Project Narrative
This project involves a 5-day trip to Washington, D.C., from March 16 to March 20, 2025, for seven 7th and 8th grade students and two staff members. Participants will engage in the Close Up program, designed to enhance understanding of government, history, and civic responsibility through immersive, real-world learning experiences. Students will visit national monuments, museums, and historical sites while participating in tailored programming for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students, including interpreters and culturally relevant activities. The itinerary for the Close Up program includes the following highlights (subject to change as needed): - Sunday: Arrive in Washington, D.C.; Welcome Dinner, Group Orientation, and Workshop: "Understanding the Role of a Citizen". - Monday: Visit the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, and Thomas Jefferson Memorial. Attend a study visit to the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Meals include lunch at L'Enfant Plaza and dinner at Pentagon City Mall, followed by a Workshop: "Community Citizenship Skills". - Tuesday: Participate in a Congressional Deliberation; visit the White House, Capitol Hill (including a group photo), and the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Meals include lunch at the Ronald Reagan Building and dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, followed by Evening Monuments on the National Mall. - Wednesday: Begin the day with a Workshop: "Citizenship Send-Off", followed by visits to the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and The National Mall. Meals include lunch at the museum and dinner at Mozzeria, a Deaf-owned Neapolitan pizzeria. - Thursday: Breakfast at the Starbucks Signing Store; visit the National Deaf Life Museum and tour Gallaudet University before departing for home. This initiative aligns with OSD's goals of fostering educational excellence, promoting civic engagement, and cultivating a deeper appreciation for Deaf culture and community. By combining academic enrichment with cultural exploration, this trip offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to connect with their heritage and develop a broader understanding of their place in the world.
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Project Purpose, Goals, and Objectives
Purpose: To provide Deaf and Hard of Hearing middle school students with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of American history, government, and Deaf culture through experiential learning. Goals and Objectives: -Enhance students' comprehension of civic processes and historical events. -Promote critical thinking and leadership skills through interactions with diverse peers. -Foster appreciation for Deaf history and culture via visits to Gallaudet University and Deaf-owned establishments. -Equip students with knowledge and experiences that inspire civic engagement and community involvement. Supporting Research and Best Practices: Studies show that experiential learning enhances knowledge retention and critical thinking. Programs like Close Up are particularly impactful for marginalized communities, offering tailored support and inclusive programming that empower students to see their potential as leaders and advocates.
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Project Benefits
This project meets a critical need at OSD by providing Deaf students with access to experiences that are rarely available in traditional classroom settings. Number of Beneficiaries: 7 students and 2 staff members will directly benefit. Impact: Students will gain firsthand knowledge of U.S. history and government, engage in activities fostering social-emotional growth, and strengthen their identity as members of the Deaf community. The connections formed with peers and mentors will offer lasting benefits that extend beyond the trip.
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Project Evaluation
Evaluation of this project's success will include: Student Feedback: Pre- and post-trip surveys to assess changes in knowledge, attitudes, and civic awareness. Staff Reports: Documentation of student engagement during the trip. Presentation: Students will create presentations or projects to share their experiences with the OSD community, showcasing their learning and its impact. FOSD Reporting: A comprehensive report will be submitted within 60 days of project completion, detailing outcomes and feedback.
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Proposed Budget
Total Cost: $21,157.00 Tuition Price Breakdown Program Tuition: $703.00 Room, board, and in-town transportation: $529.00 Safety and Security: $80.00 Subtotal: $1,312.00 Selected Options Transportation package from: PORTLAND, OR $723.00 Program Options: One Day Late Departure: includes hotel accommodation with night monitors, two meals, transportation and tickets for a Gallaudet University & Deaf-owned establishments visit one day after the completion of the program. (min. 15) - $238 Subtotal: $961.00 TOTAL Student Cost: $2273.00 Adult Cost: $2623.00 TOTAL COST Breakdown: $2273.00 per student x 7 = $15,911.00 $2623.00 per staff member x 2 = $5,246.00 GRAND TOTAL: $21,157.00 Efforts to Obtain Additional Funding: Nightmare Factory Fund application: $4,000 - PAID on 10/31 Close Up: Cover expenses for 1 staff per 6 students - $2623.00 Remaining fund: $14,534.00 FOSD funds will directly support program fees, travel expenses, and accommodations. To clarify - this proposal requests for FOSD to cover the remaining $14,534.00 for the trip. The final payment is due on January 16, 2025.
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Project Timeline
October 29, 2024: A $500 deposit is due per person, a total of $4,000. PAID by Nightmare Factory November 13, 2024: Enrollment and special request forms due. COMPLETED. January 16, 2025: Final payment deadline. DUE: $14,534.00 January 22, 2025: Travel and Hotel information available. March 16-20, 2025: Close Up program week in Washington, D.C. April 2025: Post-trip presentations and FOSD report submission.
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Project Reporting and Accountability
Project Coordinator: Kelsey Gilstrap (Outreach Specialist at OSD) Reporting and Accountability: Reports will include financial statements, participant feedback, and program outcomes. Kelsey will ensure timely submission to FOSD within 60 days of project completion.
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Documents
