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Dear Reader,
As 2024 comes to a close, I’m filled with gratitude for the remarkable progress Liberty’s Promise has made this year. With your generous support, we expanded our programs to new schools, built lasting community partnerships, and empowered more immigrant youth than ever before. Your belief in our mission continues to fuel our work and strengthen our impact.
This year, we launched programs at five new schools across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., including our first-ever expansion into Loudoun County. We also introduced a DC Summer Program, where students gave back to local nonprofits like VIDA Senior Center and Edgewood Community Farm, contributing more than 1,900 hours of service. These experiences helped students meet graduation requirements while gaining valuable skills and fostering a deeper connection to their communities.
Our youth stepped into leadership roles by attending school board meetings, advocating at county council budget hearings, and participating in city council events. Students from Prince George’s County schools delivered powerful testimonies on education equity, while Alexandria City High School students observed how local education policies are shaped. Moments like these reinforce our belief that youth can do wonderful things once they learn how the American system works.
As we reflect on all we've accomplished, we're excited for the future. Your support has been the foundation of our success, and with your continued partnership, we can ensure more immigrant youth have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and thrive in their communities.
With heartfelt gratitude,
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This semester, students from Odessa Shannon Middle School (Silver Spring) and Gaithersburg High School participated in enriching civic engagement experiences. We took both groups on Delegate Days to the U.S. Capitol, where they toured the historic building for the first time, learning about its history and the influential leaders commemorated inside. For many of the middle schoolers, it was also their first time exploring Washington, D.C. We walked around the Capitol grounds, visited Union Station, and even viewed the Senate Chambers.
Additionally, Gaithersburg students welcomed a special visit from Mayor Jud Ashman. They were excited to learn about the responsibilities of a mayor, how local elections work, and how they can actively participate in shaping their community. The students enthusiastically shared their ideas for improving their city, making the session a meaningful exchange on civic responsibility and community leadership.
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This semester, students at Montgomery Blair, Wheaton, and John F. Kennedy High Schools had the opportunity to engage with Arts on the Block, an organization that empowers youth through creative expression and hands-on learning. Students were inspired by how creativity can open doors to new possibilities and create meaningful impact both personally and within their communities.
Arts on the Block shared details about their apprentice program, which helps youth strengthen art skills and explore careers in the arts. Students learned about projects like mosaic tiling, jewelry making, and block printing, showing how creativity can lead to new career possibilities and community impact.
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This fall, students from Wheaton High School visited the University of Maryland, discovering that the campus is just a single bus ride away from their school. During a tour and campus scavenger hunt, they explored UMD’s vibrant student life and learned about college opportunities. A highlight of the trip was spending time at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union, where they enjoyed a meal together and explored its many student-centered spaces, including the bookstore, lounge areas, and cultural centers. This visit helped demystify the college experience and sparked excitement about future possibilities.
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This semester, our program at Loiederman Middle School (Silver Spring) welcomed a guest speaker from MoCo CAP, Montgomery County’s College and Career Readiness program, which helps public school students in grades 6-12 prepare for the workforce and higher education. During the session, students explored various career options, including IT careers and the rise of digital nomads, while also discussing how wages and salaries can vary by state, region, and field. Students were introduced to the RIASEC model, which helps identify career paths based on individual strengths and interests. The session provided valuable insights into future career possibilities and practical steps for achieving their goals.
At Lewis High School, in Springfield VA, Juan Jimenez, Capture Manager at REI Systems, shared his inspiring journey as an immigrant navigating the U.S. job market. His candid discussion resonated deeply with students, sparking thoughtful questions about career growth and perseverance. These sessions empowered students with knowledge and real-world perspectives on building successful futures.
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This month's Alumni Spotlight shines bright on Thafhim Siddiqua, an alumni from our program at Montgomery Blair High School.
Thafhim moved to the United States from Bangladesh in 2004, just in time for her to start 8th grade. After high school, she enrolled in Lafayette College as a POSSE Scholar, where she graduated with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. Thafhim now works at Arcadis, a company that focuses on water resiliency.
Click below to hear her story!
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Maryland
Virginia
Washington, DC
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Questions?
Contact us at info@libertyspromise.org
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