PS High School Students Explore Future Paths in Washington D.C. with the Minnesota Vikings

A group of Minneapolis high school students recently embarked on a life-changing trip to Washington D.C. with Project Success and the Minnesota Vikings as part of our Expeditions programs. This unique adventure was more than just a visit to the nation’s capital; it was an educational and inspirational journey that left a lasting impact on the students. The goal of this trip was to help students learn about who they are outside of their day-to-day routines, and give them the space to use their problem-solving skills, and build their independence.

Highlights of the Trip

The students visited Howard University, one of the most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. Walking the campus and learning from a current Howard student also from Minneapolis, was a unique and inspiring experience for our students.

The itinerary included visits to the National Mall, featuring the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. A key highlight was the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

“The National Museum of African American History was so important for me. I love that type of things like museums and to go to one specifically focused on my people’s history and culture was so powerful”.

Building Friendships and Future Aspirations

Beyond the historical and cultural insights, the trip fostered new friendships among the students from each Minneapolis High School. Traveling together and sharing these experiences created strong bonds and they left DC feeling more like family.

“[The best part of this trip was] Meeting new people, and genuinely creating friendships, and connections that I’ll think about fondly”

The trip also ignited aspirations for higher education and big dreams. Inspired by their visit to Howard University and the encouragement from the Vikings players and staff, many students returned with a renewed determination to achieve their goals.

“It has inspired me to go to college and push for the highest set of goals”

A Transformative Experience

This journey helped empower students and opened them up to new experiences and ideas. Laura Garcia, Senior Director of Programs – Minneapolis, who was on the trip noted, “At the beginning of the trip, most of the students started at the airport on their phones and kept to themselves. They were also nervous about flying and going through TSA as a new experience for them. Coming home from DC, there was a marked change in their confidence about handling the different situations that were presented to them. The growth in independence was a theme of the trip.”

Back in Minnesota

The Minnesota Vikings were so inspired with this group of students that upon returning to their home state, they invited the students to come to their practice facility in Eagan to reflect on the trip and for a tour. Students were met by Vikings players, Brandon Powell, Tyler Chandler, and Harrison Phillips, who led the reflection conversation and then led the tour and discussed what it was like to train there and to be a Vikings player.

The trip to Washington DC and connections made with other students and Vikings players is something these students will take with them for the rest of their lives. The trip not only helped them to realize their capabilities in accomplishing their goals, but inspired them to do more things like this and say yes to new adventures at home and abroad.