MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – A state representative is giving 11th graders in Montgomery Public Schools a chance to see the world beyond the classroom with trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City.
For 13 years, State Representative Phillip Ensler has taken Montgomery students to some of the country’s most influential cities, all free of charge. And this year, the application is open again.
“I started this program to bring students of mine to Washington, D.C. and we have continued it every year since,” he said.
Ensler says after playing a game in his classroom, he realized most of the students had never left Montgomery. The program gives 11th graders a chance to fly for the first time, tour colleges, meet professionals, and experience life outside their hometown.
“It just really opens up your mind, it opens up your heart, and it just a chance again to see something really different,” he added. “The trips are incredible and inspiring, but we then continue to work very closely with the students to help them actually apply for the college that they either toured on the trip or other ones that they are interested in,”
Each year, 16 students are selected; eight for a trip to Washington D.C. and eight for a trip to New York.
Ensler says the application is competitive, so students should start early. You can apply here.
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