Scholastic Expeditions was started by Susan Schai in partnership with educators who sought to reimagine the traditional educational travel experience for students. Susan Schai began leading tours for U.S. middle school and high school students to Costa Rica, gradually adding Panama, Nicaragua and the Santa Barbara Channel Islands. Susan’s trips regularly sell out, and are designed to expose students to science, environmentalism, and principles of global citizenship.
The goal of the company is to educate students in the complexity of conservation in today’s global society, support eco-tourism as a force against destructive economic growth practices, and encourage students to make responsible economic choices that positively impact local communities.
Her business was growing year-over-year, but in 2015, Susan saw her revenues level off due to limited employee bandwidth. She contacted PCV’s Business Advising program, and has been working closely with PCV advisor Rebekah Helzel. Rebekah provided Susan with fundraising and hiring advice. Working together it was determined additional capital was also needed, and Rebekah recommended Susan approach PCV for a loan to hire more full-time employees and expand her marketing plan.
Now, we’re closing a loan with Susan to help her create new good jobs, and educate more kids. It’s a great story of business advising and capital working hand in hand. Susan worked with her PCV advisor to anticipate the increase in revenue due to program expansion and new staff. Her company has already increased revenue by 46%. With additional staff, the company will continue to expand partnerships with educational and subject matter experts from UC Santa Barbara and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
According to advisor Rebekah Helzel, “Susan is mission-driven and hardworking, and her ideas for building on her current business strengths to grow are smart, efficient strategies which will likely yield the best results for her. She is open, honest, and I am confident she will also do anything in her power to deliver needed environmental educational opportunities for everyone.”