2025 ACIS Scholarship Winners

We are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 ACIS Travel is Education Scholarship!

This year’s theme was “Outside the Comfort Zone” and we asked students to express what that phrase meant to them through any kind of medium, from watercolor paintings to video essays. Winners were selected by the ACIS Team based on a combination of artistic expression, creativity and connection to the theme.

Here are the 2025 scholarship winners. And if you’re interested in submitting to the 2026 Scholarship, discover more at the link.

Grand Prize Winner: “The Road to Reinvention” – Animated Film, Recipient of a $2,500 ACIS Travel Voucher

By Lina G., Massachusetts

Artist Statement: “The Road to Reinvention” is a film focusing on travel’s ability to push people beyond the boundaries of their comfort zones, introducing them to entirely new and enthralling cultures. Engaging with unfamiliar customs and traditions broadens ones perspective and allows people to gain appreciation for the beautiful differences we find in each other. When you return back to the comfortable cradle of home, all of your new meaningful connections get tucked under your pillow, resonating with you and shaping your sense of identity.

Runners Up – Five students each receive a $1,000 ACIS Travel Voucher

“Popping the Bubble” – Video Essay

By Audrey B., California

Artist Statement: Over the past few years, I’ve experienced a lot of changes in my life and have had to adapt accordingly, going far outside my comfort zone. My piece is an essay that encapsulates my experience, as well as how I overcame my hesitancy to try new things. Accompanying my essay are background shots I filmed myself of the two places I call home: one of which I’ve been for most of my life and one I only recently started to adapt to.

“Linger” – Painting

By Logan P., Idaho

Artist Statement: In my life, stepping outside my comfort zone has left an impact I carry with appreciation. The top portion presents the culture, food, architecture and human connection I’ve experienced through traveling and the bottom represents how I have been able to carry these experiences that have left a lingering impact on me.

“Unknown Land” – Poem

By Karissa M., Illinois

Artist Statement: My poem, “Unknown Land,” relates to the topic of “Outside Your Comfort Zone” by describing a person, myself, being trapped in their comfort zone, Chicago, where they feel “everything but comfort,” seeking and dreaming of an unknown land where they will be able to explore and live without being bound by the expectations of the people around them in their “comfort zone”. The blackout poem on the right side then shows the person who feels alone in their dreams that they are not alone in this search for a true comfort zone where they can be free in their own solitude.

“Stepping Onto Your Own Path” – Drawing

By Hannah K., Michigan

Artist Statement: This depiction of a kid stepping into the unknown and taking a risk in order to find something great. It also represents me stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things that will change me and impact my life for the better.

“My Two Passions: Connecting to the World Through Travel and Dance” – Video Essay

By Lia D., Massachusetts

Artist Statement: My piece is about how my two passions, dance and travel, connect us to all cultures. Dance is more than just movement: It is an act of courage. Everytime you step onto that stage you step out of your comfort zone. Movement, whether through dance or travel, is what truly connects us all.