Learning Journeys — Wisconsin Young People Go to Washington DC
The founder of the Children's Defense Fund and great children's rights activist, Marian Wright Edelman often said, "You can't be what you can't see."
That is precisely why we created Learning Journeys to Washington D.C. Whether that eventually translates into a being a world traveler, college student, member of our armed services, involved in public policy, a Member of our US Congress, or all of the above, we fundamentally believe young people should be exposed to as many opportunities as possible that help them see what they can be.
There's nothing more impactful than connecting classroom instruction with real-world learning opportunities. During his 24 years in the U.S. Senate, Herb Kohl welcomed thousands of students to his office in Washington D.C. At the helm of his foundation, Herb Kohl also sent thousands of Wisconsin students to Washington D.C. to ignite their curiosity and commitment to learning.
To honor that legacy and promote future civic engagement, Herb Kohl Philanthropies is committed to supporting organizations that provide access to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience and learn about our civics and democracy through the power of travel.
Herb Kohl Philanthropies funds Learning Journeys run by separate sponsoring organizations that give youth the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and gain the invaluable experience of travel, personal responsibility and leadership development. Students learn information that can be applied in the classroom and skills that help them develop individually.
Learning Journeys are experiences designed to fit the age and schedule of interested participants. Once an application is approved, costs related to travel, lodging, trip materials, meals and exhibits, including chaperones, for the duration of the trip are covered under the Learning Journey experience.
While learning journeys are customized for each group, all students will typically visit the Smithsonian complex, the U.S. Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, and various monuments/memorials.
Please take the following information into consideration before applying:
Only schools or youth-serving organizations that are qualified 501c3 non-profit entities may apply.
Schools/Organizations serving students who live in high concentration area of poverty and who qualify for free and/or reduced lunch are given priority.
Schools/Organizations with demonstrated experience in overnight excursions are given priority.
The D.C. Learning Journey is intended to complement specific curriculum, augment classroom learning and reinforce leadership development. Therefore, sponsoring organizations should establish specific curriculum/classroom work and/or leadership development progression, and be prepared to explain how those activities will be implemented, before applying for a Learning Journey.
Groups are required to schedule formal college tours and/or self-guided college visits to be included in the travel itinerary.
Groups are responsible for all planning and organizing of trip details, chaperones, and student accommodations with a professional educational travel coordinator.
Once an application is approved, groups must provide Herb Kohl Philanthropies with a signed travel contract and itinerary before a grant agreement or grant payment can be issued.
Upon completion of a learning journey, a final report with full participation by the group is required.
For maximum effect and efficiency, the typical size of a sponsoring organization's traveling group is 50 youth and 5 chaperones.
Schools are able to apply annually while youth serving organizations may apply every other year.
Groups are screened for duplication: for example, students who have already participated in a Kohl Philanthropies sponsored learning journey to Washington DC through their school will not be eligible to participate in a second (Kohl Philanthropies sponsored) learning journey through a youth serving organization (and vice versus).
If your organization intends to use a lottery or application system to enroll participation, please indicate that in your application.
If your organization intends to ask participants to share any cost, please be sure to indicate that in your application.
Once a learning journey is approved by our foundation, any changes to itinerary or budget will be the responsibility of the school or sponsoring organization.
