Global Campuses Foundation

Overview

The Global Campuses Foundation (GCF) is a nonprofit organization in the United States dedicated to providing advanced learning opportunities to underserved populations worldwide, with a particular focus on people with disabilities. Founded in 2001 by James and Sheryl Tewksbury, who are experienced college faculty members with expertise in disability studies and women's history, GCF aims to transform the educational experience for individuals with differing abilities by promoting a unique education paradigm.

Mission and Philosophy

GCF's mission emphasizes the full participation of campus participants as creators and producers of educational experiences. The foundation develops curricula and programs based on the passions, interests, dreams, and challenges of its students, who serve as student scholars, teaching faculty, and campus staff administrators. This approach is modeled after an academic college structure, ensuring that participants are active contributors to their own educational journey.

Objective

The primary objective of GCF is to support adults with diverse abilities worldwide by creating, managing, and sustaining advanced learning campuses. This effort seeks to enhance the lives of participants by offering them a positive and empowering educational experience that highlights their abilities rather than disabilities.

Founders

James and Sheryl Tewksbury, both seasoned educators in their respective fields, founded GCF driven by their passion for higher education and cross-cultural experiences. Their vision for GCF is rooted in the belief that education should be inclusive and transformative, fostering a culture of ability and empowerment among participants.

Foundation Structure

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, GCF operates under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, focusing on charitable and educational activities. The organization's structure is designed to be collaborative, ensuring that participants are not merely recipients of education but also contributors to its development and implementation.