The grant is open to graduates from an accredited 4-year college or university who completed their degree within 12 months prior to the grant application deadline. If you do not meet this requirement, you may still apply under the "Student of Life" category, provided you are at least 21 years old.
- See the World, Love the World, Help the World. MOTTO
- Jul 01, 2025 Application Ends
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Wayne James World Explorer GrantYour Chance to
Explore the World AwaitsApplication Ends:
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WAYNE JAMES WORLD EXPLORER GRANTApply Now for
a Global Adventure OpportunityApplication Ends:
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WAYNE JAMES WORLD EXPLORER GRANTEmbark on a
Once-in-a-Lifetime JourneyApplication Ends:
ABOUT US
Wayne James World Explorer Grant
Each October, in recognition of the remarkable achievements of world exploration spearheaded by Christopher Columbus, the Wayne James World Explorer Grant (WJWEG) awards a $50,000 first prize; a $25,000 second prize; and a $12,500 third prize to graduating seniors* from bona-fide, 4-year universities around the world for the purpose of self-determined world travel. Grant recipients depart from Cadiz, Spain, the ancient seaport province from which Columbus launched his famous voyages of discovery.
OUR MISSION: To encourage and enable world travel during the young adulthood years for the purpose of developing world leaders and influences with a global, tolerant, sympathetic outlook on the oneness of humanity.
Take Note
Prizes To Be Won
First Prize
$50,000 to be won by the first prize recipient and must travel to atleast 5 of 7 continents remaining 2 months in each continent.
Apply NowSecond Prize
$25,000 to be won by the second prize recipient and must travel to atleast 3 of 7 continents remaining 1 month in each continent.
Apply NowThird Prize
$12,500 to be won by the third prize recipient andmust travel to atleast 2 of 7 continents remaining one month in each continent..
Apply Now
Take Note
Criteria To Apply(Recent Graduates)
- Applicant must be at least 21 years of age by October 12 of the grant year.
- Must graduate from a bona-fide, accredited, 4-year college or university within the 12-month period preceding the grant deadline of the year of application;
- First-prize recipient must travel to at least 5 of the 7 continents, remaining at least two months on each continent
- Second-prize recipient must travel to at least 3 of the 7 continents, remaining at least one month on each continent
- Third-prize recipient must travel to at least 2 of the 7 continents, remaining at least one month on each continent.
- Award funds to be disbursed in specified installments, beginning with initial installment preceding journey, then thereafter in specified installments upon the successful completion of Grant requirements
- Journeys to be chronicled via video, audio, photographs, literary accounts, etc
- Grant recipients depart from Cadiz, Spain, the ancient seaport province from which Columbus launched his famous voyages of discovery.
Student Of LIFE
There are many people across the world who, for various reasons, are not able to obtain elementary, secondary, or university education. Many of those people, however, have been educated by LIFE. And as such, they, too, yearn to “See the World, Love the World, Help the World.” Consequently, the Wayne James World Explorer Grant endeavors to avail its annual opportunity of world travel to the “Students of LIFE” just as it avails travel to graduates from the world’s great universities.
To that end, any individual of at least 18 years of age, whether lacking formal education or having been formally educated but beyond the Grant-eligibility period extended to recent university graduates, may apply for the Wayne James World Explorer Grant by completing the “Student of LIFE” Application.
Take Note
Criteria to apply (Student of LIFE)
- Applicant must be at least 18 years of age by October 12 of the grant year.
- Applicants are individuals who either lack formal education or have completed their education but are beyond the grant-eligibility period for recent university graduates.
- First-prize recipient must travel to at least 5 of the 7 continents, remaining at least two months on each continent
- Second-prize recipient must travel to at least 3 of the 7 continents, remaining at least one month on each continent
- Third-prize recipient must travel to at least 2 of the 7 continents, remaining at least one month on each continent.
- Award funds to be disbursed in specified installments, beginning with initial installment preceding journey, then thereafter in specified installments upon the successful completion of Grant requirements
- Journeys to be chronicled via video, audio, photographs, literary accounts, etc
- Grant recipients depart from Cadiz, Spain, the ancient seaport province from which Columbus launched his famous voyages of discovery.
Our Process
Steps To Apply
STEP 1
Create An Account
Get started by creating an account and a password so you can easily pick up from where you left off without delay.
STEP 2
Application Form
Fill In the application form by providing your details requested in the four stages of your application process.
STEP 3
Write Essays
Complete the provided essays according to your registration category.
STEP 4
Submit Application
Once done, submit application and wait for the announcement.
Many others are applying—are you?
Hundreds of people worldwide have already begun their applications for this grant. What are you waiting for? Start yours today and seize the opportunity!
