Exploring American Landmarks with Horton’s Kids

In December 2023, we proudly announced our partnership with Horton’s Kids, an award-winning nonprofit that serves children and families living in Washington D.C.’s Ward 8. Now, we are so excited to be able to share an update about a recent trip we organized for 25 young students to some of the district’s most iconic monuments!

In mid-April, a cohort of students in grades 5-8 traveled a short distance from their homes to explore the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Capitol Building, and the Ronald Reagan Center accompanied by WorldStrides employee volunteers. Despite living in Washington D.C., most of the children had never had the opportunity to explore these iconic sites.

It was a profound reminder of both the importance of immersive educational experiences and why our partnership with Horton’s Kids is so crucial. This was so much more than just a class trip or tourist trip. These students are the natural inheritors to the legacy of historic figures, politicians, activists, and other great change-makers and this experience was an opportunity to forge those connections with the world around them and nurture a belief in the power of their potential.

This trip wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and dedication of several Horton’s Kids staff members. We’d like to express special gratitude to Paige Hawkins, Jasmine Stephans, Ashley Ceron, Niamh Klein, and Rayshonna Hill for their efforts. The many members of the WorldStrides Black Organization Leadership and Development (BOLD) Employee Resource Group have been foundational in cultivating this partnership. We’d especially like to thank Taylor Jenkins, Jose Lopez, Doug Coleman, Josie Murphy, Danielle Thomas, Nykeisha Bradley, and Heide Pederson, BOLD members who coordinated this trip.

Educational travel has the potential to be a powerful catalyst in the lives of young students, but it’s not enough to foster a life-long love of learning. Exploration must be nurtured by parents and family members, teachers, coaches, and community members. WorldStrides is proud of our ability to contribute to that process in a meaningful way through our commitment to community-building and global citizenship.