Hello, My name is Rick Taylor. I am a History/Civics teacher at Nathan Bishop Middle School in Providence, RI. This is our 11th year taking some of our students on an amazing civics immersion program, through the non-profit Close-Up Foundation.

Our school is a diverse community and we seek to replicate that strength on our trip. Many of our students are economically disadvantaged and with a price tag of $1,820.00 per pupil, this trip presents an enormous obstacle to a majority of our children. The cost of the trip includes airfare, hotel, accommodations and an experiential civics opportunity in the heart of our capital.

Please consider a donation to our cause. These students are working incredibly hard to raise the funds for their trip, with an ambitious fundraising drive that will ensure that this trip is inclusive. Providence currently has the third highest rate of childhood poverty in cities over a population of 100,000, in the United States. Only Brownsville, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana have a greater rate of deprivation.

The government may have shut down, but our children refuse to be denied this opportunity! Help us make this trip a reality. Consider giving to this noble endeavor. Civics education has never been more important. This generation must learn the art of peaceful civil discourse and compromise.

Think of your donation as a symbol of defiance against stalemate and inaction. Help these students realize what it truly means to be an engaged civic-minded citizen!