with a safe and inspiring learning environment, marking a milestone in PoP’s mission to improve global education. passion for impact can make a difference.
In November 2024, Pencils of Promise hosted Jeffrey and Cheryl Geissler, Lucy and William Simkins, and PoP Leader Julie Baker on an immersive trip to Ghana. Highlights included visits to pre-build sites, participation in Teacher Support and WASH programs, and the inauguration of a new school in Adaklu Seva. The group engaged with local students and educators, captured moments for donors, and experienced the rich culture of Accra and Ho, underscoring the life-changing impact of PoP’s work.
GUATEMALA
Building Dreams, Strengthening Partnership:
Pencils of Promise (PoP) and WebFx celebrated a major milestone in their partnership during a visit to Guatemala from November 10–13. Together, they inaugurated three furnished classrooms and four bathroom modules with handwashing stations, benefiting 121 primary school students.
These new facilities represent more than infrastructure—they are a symbol of hope and opportunity for the community. Achieved through collaboration among parents, teachers, local leaders, and WebFx, this initiative underscores the power of partnerships in creating lasting change. The event was filled with joy as students, families, and community members celebrated this transformative achievement.
“Together, we’re not just building classrooms—we’re building futures,” said a PoP spokesperson.
LAOS
A Transformative Journey to Laos: Honoring Education and Community:
In December 2024, Pencils of Promise hosted a memorable journey to Laos with guests Salvador Carlucci, Arya Senboutaraj, and PoP leaders Kailee Scales and Julie Baker. The trip included visits to PoP schools in Pha Theung, PoP’s first school build project, and Nong Khiaw and the inauguration of a new school in Nam Thouam Neua. Guests engaged with the vibrant local culture, explored Luang Prabang’s scenic beauty, and celebrated the transformative impact of education alongside community members.
Back to School with PoP: Empowering Students for Success
This Back-to-School season, Pencils of Promise united supporters worldwide to equip 130,000 students across Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos with essential tools for learning and growth. Through the Back to School campaign, PoP provided “virtual backpacks” filled with school supplies, hygiene kits, and even e-readers, giving students the resources they need to thrive. Students like Cecilia in Guatemala and Mala in Laos benefited directly, gaining not just materials but the confidence to dream bigger. Cecilia, who dreams of becoming a teacher, shared, “I love math because it’s exciting to learn about numbers!” Thanks to your generosity, the campaign delivered over 100 virtual backpacks, impacting hundreds of students and improving engagement and retention in classrooms. With your continued support, PoP students are heading into this school year ready to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams.
World Book Day: A Celebration of Stories & Dreams
This year, Pencils of Promise celebrated World Book Day by sharing the joy of reading with students across Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. Together, students read Dreams Unfold: A Pencils of Promise Adventure, a heartwarming story written by PoP CEO Kailee Scales and illustrated by PoP students. The book follows Afia, Marta, and Bounmi, three children from different corners of the world, united by their love of learning and dreams for a brighter future. Seeing their lives and cultures reflected in the pages filled PoP students with pride and inspiration, while introducing them to the diverse experiences of their peers worldwide.
Thanks to your support, students received translated copies of the book, sparking imaginations and fostering a lifelong love of learning. Every book shared with a PoP student is more than a story—it’s a tool for empowerment, connection, and hope. Thank you for helping PoP students write their own stories, one book at a time.
A Girl's Promise: A Campaign for Change
This year, Pencils of Promise continued A Girl’s Promise, a global campaign dedicated to breaking down the barriers that prevent girls from accessing education. From providing menstrual health education and resources to hosting influential discussions on gender equity at Georgetown University, A Girl’s Promise is creating meaningful change for girls in Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos. Highlights of the campaign included empowering workshops through our Hygiene Clubs, where girls and boys alike learned about menstrual health and made reusable pads, fostering understanding and reducing stigma
PoP also collaborated with the Joyride Society, a giving circle that matched all campaign donations to double the impact of every gift. As we close this year, we’re proud of the strides made to empower girls to thrive in school and beyond. Yet, the work continues. Together, we can help every girl reach her fullest potential.
