In June, eight Immokalee students ventured to Washington, D.C. for a week-long trip that one student described as "life changing." The students toured the U.S. Capitol, rode the D.C. Metro, walked the National Mall, wandered the halls of the Smithsonian museums, and visited monuments to wars and soldiers and presidents. They had the opportunity to interact with D.C.'s diverse collection of residents and tourists. And they met other students from all over the U.S.

“You actually get to experience a new world," said Jesus Valezco, one of TIF's Take Stock in Children students. "It’s so different than what you see in Immokalee.”

Five of the eight students made their way to the nation's capital thanks to the generosity of donors who contributed to our Fund A Dream™ "auction" at the 2010 Charity Classic Celebration. This year's Fund A Dream™ — part of the 2011 Charity Classic Celebration at the Ritz-Carlton Naples Beach Resort on November 11 — will offer similar opportunities to help Immokalee's children experience the world.

“I’ve seen so many things on this trip," said Diana Avila-Pineda, a Take Stock in Children participant and Immokalee Readers tutor, as she stood outside the U.S. Capitol building. "It’s amazing.”

Continue on to see great photos from the D.C. experience.

Arriving at Reagan International Airport just outside of D.C.

Diana, Natrone, Jesus, and Elijah posing just north of the U.S. Capitol.

A stroll along the National Mall.

TIF program mananger and trip chaperone Noemi Perez in front of the Washington Monument.

Students congregate on the steps of the Smithsonian's Air & Space Museum.

Getting ready to a visit to the Cannon House Office Building.

Looking dapper in front of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Crowding in the elevator on the way to meet a U.S. Representative.

U.S. Representative David Rivera, who represents Immokalee, in the Cannon House Office Building.

Representative Rivera poses with students from his district — TIF students included.

Gathering for a snaphot in the Library of Congress.

Exhibiting state pride at the World War II Memorial.

Lemuel, Diana, and Natrone checking out the World War II Memorial.

Gas station near Union Station makes us glad we didn't have to rent a car.

A must-have shot at the Smithsonian's Natural History Museum.

Natrone cannot contain himself — he loves D.C.!

Taking a tour of the U.S. Capitol Building.

Immokalee students (including many from Immokalee's Redlands Christian Migrant Association Center) strike a pose.

Gettin' goofy on the streets of Washington, D.C.

Our students became experts at navigating the D.C. Metro subway system.

Efren, Jesus, Natrone, Diana, Lemuel, and Cassandra enjoy a quiet D.C. moment.