Chase Menard

From Exchange to Action: The Growth of BOOST

When Chase Menard first arrived in Belize as part of the U.S. Youth Ambassadors Program, inspiration came from the everyday moments. Each morning, he woke to the smell of fresh cupcakes from his host mother’s small home bakery. Over time, he watched her business struggle, not because of a lack of skill or demand, but due to high costs and limited access to capital. As he traveled across the country and met other community members, Chase realized her story reflected a much broader reality. Many small Belizean businesses had extraordinary potential, yet lacked the support needed to grow. That realization planted the seed for what would become BOOST.

From the beginning, mentors Vivienne Lim and Maria Hickman walked closely alongside Chase as he shaped that early idea into action. During the exchange, even informal moments like bus rides between program sites became spaces for reflection, where Chase could be found refining ideas and asking thoughtful questions. Back home, that curiosity translated into steady commitment. With guidance from mentors, he learned to work through logistical challenges, think critically about scale and sustainability, and build meaningful partnerships. Those connections eventually led to collaborations with UNICEF Belize and the Belize Lions Club, anchoring BOOST within trusted community networks. Watching Chase grow from a student with a bold idea into a leader building a team, raising funds, and preparing for a public grant ceremony underscored the impact of sustained, trust-based mentorship.

For Chase, the support he received was transformational. He brought together a team of peers and launched BOOST with the goal of providing micro-grants to small Belizean businesses that strengthen their communities. Through sponsorships, donations, and community events, including a bingo night that drew more than 80 supporters, the team raised 12,000 BZD. Partnerships with local organizations amplified their reach, and when grant applications opened, more than 55 entrepreneurs applied. While only eight businesses could be funded in this cycle, the team committed to continuing support and resources for others who applied.

My biggest takeaway from this journey has been witnessing the power of community, both in Belize and at home. People are willing to support a mission when they see authenticity, purpose, and impact.
Chase Menard, YA Alum

Reflecting on the experience, Chase credits mentorship as the backbone of BOOST’s success. His mentors were not just advisors, but catalysts who opened doors, challenged his thinking, and helped him reframe obstacles as opportunities. Their belief made the work feel shared rather than solitary and modeled a form of leadership grounded in generosity and commitment. BOOST ultimately became more than a funding initiative. It bridged communities, strengthened people-to-people ties between the United States and Belize, and demonstrated how youth, when trusted and supported, can turn exchange experiences into lasting civic impact.

Related Program

Youth Ambassadors

Youth Ambassadors is a cultural exchange program designed to strengthen the leadership skills of young people from the Caribbean, Latin America, and the United States. It builds bonds of friendship and understanding between people of the Americas and is sponsored by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State.