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Dear Reader,
This summer, thanks to the generous support of the R. Scott Rosenberger Charitable Foundation, our Baltimore students from Benjamin Franklin and Patterson High Schools had an unforgettable experience exploring New York City. They visited iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial, connecting the city's rich history with their own immigrant journeys. The ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty offered stunning views of the NYC skyline, and students were thrilled to see the statue up close. Several students shared how the history of Ellis Island paralleled their own families’ immigration stories, sparking meaningful conversations about freedom, resilience, and unity.
At the 9/11 Memorial, the reflecting pools and engraved names left a deep impact on the students, prompting discussions about remembrance and the strength of communities in the face of tragedy. The trip allowed students to link their school learning to real-world experiences, fostering both civic responsibility and teamwork as they navigated the city.
In addition to our NYC trip, our first-ever DC summer program was a huge success! Over the summer, students contributed more than 1,900 hours of community service at sites across DC, helping them earn the 100 hours required for high school graduation. Students also had fun exploring the city through trips to the National Zoo, Nationals Park, the Kennedy Center, and more, with many students experiencing these places for the first time.
In addition to the community service program, many of our students completed 6-8 week internships at local libraries, government offices, and nonprofit organizations. These internships allowed students to develop professional skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore different career paths. By working in settings like these, students feel more prepared for the workforce and have greater confidence navigating their future.
Now that our fall programs are underway, we’re thrilled to be back in the schools and excited to see what this semester brings. See below for some highlights from our current programs—and the semester has just begun, so stay tuned for more to come!
Warm regards,
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This semester, students have already had incredible opportunities to engage with civic leaders and learn more about the political and advocacy process.
At Jackson-Reed High School, Kelvin Giang, Operations Coordinator for the Chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, spoke to students about how Congress operates and the process of turning bills into laws. Students were especially surprised to learn about D.C.'s lack of representation in Congress and how long members of Congress serve and can be re-elected.
Several of our Montgomery County programs had the privilege of hearing from United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the United States. Their presentation focused on immigrant advocacy, youth empowerment, and how students can use their voices to drive social change and activism.
At Odessa Shannon Middle School, students were inspired by Montgomery County Councilmember Natali Fani-González, who discussed her role in the community and the initiatives she leads. Students had the chance to openly discuss their futures and passions with the councilmember, learning how local government can be a resource for them.
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This month, our Alexandria City High School students attended their first school board meeting, where they learned about the vital role the board plays in shaping their education. For many, it was their first time riding the DASH bus! The group had the opportunity to meet with school board member Tim Beaty and Chair Michelle Rief before the meeting, as well as connect with the student liaison from Alexandria's International Academy. Students also observed school board members' reports and public comments, gaining insight into local governance.
At Loiederman and Odessa Shannon Middle Schools, representatives from the Latino Health Initiative spoke with our students about their work in Montgomery County’s Latino community. They emphasized the importance of health education, addressing prevalent issues in the Latino population, and shared resources available to youth for equitable access to healthcare.
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Recently, students from Roosevelt and Jackson-Reed High Schools had the unique opportunity to visit The Catholic University of America, offering them an exciting glimpse into college life. During the visit, they toured various university facilities, including the library, student center, and classrooms, while learning about the university’s history and mission. A particular highlight of the trip was the vast green spaces on campus, which students loved imagining as venues for events and activities.
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At Benjamin Franklin and Patterson High Schools in Baltimore, students participated in an engaging career exploration workshop led by Aldo Andrade, a former teacher and the current Assistant Director of Community Outreach at Johns Hopkins University. During the workshop, students created vision boards to map out their ideal careers and explored different pathways to achieve their goals.
Students were enthusiastic and asked thoughtful questions about how to choose a fulfilling career, navigate language barriers, and learn about the Latino community at Johns Hopkins.
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01 | Constitution Week in Gaithersburg, MD
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Last month, Liberty’s Promise was invited to accept the “Constitution Week” Proclamation at the City of Gaithersburg Mayoral and City Council meeting. Students from Gaithersburg High School’s civics program attended the Proclamation Ceremony and had an opportunity to speak to Mayor Jud Ashman and City of Gaithersburg Councilmembers.
One standout moment came when our student Molly Xiao, a recent immigrant from China, delivered an inspiring speech on what the U.S. Constitution means to her. She hopes her message will empower fellow immigrants, especially those from restrictive governments, to take advantage of the immense opportunities in the United States and know that their voices are heard and further amplified in their new communities. Click below to watch Molly’s empowering speech!
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This month's Alumni Spotlight shines bright on Stephane Yonli, an alumni from our program at West Potomac High School.
Stephane moved to the United States from Burkina Faso in 2008, at the age of 15. After high school, he enrolled in Northern Virginia Community College for two years, before transferring to George Mason University, where he graduated with a degree in Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering. Stephane is now a Network Operations Engineer for Verizon.
Click below to hear his story!
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Maryland
Virginia
Washington, DC
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Questions?
Contact us at info@libertyspromise.org
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