This teacher needs your help!

Mrs. Vlasses from Oakland, CA is requesting a class trip through DonorsChoose, the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

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Fully Funded

Mrs. Vlasses's classroom raised $12,130

Future Leaders Need to Get Inspired TODAY!

My students need a week long trip to Washington, DC through the amazing Close Up program that will include airfare, hotel, daily programs and activities, guest speakers, trips to visit monuments and other important sites, Capitol Hill, metro tickets, all meals, daily bus transportation to and from hotel, and experiences that will inspire them to be a part of the changes they want to happen in our country.

Mrs. Vlasses Oakland High School

Oakland, CA Grades 9-12

There has never been a time in history where teenagers have felt so engaged by the American political system as now. A trip to Washington, DC is always an incredible experience for a young person. Seeing the government of our country in action and feeling a part of the great United States political system while being surrounded by monuments to our county's history is awe-inspiring to adults and youth alike. With the election of Barack Obama, students of color everywhere have felt an enormous desire to participate, to have their voices heard, and to make change. My high school students are no different. Over half of the students at my school are children of immigrants who came to this country seeking better opportunities than they could find in their home country. With a population of 51% Asian students (the majority of whom are recent immigrants), 17% Latino students, and 27% African-American students, an opportunity to visit Washington, DC will empower them to become part of the American dream. My students will realize that their hard work in high school is related to their ability to participate in society as productive citizens, thus motivating them to continue to push themselves to go to college and live productive lives. The Close Up program is the best comprehensive study tour available for high school students, but it is very expensive. Three quarters of our students are eligible for the federal free lunch program and they cannot afford the $1900 price tag to participate in this amazing week-long learning adventure in Washington, DC. But they do deserve access to this program which thousands of students across the country participate in each year. This project will increase our students’ awareness of and engagement in American democracy and immerse them in our country's history. After the program, they will have the opportunity to share the knowledge they have gained with the other students in their school by making presentations and leading discussion groups. This will provide the participants with valuable opportunities to practice their public speaking skills. Since 11th graders take US History, this program will also improve their knowledge as well as help do better on the year-end California Standards Test and provide them with a unique personal experience. First-hand knowledge of our nation's government in action will also provide them with a solid foundation for their 12th grade Social Studies course, American Government and Economics, the following year. This trip will not only serve them during the remainder of their high school career, but it will also teach them valuable lessons they will need in college and beyond. Through the Close Up program they will learn how to understand and analyze government policies as well as engage in a debate about their own fact based opinions. Arriving at college already knowing how to debate will give these students an advantage in a world where they generally arrive at a disadvantage. In addition, for most of the students this will be their first trip on an airplane. The trip will broaden their minds and give them more options for college outside of our own small city. Finally, when they arrive in college and meet students from very different backgrounds they will have this experience to draw upon. They will know that no matter where a young person is from they can find common ground to work together and become friends. I have led this trip before and I can honestly say that it is a life changing experience for the students. They hear adults telling them how important their future is all the time. This trip will show historically disenfranchised youths that they really are essential members of our society. Your donation will help a young person see his or her true potential. I cannot think of a better way to spend money.

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Nearly all students from low‑income households

4 students impacted 111 donors

Project tagged as

Oakland, CA
Grades 9-12
Civics & Government
College & Career Prep
Traditional School
Virtual Trips
Nearly all students from low‑income households

Mrs. Vlasses Oakland High School Grades 9-12

This project will directly impact historically underfunded classrooms.

Oakland, CA View local requests

Nearly all students from low‑income households Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more

4 students impacted 111donors

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Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

Destination Partipants Total

Close Up trip to Washington, DC
(All expenses paid week long study tour of Washington, DC including airfare, hotel, daily programs and activities, guest speakers, trips to visit monuments and other important sites, Capitol Hill, metro tickets, all meals, daily bus transportation to and from hotel) 4 students and 1 teacher $9,790.00

Trip cost			$9,790.00
Vendor shipping charges			FREE
Sales tax			$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee			$146.85
Fulfillment labor & materials			$9.00
Total project cost			$9,945.85
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			$2,183.24
Total project goal			$12,129.09
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal			$12,129.09
102 Donors			-$5,982.66
Donations toward project cost			-$4,972.93
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$1,009.73
match offer			-$6,064.54
Match offer toward project cost			-$4,972.92
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms			-$1,091.62
Excluded support for DonorsChoose			-$81.89
Still needed View calculation Hide calculation			$0.00

Our team works hard to negotiate the best pricing and selections available.

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Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Vlasses and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.

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This teacher needs your help!

Future Leaders Need to Get Inspired TODAY!

Project tagged as

Boost your odds

Top rated for efficiency and transparency.

TEACHERS, FEELING INSPIRED?

Where Your Donation Goes

Where your donation goes

How we calculate what's needed

Project Activity

Project Activity

DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.