About CE Tours
CE Tours specializes in creating in-person edu-cultural trips, college tours, and virtual student experiences to underserved student groups
Since 1997, CE Tours has assisted thousands of educators, worldwide, in arranging life-changing travel experiences for student groups. Focusing on serving student groups from low-income and underserved backgrounds, we specialize in working with TRIO, AVID, and GEAR UP programs, as well charter and magnet schools nationwide. We customize our tours to meet the needs of each client, creating an experience that is truly authentic and unlike anything else available in the industry.
We arrange all travel accommodations for the tour, including airfare, lodging, ground transportation, and meals. In addition, we coordinate campus visits, attractions & activities, and arrange special workshops that will complement your experience. Every tour includes a full-time tour director, who travels with your group, and we can also arrange private night security for the hotel stays.
Countless educators and program directors testify that our experiences have contributed to the overall value of their school or organization. CE’s primary goal is fully aligned with those of our clients, exposing underserved students to college and career readiness opportunities. We are more than an educational travel company; we are your partners in education.
About CE Tours
What We Believe
We believe that all students, regardless of their economic background, should be exposed to opportunities that will prepare them for life beyond high school. It’s our mission to level the playing field for students who are often underserved and overlooked for travel and cultural opportunities.
Who We Are
On each trip, CE sends a trained and experienced
tour director with your group to help ensure
quality and safety. While touring, your
tour director is constantly monitoring and
planning in order to avoid any potential pitfalls
or hurdles that may arise throughout the day.
Night Security
For all platinum and gold package options, CE
provides private security at your hotel every
night (unless advised otherwise by the group
leader). This security staff is hired by CE to
monitor the hallways of the groups’ hotel
typically during the hours of 11 PM to 5:00 AM,
ensuring no one comes in or out.
24 Hour Support
In addition to the onsite tour director, CE offers a
24-hour emergency contact line if any issues occur during the tour. This emergency line is provided to the group leader(s) during the planning process and gives them immediate access to a staff member who can assist.
Our Team
Von Harden - Vice President | College Access Programs
For over 25 years, Von has been working in the student travel industry with prior experience as a high school educator. Von is originally from San Francisco, raised in Detroit, and is the product of a single parent home in a highly underserved community. He attended Florida A&M University and currently contributes to our success at CE by connecting with college access communities, always learning new ways on how we can best help serve the students of our future. His hobbies include spending time with friends and family, holding them as huge priorities in his life.
Claudia Brooks - General Manager
Claudia has enjoyed working in the travel industry since 2003, starting as a tour director leading tours throughout North America. She has a passion for providing memorable experiences for students with the hope that they will be inspired to continue their learning and development through future travel. Her previous experience working with child protective services has also provided insight into the challenges underserved communities face, which is why the motivation to provide eye-opening experiences for these students is paramount.
Lexie Jackson- Loran - Director of Tour Operations
Lexie was born and raised in Texas, now residing in Tennessee. She is a military spouse currently working towards a Bachelors of Psychology degree with a minor in Health Sciences. Lexie contributes to our success by providing unique travel experiences by creating educational itineraries to include once in a lifetime opportunities.
Julian Conner - Operations Specialist
With extensive experience in the tourism industry, Julian Conner has excelled in creating memorable travel experiences for diverse groups around the globe. His career spans over 10 years, during which he has developed a deep understanding of various cultures and customs, ensuring seamless and enriching experiences for travelers. With his exceptional organizational skills and ability to adapt to different cultural contexts, Julian has successfully managed international tours, crafted personalized itineraries, and fostered positive relationships with clients from all walks of life. He graduated from college in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, majoring in Business with a minor in Communications.
Passionate about showcasing the world's wonders while respecting local traditions, Julian brings a unique blend of expertise and enthusiasm to every travel endeavor.
Lichen Shepherd - Sales Coordinator
Lichen comes to CE Tours as an event planner & educator from the Midwest, the Southeast, and the desert, too. After earning her degree in Industrial Design from GA Tech, Lichen started an event planning company in Atlanta, GA. With CE Tours she continues to inspire students and open their worlds just as she has the past 10 years as an art teacher in underserved communities in Arizona.
Sesen Beyen - Sales and Marketing Coordinator
Sesen, a first-generation American, much like the students we serve, discovered a passion for marketing nearly a decade ago during an enriching internship at the American Diabetes Association. Since then, she has navigated diverse marketing landscapes, showcasing versatility and adaptability. With experience spanning the healthcare, technology, and now the travel industry, she has honed a unique skill set tailored to meet the demands of each industry. Armed with creativity and strategy, Sesen is dedicated to driving impactful campaigns that resonate with audiences across various platforms, leveraging marketing as a tool for meaningful connection and positive change.
Join Us!
Has a wise person ever told you to, “Do what you love and love what you do”? At CE Tours, we actually provide you with an opportunity to do just that. We arrange rewarding and life-changing educational travel experiences for students worldwide. Everyday, you’ll know that the work you’re doing is providing a young person a fun and exciting learning experience an, quite possibly, shaping her/his future forever…. It just doesn’t get more rewarding than that.
We offer competitive compensation packages which includes great vacation time, numerous travel opportunities, attractive bonuses, and flexible work schedules. We are constantly seeking outside sales and marketing representatives, tour directors, and administrative staff for our Dallas. Ft. Worth area office.
