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STLF in 3 Minutes
One evening, four college freshmen from the University of Minnesota were discussing how they could have a positive impact on the world. They ultimitely decided to give up their spring break and spend their time traveling and doing volunteer work, the basis of the Pay it Forward Tour. Three of the four founders still currently work for STLF in the national office in Minneapolis. -
STLF is officially a student organization at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
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After a small first trip, the founders were able to recruit nearly 40 people for the 2004 trip.
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After two years, the idea of the Pay it Forward Tour begins to catch on. Both the University of Illinois and Illinois State send out busses for the first time.
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STLF is officially incorporated as a non-profit.
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After three years of what STLF executives say was an unexpectedly large success, they decided to try sending high schoolers on a shorter version of the PIF tour. According to the STLF website, high school tours now account for 50% of their programs.
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The first STLF High School Leadership Camp is held at the University of Minnesota Crookston. High schoolers spend a week on a college campus doing service, and workshops and activities focused around personal leadership, organizing, public speaking, and teamwork.
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Everything Intangible
Everything Intangible, STLF’s Pay it Forward Tour documentary World Premiere shows in North Dakota. -
After the success of high school tours, trip organizers decided to start even shorter three-day tours for middle schoolers.
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Social Venture Partners
STLF receives its first grant from Social Venture Partners. -
In 2007, three University of Iowa students participated in an Illinois PIF tour, and brought STLF to the UI.
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The 100th Pay it Forward Tour leaves from Elgin, Illinios.
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The 200th Pay it Forward Tour leaves from Norman, OK.
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Between College, high school, and middle school tours, and other programs, STLF reaches its 10,000th participant.
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STLF Website
After almost 10 years, the 300th PIF Tour is held. According to the STLF website, over 12,000 people had volunteered with STLF as of 2012.
