Bulkeley High School students attended public events at the capitol as part of the public service pathway. They experienced firsthand how numerous special interest groups work make their communities better.
Monday 4/22 was Youth Advocacy Day. The Sunrise Movement hosted students from BHS and University High School. Students chose to either tour the capitol to learn about local government or attend a press conference where Sunrise Movement explained their position on the importance of acting against climate change. USH’s esteemed student Siddarth Krishnan presented as well. A few students got the opportunity to tour the offices of the Legislative Office Building to explore the work behind the scenes of the legislative process and learn about the role an intern plays. Next, Students met with 3 legislators, David Michel, Jeff Currey, and Mike Demicco. Each engaged in conversation with the students; they shared information about the legislation they were involved in and the importance of young people getting involved in public action. The day concluded with a generous lunch provided by Sunshine Movement.
Tuesday 4/23 was Penguin Day and the 10th Annual Latino Advocacy Summit. Though the penguins were a little late to their debut, students got to see some penguins up close and learn how Mystic Aquarium raises awareness about its research efforts through outreach. The Latino Advocacy Summit was an enriching experience. It was attended by many stakeholders and notable individuals such as Governor Ned Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, Rep. James Sanchez, Rep. Antonio Filipe, Rep. Geraldo Reyes, and Rep. Minnie Gonzalez, president of the Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus. BHS student Lyla Lopez and pathway teacher Andrew Welch contributed to the panel discussion by asking questions to the panel. The discussion primarily focused on the advancement of the quality of life of the Latino community through financial literacy education; the representatives cited the legislation which resulted in Econ 1 being a mandatory course for 9th graders across Hartford public schools as a success in this effort. Students got to experience the depth and necessity of data gathering and community mapping in creating positive change in communities. The day ended with breaking bread together, as students and legislators enjoyed lunch together provided by the Hispanic Federation. They were kind enough to recognize and thank Bulkeley High School for attending; thank you for hosting us!
On Wednesday 4/24 students attended the Nonprofit Advocacy Day rally. Supporters gathered on the south lawn with to ask for increased funding. Signs and chants filled the air. There, students experienced first hand an event where stakeholders gather together to advocate for their cause. The students also went on tours led by interns, where interns discussed the benefits of internship positions. Seeking a legislative internship at the capitol is a way to get crucial experience and develop a strong network, both of which will help you get the job you want after college. It is highly recommended for any students who are interested in working in the public service field; students interested in learning more should speak to their public service pathway teachers.
Thursday 4/25 was Tuskegee Airman Commemoration, CT Sun Basketball Day, and Annual Immigrant Day. At the Tuskegee Airman Commemoration House Representatives, family members of Tuskegee airmen, and other stakeholders spoke about the importance of educating future generations about them: their sacrifices, the incredible standards they were held to and surpassed, and the way they were treated upon returning home from their invaluable contributions to the American people in the war effort. They cited the passing of the bill requiring high school students to take a Black and Latino Studies class as a success in this effort. They asked for April 26th to be recognized as Tuskegee Airman Day in CT. They were kind enough to recognize and thank Bulkeley High School for attending. Afterwards students met with WNBA players of the CT Suns, who autographed shirts and gave them to us. An important part of building community is recognizing its members! After lunch students got the experience of going onto the floor of the House of Representatives while it was in session, where they listened to the discussion about a bill which would ban the sale of energy drinks to children 16 and under in CT. The day ended with a tour of the capitol and briefly attending Annual Immigrant Day, which celebrated the impact of immigrants on Connecticut, before heading home and concluding the field trip series.
Students learned a great deal about how stakeholders can create positive change in communities and will continue to build on this learning in their Intro to Leadership and Leadership in the Community courses.