Ten students from Elberta Middle School experienced a transformative journey this July when they participated in the inaugural American Enterprise Summit in Washington, D.C.
The four-day …
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Ten students from Elberta Middle School experienced a transformative journey this July when they participated in the inaugural American Enterprise Summit in Washington, D.C.
The four-day program, funded by the Horatio Alger Association in partnership with the Close Up Foundation, aimed to educate young people about democracy and the free-enterprise system, particularly in light of the upcoming 2024 election and concerning findings from an ACTA survey on civic literacy among college students.
The students embarked on this educational adventure with Elberta Middle School counselor Jamie Burt, who reflected on the impact the summit had on the participants.
"This was truly a life-changing experience not only for our students but also for myself. Seeing these kids' eyes and minds open up to the American Dream that is at their fingertips was irreplaceable," Burt said. "Throughout the experience, they also made the connection that their education is the key to taking advantage of these possibilities. These lessons were impactful because the students saw with their own eyes where democracy happens and where the American Dream was born and protected."
During the summit, the students engaged with leaders from the Horatio Alger Association, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young people through higher education scholarships. They explored a series of workshops on education, civic engagement and the free-enterprise system, along with tours of Capitol Hill, the National Archives and the Lincoln Memorial.
The students also had the chance to connect with Horatio Alger Association members, including ocean explorer Robert D. Ballard, civil rights leader Robert J. Brown and entrepreneur Linda D. Rabbitt, who shared their experiences of overcoming adversity to achieve success.
For many students, the highlight of the trip was seeing firsthand the historic landmarks they had previously only encountered through textbooks or screens, according to Burt.
"It brought history and the American Dream to life for them," Burt said. "It's indescribably fulfilling as an educator knowing that your students are making real-world connections with what they have learned and are feeling empowered to take advantage of the opportunities before them."
One particularly moving moment occurred when a student originally from Venezuela, who had been in the U.S. for just over a year, expressed her amazement after visiting the U.S. Capitol.
"To think of where I was around this time last year to now walking around the United States Capitol, it's just amazing," the student shared with Burt.
According to Burt, the social implications of the American Enterprise Summit for Elberta Middle School students are significant. For these rising leaders, experiential learning opportunities transform abstract lessons into tangible realities, empowering them to believe in their potential. The program also highlights how adversity shapes resilient leaders by molding their values and problem-solving skills.
"Equal opportunity is the foundation of the American Dream," Burt said. "Once students realize that they can seize these opportunities and they believe in themselves that they can achieve their goals, their potential is limitless!"
The Horatio Alger Association ensured that the students received top-tier treatment throughout their stay in Washington, D.C. For many, it was their first time on a plane or traveling outside of Elberta. The association's CEO, Lesley Albanese, expressed pride in providing this opportunity.
"At the Horatio Alger Association, we believe in the power of education and the potential for every young person to achieve their dreams, regardless of adversities they may have faced," Albanese said. "The American Enterprise Summit was a unique opportunity for rising eighth graders to explore the rich history of our nation's capital and to further learn about our representative democracy and the free-enterprise system. It was a privilege to partner with the Close Up Foundation to help provide this educational and inspiring experience to young people."
As the students returned to Elberta, they brought back not only memories of a once-in-a-lifetime trip but also a renewed sense of possibility and a deeper understanding of their role in shaping the future.
"Without the backing of the Horatio Alger Association and their partnership with the Close Up Foundation, this monumental experience would have never happened for our students," Burt said.
