FREE Study Abroad Trips for DCPS 8th and 11th Graders!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does DCPS offer to cover costs such as passport, visa and other fees?

Yes.

Does anyone know where in the DCPS budget this program is funded? I looked briefly but didn't see it.

I have no idea, but I'm in my office doing "the happy dance!" My daughter will start working on her app. this weekend!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:According to an email I just got from DCPS, the program will fund 400 kids. There is an application process and the kids have to complete a project afterwards. All expenses paid (including the costs of passports, but you have to obtain them yourself).

400 total? Or 400 8th and 400 11th graders?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Does DCPS offer to cover costs such as passport, visa and other fees?

Yes.

Does anyone know where in the DCPS budget this program is funded? I looked briefly but didn't see it.

I have no idea, but I'm in my office doing "the happy dance!" My daughter will start working on her app. this weekend!

I think it's funded in party by CityBridge and some of the other private foundations that DCPS works with.

[Anonymous]

How in the world can they do this and not have a test-in middle school? I can only imagine the demographics of this first group, given the short turn-around and need for a passport.

[Anonymous]

This is going to be a train wreck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is going to be a train wreck.

Why?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is going to be a train wreck.

Why?

Because its DCPS.

[Anonymous]

City Paper article about this here...
[url]
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2016/01/07/dcps-launches-study-abroad-program/[/url]

[Anonymous]

Why is this program free for all? Funding should be based on need. There are plenty of families who can afford to pay the way for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:City Paper article about this here...
[url]
http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/citydesk/2016/01/07/dcps-launches-study-abroad-program/[/url]

Money quote:

Student applications are due Feb. 15. They entail standard essay questions, ranking trip preferences, and providing one non-family reference. Once accepted, students must RSVP by Feb. 24. Gatalica says in evaluating applications, DCPS will consider "equity" among schools and wards, students' demonstrated "grit" and extracurricular activities, and their commitment to the program's requirements, like a post-trip "Making Global Local" project due next year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why is this program free for all? Funding should be based on need. There are plenty of families who can afford to pay the way for their kids.

No, middle class parents are feeling the economic squeeze as well. I am completely against this being a means-tested program.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is going to be a train wreck.

Why?

Because its DCPS.

You sound like someone who has a child at a charter (and thus, not eligible for this program). Stop being a hater.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How in the world can they do this and not have a test-in middle school? I can only imagine the demographics of this first group, given the short turn-around and need for a passport.

lots of children of immigrants have passports, too--they need them if they go to their parents' country of birth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why is this program free for all? Funding should be based on need. There are plenty of families who can afford to pay the way for their kids.

No, middle class parents are feeling the economic squeeze as well. I am completely against this being a means-tested program.

Why should my tax dollars pay for your kid's trip to Europe if you could afford it but would "feel the economic squeeze"? There is a BIG difference between not being affordable and it may set me back for my monthly manicures.

[Anonymous]

this is pretty much going to be Deal's trip abroad. Perhaps next year they've add need as a criteria.