IMG’s Guatemala Service Trip: Building More Than Just a School

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – April 09, 2026 – For the seventh consecutive year, global insurance provider International Medical Group (IMG) has translated its corporate motto of “Be There” into tangible action, sending a team of employees to rural Guatemala. In partnership with the nonprofit School the World, seven IMG team members spent a week not behind desks, but mixing cement, painting walls, and constructing a new school and playground, culminating in a project that promises to reshape a community’s future.

This annual initiative is more than a philanthropic gesture; it is a core component of the company's identity. The trip serves as both a reward and a profound developmental experience for employees, who are selected through a competitive application process. Applicants must answer a single, pivotal question: “How will this experience help you better understand what it's like to 'Be There' for our clients?” The answer, for many, is found in the shared work and the faces of the community they serve.

A Deeper Meaning of 'Being There'

The journey from corporate office to construction site is designed to foster a deeper sense of purpose and empathy. Participants in the 2026 trip were immersed in the daily life of a Guatemalan village, likely the community of Tululché II, which recently celebrated the dedication of School the World's 200th school. Beyond the physical labor of pouring concrete floors and painting playground equipment, the IMG team connected with local families, visited homes, and played with students during recess.

For Tamika Pepper, IMG’s Director of Sales Operations and a trip participant, the experience was transformative. “The simple joy reflected on the faces of the children, teachers, and parents left me with a completely different lens on life,” she shared. “Watching the children dash excitedly toward their new playground was especially moving, and in that moment, I truly understood what 'Being There' is all about.”

This sentiment reflects a well-documented outcome of corporate volunteer programs. Research consistently shows that such initiatives significantly boost employee morale, engagement, and loyalty. A Deloitte survey found that employees who volunteer report higher job satisfaction, and other studies indicate that companies with strong volunteer programs have a distinct advantage in attracting and retaining talent. At IMG, this trip is a cornerstone of a broader corporate social responsibility strategy, which includes its “Leave Your Mark” program granting employees paid time off to volunteer with organizations in their own communities.

Strategic Philanthropy: A Seven-Year Commitment

IMG's consistent, seven-year partnership with School the World distinguishes its efforts from one-off charitable events. This long-term commitment signals a strategic investment in both global communities and the company's own culture and brand identity.

“Supporting School the World through corporate service trips each year gives our employees the opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact,” said Josh Stoffel, IMG Chief Human Resources Officer. “These experiences allow our employees to contribute to something bigger than themselves, and we are proud to be a continued sponsor of an organization that aligns so closely with IMG's values.”

This alignment is crucial. For a company whose mission is to provide “Global Peace of Mind®” to travelers and expatriates worldwide, extending that principle to communities in need reinforces its brand promise. By investing in education, IMG is investing in a foundational element of community stability and well-being. This sustained action builds brand equity, demonstrating to customers, partners, and potential employees that its corporate values are not just marketing slogans but guiding principles for action.

The Power of a Sustainable Partnership Model

While corporate service trips can sometimes face criticism under the umbrella of “voluntourism,” the success of this initiative is deeply rooted in the operational model of its partner, School the World. The Boston-based nonprofit, founded in 2009, has refined a strategy centered on co-creation and sustainability rather than simple intervention.

School the World’s approach is built on a public-private partnership that ensures local ownership. Before a project begins, the local community must commit to providing land and unskilled labor. The local government is required to contribute 50% of the infrastructure costs. Furthermore, parents must agree to participate in educational workshops designed to foster a culture of learning at home. This multi-stakeholder buy-in is critical for the long-term success and maintenance of the schools.

The organization’s impact extends far beyond construction. Their model includes a five-year commitment to each community, providing ongoing teacher training, classroom library books, and scholarships for students to continue their education. With over 200 schools built and programs active in Guatemala, Honduras, and Panama, School the World has created a scalable and effective blueprint for leveraging corporate support to drive sustainable change.

Addressing a Critical Need in Rural Guatemala

The importance of a new school and playground in rural Guatemala cannot be overstated. The nation faces a profound educational crisis, particularly in its remote, impoverished, and indigenous communities. An estimated two million children are out of school, and for those who are enrolled, the challenges are immense. Nine out of ten rural schools lack books, and a significant portion of teachers lack full qualifications.

Poverty is the primary barrier, forcing many children into labor to support their families. Indigenous girls are the most affected, with the average indigenous woman in Guatemala receiving less than two years of formal education. High dropout rates are systemic, with nearly 90% of children in rural poverty failing to graduate high school. The new school built by IMG and the community represents a direct and powerful countermeasure to these statistics.

For the children in this Guatemalan village, the new building is more than just a structure of concrete and paint. It is a safe, resource-rich environment that offers a pathway out of poverty. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of the week-long build was not just a celebration of a finished project, but the inauguration of opportunity for generations to come.