I am writing to report the success of Discovering Amistad’s inaugural Summer Voyages last year, as well as to announce that we are now accepting applications for our 2018 programs. When we corresponded last year, I recall that you felt there might be students at The Sound School who would be interested in this opportunity—especially given our shared maritime focus—so I’m sending you this year’s materials in the hopes that some will join us.
Discovering Amistad is recruiting current high school sophomores and juniors for our 2018 Summer Voyages. As you know, these two-week sailing adventures aboard the tall ship Amistad are designed for college-bound high school students, especially those who will be the first in their families to attend college. As we sail through Long Island Sound to New York City and back, we will stop to visit a variety of colleges—including Eastern Connecticut State University, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Yale University and others—and hold workshops to help prepare our students for the college application process. Along the way, students will learn to sail a traditional vessel and live as a community aboard ship. Because history and its legacy are integral to the mission of our organization, Summer Voyage participants will explore the story of the Amistad Africans in depth. With expert guest speakers and our educators acting as facilitators, they will engage in discussions about present-day issues of justice and equality that will be of continuing relevance to them in college and beyond.
This year we will undertake three Voyages: June 25-July 8, July 16-29, and August 3-16. Because we believe that financial hardship should not be a barrier to participation, all accepted students will receive full scholarships except for an activity fee of $100.
I have attached two documents: the program brochure and an info packet. The packet contains a detailed overview of the program, an application form for students, and information for teachers and other recommenders about what we are looking for in an applicant. (All of these documents have been updated since last year.) We can also supply hard copies of the brochure to be distributed to relevant classrooms and departments. If you have any questions about Discovering Amistad or our programming, we would be happy to speak with you further.
Our students from last year have now been accepted to college, many with significant scholarships. Their feedback about the Summer Voyage was overwhelmingly positive, and many have also expressed interest in returning to Amistad as intern deckhands. We thank you for your help in providing more students with this unique opportunity for personal growth and preparation for their continued education!
Rachel Margolis
Director of Summer Programs
Discovering Amistad
129 Church Street, Suite 521
New Haven, CT 06510
(802) 299-7004
