Today we’d like to introduce you to Kascia Polk.
Hi Kascia , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Beyond the Front Porch began in August 2012, shortly after I was laid off from my job. The saying, “If you do what you love, it will never feel like work,” kept echoing in my mind. One of the things I loved most was having family day with my three children, when we would choose a place to explore and spend the day together.
During that time, I asked my daughter when she had last gone on a school field trip. She said third grade—and she was in sixth grade at the time. That moment sparked the idea of creating an organization that provided educational field trips while removing barriers that kept underserved students from participating. We decided that our trips would include transportation, lunch, and admission, and that they would be free for students.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It hasn’t always been a smooth ride, but it has been the ride we needed in order to grow. Like many nonprofits, our biggest challenge has been funding—finding people who not only believe in our mission but also have the desire and means to invest in it.
We’ve also had to learn how to navigate the unexpected. From occasional bus or lunch issues to last-minute parent or student surprises, there are moments when we have to make quick decisions in the best interest of the group. And there are times when a field trip on the calendar doesn’t resonate with the public, forcing us to pivot and rethink plans.
Through every obstacle—financial, logistical, and emotional—we’ve learned, adapted, and kept moving forward. Those challenges didn’t stop us; they shaped us. They strengthened our purpose, deepened our resilience, and reminded us exactly why this work matters.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Professionally, I am a career financial professional with over 35 years in the industry, and I currently serve as a Branch Manager for a local bank. I’m known as a people-centered leader with broad financial expertise and a passion for educating parents and students on financial responsibility.
I’m especially proud of two accomplishments: in 2024, my branch ranked in the top 10% of performing branches across the company, and I was personally recognized with our organization’s highest volunteer honor.
What sets me apart is my personal drive, strong work ethic, and commitment to ensuring that my team and I always operate with the best interests of our clients and peers in mind.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Collaboration and support are at the heart of Beyond the Front Porch, and we truly welcome both. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t have every idea — and that’s the beauty of community. Some of our best opportunities have come from people who simply shared what they envisioned. I love hearing those ideas and finding ways to make them real for our students.
There are many meaningful ways to get involved. We offer sponsorship opportunities for our monthly field trips, as well as Vision Partnerships, where donors contribute monthly to help ensure students can attend at no cost. We also invite one or two students to volunteer on each trip, allowing them to earn service hours while giving back in a way that feels empowering.
Every partnership, every idea, and every act of support helps us expose more children to the world beyond their front porch — and that makes all the difference.
Pricing:
- $25 per adult can carry up to 5 students k – 12 at no charge
- $2500 Ultimate Field Trip Sponsorship (transportation, lunch, admission)
- $1500 Transportation Sponsorship
- $500 Lunch Sponsorship
- $25 Seat Sponsorship
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beyondthefrontporch.org
- Instagram: @btfpfieldtrips
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeyondTheFrontPorch
Image Credits
Kascia Polk
