A group of people stands in front of the United States Capitol building with a cloudy sky and sun visible in the background.

Washington, D.C.

History And Local Advocacy

About the Program

Immerse your students in the heart of American history and civic engagement in Washington, D.C. This program explores the rich history of the U.S. capital, with visits to iconic landmarks, museums, and institutions while also connecting with local advocates working on current social justice issues. Through a blend of historical exploration and hands-on advocacy, students gain a deeper understanding of the past and present forces shaping social change in America.

Cherry blossoms with the Washington Monument in the background across the Tidal Basin on a clear day.

Itinerary

Discover the exciting adventures and impactful moments that await each day on this itinerary!

  • Group Arrival to Washington D.C. and meet the Global Works leader
  • Transfer to group accommodation, a short walk from Capitol Hill
  • Dinner as a group, followed by group agreement workshop and discussion of trip themes and goals

  • Breakfast at accommodation,
  • Drive to the National Mall to begin discovery of African American History and Civil Rights discourse at the Museum of African American History
  • Global Works leaders will lead the group’s tour of the museum with structured exploration goals and objectives
  • Picnic lunch beneath the Washington Monument
  • Meet up with local guide for an in-depth Civil Rights History walking tour
  • Return to accommodation for dinner and group reflections

  • Dive into hands-on service initiatives alongside coordinators from local nonprofit advocacy organizations
  • DC-based partners guide the group through the processes involved in policy change and grassroots social change movements
  • Afternoons will be dedicated to service projects for the benefit of marginalized communities in the DC area
  • Service work allows the group to collaborate with, and learn from members of these communities
  • Dismantle the top-down community relief method, by working alongside partners and learning how communities mobilize their own resources to transition from a state of vulnerability to sustainability to thriving
  • Dinners will be eaten out at historically significant restaurants

  • Breakfast at accommodation, then head out to Capitol Hill
  • Meet with legislators for discussions about their past and current work, and rare opportunity to direct self generated questions to sitting politicians.
  • Picnic lunch in front of the US Capitol
  • Workshops and presentations with representatives and educators from lobbyists groups such as The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Black Women’s Roundtable, and The National Urban League
  • Final Celebratory dinner as a group in town
  • Catch a movie or live play at a historic theater such as Ford’s Theater, The Howard Theater, or the E Street Cinema

  • Reflect on experience in Washington, DC
  • Fly home according to flight schedules

Educational Focus & Highlights

Engage in Grassroots Change

Collaborate with local nonprofit organizations to learn about policy advocacy and social justice. Participate in hands-on service projects that support marginalized communities and grassroots movements.

A group of people wearing hairnets and aprons prepare food at a counter in a bright kitchen space.

Discover African American History

Dive into the rich history of African American culture and the Civil Rights Movement with a visit to the Museum of African American History and a guided Civil Rights walking tour.

A man speaks to a group of attentive teenagers gathered on a brick sidewalk in a town setting, with buildings and street signs visible in the background.

Meet with Lawmakers

Visit Capitol Hill to meet legislators and engage in discussions about civil rights and policy-making. Attend workshops led by lobbyist groups and civil rights organizations.

A group of people stand in front of the U.S. Capitol building on a cloudy day.

Reflect on Service & Advocacy

Throughout the journey, reflect on service work and advocacy experiences. Foster a deeper understanding of how communities mobilize for social change.

A group of people gathered in a cozy kitchen, smiling at the camera. Pots and pans hang on the wall.

What’s Included

3 Meals a Day

Enjoy three meals daily featuring local cuisine and flavors.

24/7 Guides

Travel with knowledgeable trip leaders who facilitate logistics and group dynamics throughout the program.

Authentic Accommodations

Stay in student-friendly accommodations that reflect the local culture and environment.

Teachers Travel Free

Teachers travel for free, making it a rewarding and affordable experience for educators.

Airfare Assistance

Global Works can arrange your group airfare needs, allowing for a seamless travel experience.

Daily Blog & Photos

Keep families updated with a daily blog and photos that we will email directly to them.

Gallery

Group of diverse teenagers standing and posing outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and a paved surface in the background.
A group of students volunteering.
A group of people pose for a photo in front of a Central Kitchen sign inside a building.

Lodging

Participants

Participants stay in comfortable, dorm-style rooms that typically accommodate 4-6 students per room. These accommodations are carefully selected and often include locally run hotels or lodges that reflect the culture of the area. Each location is selected to have private meeting spaces for group activities, ensuring both a supportive and appropriate environment for our programs.

Chaperones

Chaperones can expect to stay in private rooms, unless otherwise noted by the Global Works operations team. These rooms are located in the same facility as the student accommodations, allowing for a peaceful environment to relax and recharge without compromising proximity to the group. During homestays, chaperones typically have a choice to either stay with a homestay family or in a nearby hotel (location dependent).

Tall marble columns with intricate capitals line a hallway, casting long shadows on the floor.

Being within such a historical place that carries the seeds of our roots has been such a life changing experience.

This trip will impact my future by encouraging me in any state I got to to explore everything, even the unsung places.

I felt so inspired by the workshops. The speakers were so knowledgeable in their fields.

Bring Your Classroom to the World

Collaborate with Global Works on an impactful service-learning travel program for your students.