Progreso students recently had the opportunity to visit the historic Mount Vernon house and estate. This trip was a part of their citizenship learning experience and gave the students a better appreciation of the history of our nation.
The Progreso program at United Community serves our area with several vital services. Those using the Progreso Center for Literacy and Citizenship get assistance with learning the English language, as well as having opportunities to take citizenship classes and get legal assistance with problems as varied as citizenship issues, work permits, and domestic violence.
Visiting Mt. Vernon gave students a chance to connect their classroom learning to real historical experiences, particularly the nation’s 250th anniversary taking place this year. In their classes, students have been learning about George Washington, the American Revolution, U.S. citizenship, and the history of immigration in our country. This trip has allowed our students to gain an appreciation for how these ideas are used in practice, and how they fit into the wider fabric of American society.
According to Progreso attorney Virginia Ruiz, “The visit gave students a chance to bring their classroom learning to life by connecting lessons from their citizenship and ESL classes to the real history, places, and stories they’ve been studying.
At Mt. Vernon, students explored the mansion, the museum, the gardens and grounds, and the animals and outdoor spaces. Multilingual audio guides made this experience a more positive experience for them. Students felt welcome and supported, giving them a great appreciation for the history of Mt. Vernon and how it is related to the larger picture of American society. Furthermore, this visit allowed the students to make personal connections to the greater American experience and gave them a feeling of belonging.
Attending Mt. Vernon with the students were UC staff, volunteers, and legal advocates. Students felt more comfortable because they were visiting Mt. Vernon with the familiar faces of people they had worked with. United Community is a trusted space that families come to because they feel safe, comfortable, and supported.
As part of their visit, students received one-year memberships through United Community’s partnership with the “Mount Vernon for All” initiative. This program allows qualified recipients to visit Mt. Vernon and the mansion for free. Many students expressed excitement about bringing the rest of their families to Mt. Vernon to explore the house and grounds.
This visit served to reaffirm United Community’s commitment to experiential learning and community engagement. We’d like to thank Mt. Vernon staff, our volunteers, and our partners for making this trip such a success.
