As a middle school teacher, I am organizing an 8th grade field trip to Washington, D.C. and New York for six of my students. This trip is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to see history, government, and civic life come alive beyond the classroom. For many of these students, traveling outside of California—or even flying on an airplane—will be a brand-new experience. Visiting the nation’s monuments, memorials, museums, and landmarks in both cities allows them to connect what they learn in class to the real world in a powerful and lasting way.

Unfortunately, the cost of travel can be a barrier for some families. I created this fundraiser to help lessen the financial burden on students and ensure that cost does not prevent any child from participating. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly toward reducing the cost of the field trip for students, including transportation, lodging, meals, entrance fees, and educational programming.

Every contribution—no matter the amount—helps make this meaningful experience more accessible to our students. On behalf of my students and their families, thank you for your generosity, support, and belief in the power of education beyond the classroom. With gratitude, Mr. Macias