Edison students recently enjoyed a visit to our nation's capital.  Organized by youth empowerment organization Project Success, the students saw the sights, including the National Museum of African American History, with peers from other Minneapolis high schools.

Students left for DC after school on Wednesday, February 28. On Thursday, the students and Project SUCCESS chaperones toured Howard University, heard from a Howard professor and a student panel (made up in large part of MPS grads), visited Howard's famous Gallery of Art, and then explored Chinatown. In Chinatown, the students visited the National Portrait Gallery and American Art Museum, and enjoyed dinner in this vibrant cultural center.  

Today, the students went to see Black Panther, and are participating in an interactive and reflective Project SUCCESS workshop. The students had planned to see the National Museum of African American History (NMAAHC) and Culture today, but unfortunately it was closed due to a high wind speed warning. All the students are safe and happy. Because of the weather closing, the museum tickets are good for another time. It is the hope that the students can visit the museum before they return to Minneapolis. 

Project Success chose to visit Howard, a historically black university (HBCU) and the NMAAHC in order to provide students a place to explore black history, culture, identity, narratives, and the ties that bind them together. The workshops that we have planned throughout the trip help deepen their exploration of these themes in their own lives.

Project Success Director of Programs, Laura Garcia, is leading the trip, alongside many of our Facilitators who work with these students in the classroom on a monthly basis, including Haley Carneol, who works with students at Edison. Project Success also has two board members joining as chaperones: Shana Moses, former Educational Equity Coordinator for Minneapolis Public Schools, and Jody Rodrigues, Board Chair and Claim Manager for Travelers Insurance. 

This trip is a part of Project Success global experience programming that gives students life-changing opportunities to travel to global cities in the U.S. and worldwide, opening their eyes to possibilities and dreams. It is fully funded by Project SUCCESS and offered at no cost to the student, family, and school.