Democracy Boot Camp

Why Supporting U.S. Civics Trips is Important to Our Democracy

When it comes to inspiring young people about democracy, there's nothing quite like walking the same streets as the nation's founders. A classroom lesson on a peaceful election can only go so far—imagine instead sitting in Congress Hall in Philadelphia, the exact seats where the first peaceful transfer of power occurred. At Global Doing Good, we believe student U.S. Civics trips to cities like Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, and Philadelphia are more than just field trips—they are democracy in action.

“Democracy Boot Camp”

Think of it as "Democracy Boot Camp" for students. In Washington, D.C., they experience the Capitol in all its grandeur, witness the Supreme Court's quiet dignity, and see firsthand the memorials that honor those who fought to keep our democracy intact. In New York, they encounter Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, vivid reminders of how our democracy welcomes and empowers people worldwide.

Teach & Transform

These trips do more than teach—they transform. They encourage students to ask critical questions, engage in spirited debates, and see themselves as future stewards of democracy. When young people can touch history—sit on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial or read the original Bill of Rights in the National Archives—they develop a deeper, more personal connection to democratic principles.

So yes, it's a blast and filled with plenty of TikTok-able moments, but it's also a profound, meaningful experience. Every step taken in those historic cities helps students understand that democracy isn't just something you inherit; it's something you preserve, protect, and pass on. It's a living, breathing thing that depends on informed citizens to keep it thriving.

That's the kind of impact these trips have, and that's why we support them with our U.S. Civics Scholarships, providing funds so that all students can have these experiences and prepare to be lifelong citizens who engage with and preserve our democracy.