In late January, students and teachers from 13 Simon Youth Academies across the country had the privilege of attending Close Up Washington D.C., which offers civic engagement experiences designed to inform, inspire and empower young people to exercise the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.
The Simon Youth Academy students were inspired by their visit to our nation’s capital. From visiting national monuments and memorials to meeting with their local representatives in Congress and engaging with students from their fellow Academies, the trip provided a hands-on learning experience that many of our students may not otherwise have had access to.
Most importantly, they left with aspirations to continue striving forward. Following their visit to D.C., students and their teachers shared the following insights about their experience with Close Up.
Karen Duarte, Teacher, Coast High School Academy
“Using D.C. as the classroom was awesome, and my students were so impressed by all the monuments and museums they got to visit. Brizelle [student] said, ‘I wish we had more time in the Holocaust Museum, it was so impactful and I cried reading about the victims.’ Maddie [student] was asked by our school counselor, ‘On a scale of 1-10 how was it?’ She said, ‘It was a 10 +, I loved it.’ My students will forever be changed by what they learned in Washington D.C., and I believe they will take that knowledge and use it in the future. Brizelle asked several staff members how they got their positions because she wants to one day come to D.C. to work and make a difference.”
Gabrielle Simpson, Teacher, Judson Learning Academy at Rolling Oaks Mall
“Every day, our students participated in workshops and debates to get them ready to meet with their representatives on Capitol Hill Day. Our students were excited for the opportunity to meet with one of their senators, Senator Ted Cruz, in person. While waiting to meet him, they had an opportunity to talk to a one of his staffers, Ariel Gordon, about issues like the border wall, abortion and the government shutdown that had just ended and could possibly be on the table again come February 15.
After our meeting with Senator Cruz, we also talked to staffers for both Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Senator John Cornyn. Students were enthusiastically questioning these staffers on the positions their respective representatives have on the current pressing issues of abortion, border security, immigration, the government shutdown and its negative impact on federal workers and contractors.
The experience provided by this program has taught our students so much more about their country and its government than any classroom lessons could provide. This experience will remain part of who they will become, and it will continue to benefit them greatly. Each and every one of our students has expressed an increased interest in becoming politically active and an informed participant in the political process.”
Amari Blakey, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Outlet Marketplace
“I enjoyed the D.C. trip. I’m extremely grateful that I was allowed the opportunity to visit our nation’s capital. The experience there gave me better insight to how our government functions and that just because you have a good point, it doesn’t mean someone will necessarily change their opinion. Being able to meet other students from across the nation was interesting and really fun. Sitting in the Senate Gallery was my most memorable moment, it will always be with me.”
Paige Goff, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Outlet Marketplace
“Washington was an unforgettable, educational experience. I learned a lot about our past and current government. I got to speak to my representative, Marco Rubio, about things in our Nation and Florida that matter most to me. I got to visit places I never dreamed I would see in person. I can use all of my newly collected information to make a difference in our nation. The Washington, D.C., trip opened my eyes.”
Jarrell Poole, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Outlet Marketplace
“My trip to Washington, D.C. was an amazing experience. I didn’t expect to have as much fun and to learn as much as I did. The activities they made us do, along with the things I got to see made me change my mind about a lot of my thoughts I had before the trip. The debates and mock Congress really changed my mind too. Meeting new people and hearing their thoughts and beliefs on things like gun control and climate change really made me take those issues more seriously. I am thankful for the D.C. trip.”
Nazirah Copleland, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Outlet Marketplace
“It was so many things I liked about the D.C. trip. I think it was a great opportunity to voice my opinion and I was able to do that. I’m hoping that my words and questions really convinced our Senator, Marco Rubio, not to shut the government down again. Also, I really liked our debate and how we determined as a group/whole came to a conclusion on what bills were passed – that was my favorite part. I actually got some clarity on what I want to do in life. So a big THANK YOU to you guys!!!”
Jason Schoettmer, Program Director, Simon Youth Academy at Edinburgh Premium Outlets
“The students’ favorite stop was at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Witnessing our currency being produced was impactful. The students received a tour of the facility and witnessed money being printed. The students also learned to develop relationships with people from varying backgrounds and locations. We had a diverse group and hearing the students debate their points over the week was awesome. This trip provides a civic learning experience that my students traditionally do not have access to.”
Jerry Butler, Teacher, Simon Youth Academy at McKinley Alternative School
“The whole trip was absolute amazing experience for my students and for myself. My kids were astonished at the first-hand knowledge and unique learning opportunities that were given to them about the history and government surrounding Washington, D.C. They have heard and studied the history, but to actually see it was incredible. Especially, for students that, up until this trip, had not been more than a few blocks from home for an extended period of time.
