Hate to tell you this but these types of trips while good experiences seem to be very pricey $$$ makers primarily. There are a large number of these types of trip groups, I have a friend whose son was offerred this Autralia one and she struggled to figure out how she could possibly gather the $$. My kiddo has gotten a few of the offers as well but for $3000 we could take one hell of a family vacation.
Organizations like these appeal to a parents sense of pride by making you feel so proud that your child was nominated to go. It's like Who's Who, yeah they will stick your kids name in a book but in the end it isn't a book anyone looks at except the parents. I got my invitation to be in Who's who Among America's Teachers yesterday...1) They did not even have my name right and 2) I'm not a teacher yet
They are a $$ making scheme.
If you decide to raise the $$ and send him, will he have a wonderful experience???? YES!!!!!
If you don't send him will it affect him negatively??? Nope!
* In highschool I wanted to attend a small state-wide government trip of this sort and I went to the county commisioners and other government peeps and had them sponsor me. It was a good experience but there is no way my single mom could have afforded to send me.