A day of excitement and opportunity awaits just a flight away for students in the African American and Latino Scholars Program (AALSP). A trip to Washington D.C will give students the opportunity to explore two of the nation’s historical institutions.
AALSP’s March trip to Washington D.C will feature a tour of Howard University, followed by a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). The trip will also offer a unique experience for students: connecting with AALSP alumni who currently attend Howard.
Junior and AALSP student Beatriz De La Rosa Cardoso said her interest in visiting Howard stemmed from wanting to experience a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). She said she is looking forward to seeing it through the eyes of former AALSP students now attending the university.
“We’re able to learn more about our culture and see all the people who have similar backgrounds as us and what they’ve achieved in their lives, and just see what our futures could be like,” Cardoso said.
The trip also includes a visit to the NMAAHC, where students will explore stories, art and artifacts highlighting African American culture and contributions. Sophomore and AALSP student Charlene Jocelyn expressed her excitement about visiting the museum.
“I’ve heard about the museum since maybe two years ago, and it just seems so interesting,” Jocelyn said. “It’s something that I put on my bucket list, so I definitely want to check it out.”
According to Stephanie Hunt, the AALSP Program Coordinator, a big driving force behind the program is increasing access points for students, whether it be opportunities at the high school or beyond. Junior and senior year in AALSP specifically focuses on preparing students for life after high school. Hunt said she hopes students can return from the trip with a better understanding of their next steps going into junior year.
“I hope that students are able to imagine, ‘is this something that I could see myself doing? Is this a place where I could see myself thriving?’” Hunt said. “Definitely when it comes to the museum, I hope that students are able to absorb as much as possible and be excited and come back with questions to the extent that the museum and the trip to Howard excites and inspires them.”
Jocelyn said she finds it important to learn about the topics that hold historical weight like the NMAAHC, and is anticipating seeing the museums.
“History has gotten us to where we are today and has determined the different kinds of racial dynamics we have with other people. So I think getting to see that build-up through a museum experience is really important,” Jocelyn said. “It seems like a very eye-opening thing to go through firsthand.”
Although students will be going to Washington D.C. and back in one day, Cardoso is grateful for the opportunity.
“I think it’s going to be a long day, but it’s going to be a fun day. We have to get to the airport at 5:15 and then we’ll be home by 11:30,” Cardoso said. “But I really appreciate Ms. Hunt and Ms. Siver and Ms. James for organizing this for us.”
According to Hunt, programs like AALSP can help students feel comfortable stepping into leadership roles and to show all that they have to offer. She said she hopes students can unleash their potential when in a supportive space like AALSP.
“I hope that involvement in Scholars and some of our other affinity programs allows students to feel like BHS is their space, that they belong here, that they are just as capable and just as deserving,” Hunt said.