In addition, the Capital Hill day was incredible and left a lasting impression on all of us. As Maliki [student] said, ‘It was cool to have access and see our elected representatives and for the first time. It was like I was listened to by them.’ Personally, it was incredible to be able to talk to these elected officials about things that were close to home. For example, Representative Baird and I had a discussion about local girls’ basketball which subsequently sparked Braden’s interest. That type of experience leaves an indelible imprint on people forever. Additionally I am sure Levi will never forget shaking Senator Young’s hand.”
Laney Overton, Teacher, Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill
“Our students had a wonderful time participating at Close-Up in Washington, D.C.! They had the opportunity to visit memorials, museums, and discuss issues with students from around the country as well as their representatives in Congress. I could not more proud of the Academy at Old Cockrill students and graduates, Marguea Albert-Abrams, Christine Rogers, Maya Jennings, and Kaori Panteleon. Our students exceeded my expectations in regards to their maturity, professionalism, and poise. The highlight of our trip was sitting down with our representatives and their staffs to discuss issues the students felt passionate about: Medicare-for-All, simplifying the FASFA, reducing college costs, expanding broadband, and promoting schools like Simon Youth Foudnation schools at the federal level through funding and grants. They represented the Simon Youth Foundation, MNPS, our school, and themselves in a manner that impressed all of the elected officials we met with. Representative Jim Cooper (TN-5) stated that our students, ‘impressed and challenged him,’ with their questions.”
Christine Rogers, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Old Cockrill
“Getting to see my senators and discussing some concerns was incredible. This experience helped me understand how accessible my representatives are and how to address them in a formal manner.”
Scott Meyer, Teacher, Simon Youth Academy on Cochran
“For the students, it was the first time leaving on an adventure without parents, first time through airport security, and the first time flying on a jet. While many have seen photos in social studies class, it was the first time they rode on a subway or figured out the Metro System, and the first time meeting a hundred new strangers, who would soon become friends from across the country. The students were impressed with how many monuments were in the city and, of course, they posed for the souvenir-worthy picture in front of the White House. Adding to their chronicles were the many amazing historical sites and connecting what they read in books with what they actually were experiencing.
One of the highlights of the trip was Capitol Hill day. Two meetings were set up, one with Rep. Greg Stuebe, the freshman representative for our area, and Sen. Marco Rubio. When meeting with Sen. Rubio, our group was joined by another SYF group from Florida. After pleasantries, all students asked questions that were on their minds and important to their generation. Senator Rubio was gracious and spent 40 minutes with the students.”
Jacob, Student, Simon Youth Academy on Cochran
“Being in Washington, D.C. and taking a tour of the Capitol building puts reality into history. The mock Congress session put on by Close Up helped me visualize how the House of Representatives works and bills are passed.”
Florance Fleuristyl, Student, Simon Youth Academy at Hickory Hollow
“This was my first trip to Washington, D.C. It was very nice and educational. I enjoyed exploring the monuments, memorials, White House and Capitol Hill. I met a lot of new people. I also had the opportunity to meet Senator Jim Cooper. I had a great time in D.C. Thank you SYF, The Academy at Hickory Hollow and Close-Up.”
Syreeta McClain, Teacher, Simon Youth Academy at The Mills at Jersey Gardens
“When I think about the trip to Washington, D.C., the first thing that comes to mind is perspective. A large part of what we do at our Academy is planting seeds for a brighter future and giving students exposure to a variety of experiences and perspectives to help change the trajectory of their lives. The Close Up trip to Washington, D.C., did just that, and it was an experience on a grand scale. Not only did it take the students out of their immediate environment, it helped to give them a global perspective allowing them to learn the history of our country’s democracy and ultimately understand where they fit in.”
Adam R., Student, Simon Youth Academy at Circle Centre Mall
“The trip to Washington, D.C., was great because I got to experience something that I had never done before. We got to see memorials, museums, and discuss issues in the world today. This helped me open my mind to new things, learn about the government, and how electing a president is a big role in my life. Also I learned how to communicate and work together with others. Another thing I got to do was hear other people’s issues and how it is affects us as a country. On this trip I learned about government and how people speak out about what they believe in, and how I can do it too.”
Getze G., Student, Simon Youth Academy at Circle Centre Mall
“I really experienced something new, and I’m thankful that I had that opportunity to go on this amazing educational trip. When I was at the Pentagon, I found out that one of the points of the Pentagon was destroyed because one of the airplanes hit one of the points and it has taken years to fix it. When you go to the Pentagon they have a 9/11 Memorial. That 9/11 Memorial is different than you imagine when you think of the 9/11 memorial in New York City, New York.”
