Jumpstart is ETC’s foundational training program for travel planners who are new to their role, new to the educational travel industry, or new to ETC. Through a combination of live virtual sessions and an in-person pre-conference seminar, Jumpstart introduces you to the fundamentals of running a nonprofit travel program — from operations and vendor selection to risk management and marketing. You’ll learn directly from experienced peers at leading institutions, and you’ll be paired with a personal mentor who will guide you through the conference and beyond.
“As a first-timer, it’s been really foundational being a part of the Jumpstart program. Leading up to the conference, the virtual classes gave me a great
core understanding of the business.
I have a unique perspective—I’m a first-time attendee, but I’ve actually been in the business for about two years. Jumpstart has completely solidified my foundational understanding of educational travel. Plus, meeting the partners
I’ve been working with for the first time in person has been really solidifying to the work I’ve done and will keep doing.”
Marieke Cappa
Advancement Associate – University of Virginia
Jumpstart is the first step toward earning the ETC Educational Travel Planner Certification – the only professional credential dedicated to nonprofit educational travel. The certification validates your competence across four core areas:
Educational and affinity travel is a highly specialized field, yet most professionals enter it with little formal preparation. Traditional tourism programs rarely address the realities of managing institution-based travel programs, and mainstream travel industry certifications are not designed for the nonprofit, alumni, museum, or educational travel environment.
As a result, many travel planners learn through experience, navigating everything from operator partnerships and traveler expectations to institutional risk management and program development along the way.
Jumpstart was created specifically to support professionals working in this unique space. The program combines practical training, peer learning, and mentorship from experienced travel planners who understand the operational, institutional, and relationship-based complexities of educational travel.
Step 1: Virtual Sessions
Four live Wednesday sessions (3:30–4:30 PM ET) in January 2027. Attend at least 3 live; view one by recording. These sessions build your foundational knowledge before the conference.
Step 2: In-Person Seminar in Richmond, VA
Sunday, February 21, 2026 — a full pre-conference day of hands-on learning, small group discussion, and direct interaction with experienced planners and your assigned mentor.
Step 3: Mentorship
You’re paired with a seasoned travel planner who guides you through the conference, makes introductions, and serves as an ongoing resource for 9 months.