18-Year-Olds Now Eligible for $50,000 Wayne James World Explorer Grant!

In response to widespread demand, persons 18 years or older are now eligible to apply for the annual, $50,000 Wayne James World Explorer Grant to travel the world for up to one year.  (The Grant was formerly available only to persons 21 years of age and older.)

Initially envisioned as an award available only to recent university graduates, the Grant was soon thereafter expanded, under the “Students of Life” component, to accommodate any applicant of 21 years of age or older, regardless of education. 

But within one week of the October 12, 2024, official launch of the Grant, young people from around the world began requesting that the Grant be made available to any adult, age 18 or older, the rationale being that recent high school/gymnasium graduates are more likely to have the free time to travel for one year than anyone else, except, perhaps, retirees.   

“Our aim is to be as inclusive as possible,” said fashion designer Wayne James, founder of the Wayne James World Explorer Grant.  “It is recent high school graduates that one typically sees in the great train stations of the world, using their backpacks as pillows and staying in the world’s hostels.  We need to make sure that those young adults are able to avail themselves to the Grant during their first years of adulthood independence. The Grant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we want everyone—everywhere—to be able to have a shot at being awarded the prize .  We want to embrace and symbolize Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”

Persons wishing to apply for the Grant should visit www.waynejamesgrant.com  The application deadline for the 2025 Grant is June 30, 2025.