May 2, 2023
“I HAVE A DREAM EXPERIENCE”
Applications open to Lafayette Parish high school students to visit Washington D.C. for 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” Speech
Lafayette, LA – High school students in Lafayette Parish have an opportunity to visit Washington D.C. in August for the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial.
A partnership between Lafayette Consolidated Government’s (LCG) Minority Affairs Department, A New Vision Leadership Foundation of Acadiana, Maison Freetown, and Acadiana Workforce Solutions is giving 60 students the option to work this summer to defray trip expenses.
Chief of Minority Affairs Carlos Harvin said, “The ‘I Have a Dream Experience’ trip gives students a chance to travel and connect with history that helped to shape our nation, and it’s important to us that we give them an opportunity to earn money this summer to help pay for the trip to avoid additional expenses on the family.” Total cost is $800 per person. Students are responsible for $400.
Harvin, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of A New Vision Leadership Foundation of Acadiana Erica Williams, and Maison Freetown Curator and Executive Director Erica Fox are securing sponsor donations to pay for half of travel expenses for 60 students and 20 chaperones.
Students can earn money this summer through the Acadiana Workforce Solutions Summer Youth Work Experience. Every effort will be made to match them with an employer three days a week based on their interests. In addition, students will attend UL Lafayette and South Louisiana Community College for career development courses twice a week. “They’re getting employment and the educational aspect for the success of their future. I am so humbled to be a part of this experience because I know the impact of youth travel and how it broadens their perspective on life,” Erica Williams said. Students will also visit other Washington D.C. landmarks and points of interest during their visit.
Mayor-President Josh Guillory said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to experience what the nation experienced in 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for equality and justice.”
“I Have a Dream Experience” Details
- Open to students in Lafayette Parish — public, private, homeschooled
- 60 students will be chosen
- Must apply online
- Application deadline: May 19, 2023
- Selection committee will review applications
- Trip scheduled for Thursday August 24-August 29
- Student responsibility for flight, hotel, food, snacks: $400
- Finalists will be announced on Wednesday, May 24
- Apply at www.lafayettela.gov