Civil Rights Service and Learning Trip – Student Impact Fund
For the past two years, the Center for Community and Civic Engagement has led a transformative Civil Rights Service and Learning Trip that brings Elizabethtown College students face-to-face with the history, service, and lived realities of the American Civil Rights Movement. Inspired by Anthony Ray Hinton’s powerful 2022 campus visit, this immersive experience invites students to walk the path of history and reflect deeply on justice, equity, and their role as engaged citizens.
Each year, 18 students travel by van through six states—Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia, and Alabama—combining service, education, and reflection. In Tuscaloosa, students volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, working alongside local residents to help build homes and strengthen communities. The journey continues with four days of guided learning at pivotal civil rights landmarks, including the Legacy Museum, the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, and Selma’s Voter Rights Museum. Along the way, students engage in meaningful conversations, share meals, and experience the hospitality and culture of the South—deepening their understanding through personal connection.
For many participants, this trip is life-changing. Each year, at least one student shares that it is their first time ever leaving the state of Pennsylvania—underscoring the power of experiential learning to broaden perspectives, build empathy, and open new possibilities. Students return to campus with a deeper sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to service, justice, and civic engagement.
We are now raising funds to expand access to this impactful program so that more students—especially those with financial need—can participate. Your support helps remove financial barriers and ensures that every student who wants to engage in this once-in-a-lifetime learning experience has the opportunity to do so.
Funding Priorities Include:
- Transportation (vans, fuel, and travel logistics)
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Housing and meals for one week
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Museum and site admission fees
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Student scholarships to support participation
This Power of One Day, your gift helps build a bridge between education, service, and justice—empowering Elizabethtown College students to learn from the past and lead for a more just future.
Contact:
Javita Thompson
Senior Director for Engagement, Mission, and Impact
717-361-6048
thompsonjavita@etown.edu
