AEF, SYTA and ETI invite 35 8th grade students to Washington, DC
WASHINGTON, DC – For the first time since 2019, the American Experience Foundation (AEF), the SYTA Youth Foundation (SYF) and Educational Tours, Inc (ETI) announced today they are awarding thirty-five students from Waterbury, Connecticut’s Wallace Middle School a three-day trip to the nation’s capital through the Rite of Passage field trip. The students and seven chaperones will explore Washington, DC from June 11-13.
The Right of Passage program gives middle school students on the East Coast the opportunity to explore DC through a fully sponsored three-day classic field trip. As the most popular travel destination for student groups, this program allows students to see DC that might not otherwise have that opportunity (STYA, 2024).
“Reading about Washington, DC in history books is one thing, but actually visiting the capital is another,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president and CEO of Destination DC. “Through the Rite of Passage field trips, we want DC to come to life for students. Traveling expands your worldview and traveling to DC helps you connect with your history and heritage in a unique way. We can’t wait for the Wallace Middle School students to experience their capital for themselves.”
The three-day cultural excursion will include tours of iconic DC sites such as the Library of Congress, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, the National Museum of African American History & Culture and many of the Smithsonian museums along the National Mall. Students will also visit the International Spy Museum, Arlington Cemetery and take a dinner cruise along the Potomac River with City Cruises.
Hospitality partners, such as Hyatt Place US Capitol, the International Spy Museum, and Yankee Trails, join with AEF, SYF and ETI to bring this trip to life.
"Our collaboration with SYF and ETI is great fit," said Claire Carlin, Executive Director, the American Experience Foundation. “Our organizations inspire young people through travel, and this Rite of Passage trip does exactly that. From world-class museums and iconic monuments to vibrant neighborhoods and hundreds of free attractions, Washington, DC offers a unique blend of learning, exploration, and hospitality for visitors of all ages. When the Wallace Middle School scholars experience our city, I hope it sparks a passion for travel and we'll welcome them back in the future.”
“Student travel inspires creativity, collaboration and learning that lasts a lifetime,” said Shelly Cole, CSTP, Executive Director of Educational Tours, Inc. “We believe travel is a vital part of education, and we’re incredibly excited to join AEF and SYF in providing the opportunity for Wallace Middle School students to experience national history in Washington, DC. From this trip, we hope students will walk away with new friends, life-changing memories and a fresh perspective on the history that has shaped the present.”
“SYF is proud to partner with AEF and ETI on this trip because this trip exemplifies the very reason we exist…to connect youth with the resources required for travel experiences that will inspire them to be confident, connected and globally responsible citizens,” Carylann Assante, CEO, SYTA Youth Foundation said.
Local partners who have contributed transportation, accommodations, attraction passes, tours and meals include:
- International Spy Museum
- City Cruises
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Old Town Trolley Tours
- Student Watchers
- TripMate
- Jassby
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- National Air & Space Museum
- National Archives Museum
About the American Experience Foundation: A 501(c)(3) public charity affiliated with Destination DC, enriches the lives of students through inspirational travel experiences and educational opportunities to cultivate the next generation of hospitality industry professionals. AEF invests in young people, whether that be inspiring students from across the country by bringing them to DC, training students to become hospitality professionals or educating students and alumni from DC high schools through internship programs or scholarships. americanexperiencefoundation.org
About Destination DC: DDC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital, is a private, non-profit membership organization committed to marketing the area as a premier global convention, tourism and special events destination with a special emphasis on the arts, cultural and historic communities. washington.org
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June 11, 2025