Published On: August 4th, 2016By Leticia Fehling

Migrant Students Experience Washington, D.C. Up Close

The program gives students a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience government in action.

Ruben Flores (far left, back row), Faviola Tostado (third from left, back row), Lesly Sánchez (fifth from left, back row) and Gabriela Martínez (center, front row) visited the country’s capital this summer.

[dropcap color=”#888″ type=”square”]A[/dropcap] group of migrant students from Aldine ISD visited the nation’s capital this summer. They got to see how our government works as well as visit famous attractions.

The AISD high school students took part in the Close Up® Program. The Texas Migrant Interstate Program sponsored the students. Deborah Rivera, migrant programs coordinator, took the trip with the students. Rivera works in the district’s Multilingual Department.

Aldine ISD Students That Took Part in Close Up

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Lesly Sánchez, Davis HS[/li] [li]Gabriela Martínez, MacArthur HS [/li][/ul]

[ul class=”list list-search”] [li]Faviola Tostado & Ruben Flores, Aldine HS[/li][/ul]

For the AISD students, their classroom was Washington, D.C.

Deborah Rivera (far right) visits Senator Ted Cruz’s office with students from Aldine ISD and Galena Park ISD.

“The students gained a clearer understanding about how our national government works,” said Rivera. “They were able to touch American history. They visited attractions that included famous, historical monuments and memorials. It was an amazing experience for them.”

Close Up empowers students to exercise the rights. They learn about their role in our democracy.

During the five-day trip, the group’s schedule included day and evening activities. They got a front row seat to democracy in action in the halls of Congress. They also met with Washington insiders and media. Students got a first-hand look at the American political system.

Each night, team members took part in activities, discussions and debates. This reinforced what they had learned and experienced that day. The Aldine group got to interact with students from Utah, Nebraska, New York and Texas.

The Close Up students visit the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C.

“The students had a great time at the mock session in Congress,” said Rivera. “They debated about current issues.”

One of the students’ favorite opportunities was meeting Dr. Lisa Ramírez. The director of migrant programs in D.C. shared her own experience as a former migrant student.

Those who took the trip had to be in good academic standing the previous school year.