Get StartedFully Funded Global Adventure
Stand a chance to win the first prize of $50,000, the second prize of $25,000, or the third prize of $12,500. A fully funded trip around the world. Apply Now
Some FAQ’s
General Questions
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Who is eligible to apply for the Wayne James World Explorer Grant?
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What are the prizes to be won?
The prizes to be won include a first prize of $50,000, a second prize of $25,000, and a third prize of $12,500, for a fully funded trip around the world.
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How many people will receive the grant?
Each year, three lucky individuals will be selected to receive the Wayne James World Explorer Grant. These recipients will have the opportunity to travel the world and explore its wonders fully funded.
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What is the application process like?
The application process consists of five stages: create an account, complete the application form, upload the required documents, write the necessary essays, upload your proposed itineraries, and submit.
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How are the grant recipients selected?
Recipients for the quater finals are chosen based on their application’s creativity, passion for travel, and potential for personal growth through this experience through the essays submitted. A selection committee reviews all applications and selects the most compelling candidates.
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When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the current year is 2025-07-01. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible to ensure consideration.
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What happens after I apply?
After you submit your application, it will be reviewed by our selection committee. If you are shortlisted, we may contact you for further information.
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What if I have never traveled internationally before?
No prior international travel experience is required. In fact, we encourage first-time travelers to apply, as this grant is designed to provide a transformative experience for everyone, regardless of their previous travel history.
Trusted & Reliable
Testimonials
I don’t forget this evening about 10 years ago when I met Wayne James first. It was a cozy wine bar in the beautiful little town of Montescudaio in Tuscany, above the Mediterranean Sea, where Sandra had opened her little bar. We had a nice evening, and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. After that day we met very often in Montescudaio or in our house for a glass of wine or some delicious foods my wife did prepare, always with interest conversations. His companionship was a special one for I met an intellectual man, a former senator of the United States who was interested andengaged in many artistic, intellectual and cultural endeavors. During his stay in Italy, Wayne Jamesmet a lot of people who were engaged themselves in different areas of the cultural scene in Italy. This inspired him. And such was his life, which became a new touch for us, when he started writing his book called Manly Manners, about lifestyle and modern etiquette for the young man of the 21st century. It was fascinating how he did produce it – with consequences and love, days and nights. And it didn’t wonder me that two more books were following to become a trilogy of lifestyle. He producedit consequently and sophisticated. And now a next step is following which is consistent with his long history of philanthropic endeavors: The Wayne James World Explorer Grant. The idea behind is great and shows how important it is for Wayne to give young people the chance to travel to foreign countries for one year. My wishes are with himthat this great idea will get a successful one, like all the other projects he did in the past. Good luck with it, Wayne!
Mr. Peter Blank
TestimonialI have known Wayne James all his adult life, have had the pleasure and opportunity to work with him professionally over a span of approximately 50 years. The Creator has endowed him with multiple talents. Every project James envisions is successfully executed. To God be the glory. James envisions a fantastic opportunity to dream, that not only highlights the possibilities for humanity achievements, but serves to underscore the importance of education and travel in transforming and sustaining lives. "Wayne James World Explorer Grant, an annual $50,000 award, will enable self-determined travel anywhere in the world for one year."
Hortense Rowe
TestimonialIn a world that is constantly changing, our friendship of 45 years is a constant. Wayne James has been a wonderful philonist, a gentleman that loves everything about the world and about life. HIs "Joie de Vivre" is in every new idea, project, and accomplishment. Everything in his life has been a challenge—good or bad—and as the song goes, "Here I go out to the sea again. The sunshine fills my hair. And dreams are in the air.
Nora Maria El-Jaiek Isiksun
TestimonialThe opportunity to visit multiple continents, and share the experience with others on social media, is the ultimate gift for curious and adventurous people. I am lucky to have known Mr. Wayne James for decades, and it is his vision for culture, arts and social justice that has led to this grant. Apply for it and let the magic of foreign lands change your life!
Luciana Nery
TestimonialI am never surprised by Wayne's genius and generosity! This Grand Tour is the opportunity of a lifetime for those who are wanderers, who seek adventure and knowledge, and most importantly will talk to the everyday people they come across on this journey. That's where the magic happens.
Kimberly Alexander
TestimonialI've had the pleasure of knowing Wayne James for over 30 years, witnessing their remarkable dedication to both artistic and philanthropic endeavors throughout our long friendship. Their passion for making a positive impact has always inspired me, and I am thrilled to see them once again involved in a significant global initiative like the Wayne James World Explorer Grant. With its beautiful motto—"See the World, Love the World, Help the World"—this project perfectly embodies Wayne's commitment to exploring and uplifting communities around the globe.
Patrice Panis
Testimonial
Our Fragrances
The Official Fragrances of the Wayne James World Explorer Grant
