Our second domestic pilot program of the summer has officially wrapped up! 🎉
Last week, students from across the United States completed Lewis and Clark: Then and Now, an immersive program that explored the rich history, cultures, and communities of the Pacific Northwest while building the intercultural understanding and AFS Power Skills needed to thrive in today’s interconnected world.
Throughout the program, participants examined the region’s history from multiple perspectives through meaningful conversations and hands-on learning experiences. Highlights included:
- Learning from Indigenous community members of the Yakama and Chinook tribes
- Visiting culturally significant sites across Oregon and Washington, including the Columbia River Gorge, Fort Vancouver, and Astoria
- Exploring downtown Portland with visits to the Oregon Historical Society and Powell’s Books
By engaging with local experts, historic sites, and one another, students developed a deeper understanding of the region’s complex cultural landscape while building lasting friendships and gaining new perspectives on how history continues to shape communities today.
Lewis and Clark: Then and Now is the second of three domestic pilot programs taking place this summer as AFS-USA expands opportunities for intercultural learning and global competence here in the United States.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this program a success, including our staff, facilitators, host families, community partners, and volunteers whose support made these experiences possible.
Help us spread the word! Visit our social media channels to like, comment on, and share our Lewis and Clark recap post with your networks.
Stay tuned as we kick off our final domestic pilot program of the summer, The Table We Share: Food and Culture, next week!
To follow our domestic pilot programs and access future updates and resources, visit the AFS-USA Innovation Hub: afsusa.org/innovation-hub.
