ISV Legacy Programs serve as the official stewards of International Student Volunteers programs, carrying forward proven impact, standards, and global reach.

A Proven Legacy of Global Impact

For decades, ISV has stood as one of the most respected and highly rated student volunteer organizations in the world. Thousands of students have chosen ISV because of its unmatched track record, credibility, and life-changing experiences.

• Historically ISV has been consistently rated as one of the world’s highest-rated volunteer programs by more than 30,000 student participants, earning an average rating of 4.85 out of 5.
• 33 members of the U.S. Senate and Congress have served on ISV’s Board of Reference over the years, recognizing the value and integrity of ISV’s global volunteer efforts.
• ISV was certified by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, authorizing the      organization to distribute the President’s Volunteer Service Award, including a congratulatory letter signed by the President of the United States.
• ISV was named one of the “Top Ten Volunteer Organizations” by the U.S. Center for Citizen      Diplomacy, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department.
• ISV’s work and impact have been featured nationally in a documentary aired on the Discovery Channel through In View with Larry King, highlighting ISV’s leadership in student volunteer travel and education.

A Global Reach with Measurable Impact

• From 2002, more than 30,000 students participated in ISV programs across six continents.
• ISV has partnered with over 150 global organizations, including government agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and grassroots groups—among them the Peace Corps, Red Cross, UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, The Sierra Club, and Conservation Volunteers Australia.
• ISV student teams have contributed nearly 3 million volunteer hours to education, sustainable development, and conservation initiatives worldwide.
• Thousands of ISV participants have received university course credit or internship recognition through partnerships with more than 350 universities globally.

Recognized Leadership & Influential Partnerships

• Major League Baseball World Series MVP and nine-time All-Star David Ortiz partnered with ISV to support children and families near his birthplace in the Dominican Republic.
• ISV received the “Outstanding Volunteer Project” award from the World Youth Student & Educational (WYSE) Travel Confederation.
• ISV leaders received international recognition for advancing sustainable volunteerism, youth travel, and experiential education.

What Made ISV a Legacy — and Why That Legacy Continues

ISV became a global model for meaningful student travel by successfully combining:

• Life-changing volunteer service, and
• Adventure-based cultural exploration, allowing students to experience the natural beauty, culture, and communities of the countries they served—while making a tangible difference.

This legacy is why tens of thousands of students chose ISV—and why its impact continues to inspire the next generation of global citizens through ISV Legacy Programs.