$700,000 Dollars Donated to Support ‘Learning Journeys’
Madison – Boys & Girls Clubs of Wisconsin announced today that over 680 kids from Clubs across the state have trips planned to visit Washington, D.C. this summer to learn about American government and history, visit institutions of higher education and develop important life-skills. Learning Journeys are all-expense paid educational experiences that emphasize leadership development and expand upon the positive youth engagement that Boys & Girls Clubs provide each day. Funded by Herb Kohl Philanthropies, this educational field trip, which covers all meals, lodging, exhibits and travel expenses, requires youth to visit at least one college or university and also provides access to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
“We are pleased to support Boys & Girls Club youth around the state in this way.” said Herb Kohl. “We want young people to see history come alive, expand their horizons and imagine themselves as our future leaders, and most of all, be ready to take their place as responsible, productive citizens of this great nation. Whether it’s the trip of a lifetime or a life-changing trip, we encourage and support Boys & Girls Club kids in their Learning Journey.” Kohl Philanthropies is donating $700,000 to over twenty individual Boys & Girls Clubs across the state to make these trips happen in 2018.
While in Washington, D.C., students may visit the White House, Congress, Smithsonian, Holocaust Museum, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, National Museum of the American Indian, the U.S. Supreme Court and National Museum of African American History and Culture and more. Every student will also tour a college or university, and each group can custom design their own specific trip, depending upon their background or areas of emphasis.
“Kohl Philanthropies prioritize youth who live in areas of poverty, or who qualify for reduced school lunch,” said Andy Gussert, State Director for Boys & Girls Clubs. “Our mission is to enable young people who need us most to reach their full potential, so this is a perfect match.” The trips are expected to continue in 2019.