SSCI 320: Human Rights in Washington, D.C.

With Professors Lindsey Bell-Kerr and Bryan Burton

College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts program in Washington, D.C., from June 16 to 23, 2026 during summer session (Sweden/Denmark June 2 to 14).

​

This unique opportunity is co-led by Professors Lindsey Bell-Kerr (History) and Bryan Burton (CCJS)

​

This program is open to all majors and the general public.

​

Students will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an experiential academic learning experience by engaging with departments and individuals both within and outside their academic major.

​

​

​

​

This 8-day program (subject to change), taking place in Washington, D.C. during summer 2026, offers SSU students an immersive academic and cultural experience across the nation’s capital.

​

Highlights include the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, museums on African American history, Indigenous sovereignty, and law enforcement, as well as memorials, service-learning opportunities, and advocacy organizations.

​

Students will explore themes of historical memory, democracy, justice, and civic engagement while examining contemporary issues such as structural inequality, threats to civil liberties, and democratic backsliding.

​

The program’s goal is to equip students with critical insight into U.S. and global human rights challenges.

​

WHAT DOES RESEARCH SUGGEST ABOUT STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS?

• Domestic "study away" programs, which place students in unfamiliar US settings (such as different regions or cultural communities), do foster adaptability, engagement, and self-confidence.

​

• It has been found that such programs have an even greater positive impact on academic success for low-income students, first-generation college students, and underrepresented groups.

​

• Students will remember these experiences for a lifetime.

​

• Students frequently cite these experiences as life-changing and foundational to personal growth

SOME PROGRAM DETAILS (open to all majors)

• 3 Units SSCI 320: Human Rights in Washington, D.C. (Summer Session)

​

• For CCJS students, counts for CCJS and/or CCJS/Social Science Electives

​

• Other majors often accept it for elective credit (check with advisor)

​

​

We will visit the National Archives.

WHY WASHINGTON, D.C.?

Part of the new Human Rights Minor�

Connections at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum�

Opportunities to engage with:�

• Human rights organizations and NGOs�
• Former and current political leaders�
• Advocates working on global justice issues

​

​

WHAT ELSE?

• Experiential learning: trips, site visits, and guest speakers�
• Interdisciplinary focus: history, law, political science, sociology, and criminology�
• Professional development: networking, research, and internship opportunities�
• Global perspective: understanding human rights challenges across different countries�
• Career pathways: preparation for work in law, policy, nonprofit sectors, and international organizations

​

​

​

SOME ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES

National Mall Walking Tour

Visit the U.S. National Museum of African American History and Culture

Visit National Museum of the American Indian

Visit U.S. Botanic Garden

Visit the National Law Enforcement Museum

Discuss complex issues, such as the recent ICE raids, from multiple viewpoints and how it relates to human rights.

SERVICING LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

THIS SOUNDS GREAT! WHAT DOES IT COST?

The three main costs of the program are:

1. SSU Tuition and Fees: $1,245
2. Program Fee: $1,500 (for 12 students)
3. Estimated flight: $400

Additional meals and personal expenses: $500

Total program cost: $3,645 (see more details here)

*Most affordable SSU 2026 study away summer program

​

The Program Fee includes:

Housing throughout the program (shared rooms in American University dorms)

Any required on-site fees and cultural events

6 breakfasts and 2 dinners

Cultural events (included in program fee) :

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum (multiple sessions)

National Mall tours (Washington, Lincoln, MLK Jr., Jefferson, FDR, war memorials)

National Museum of African American History and Culture

National Museum of the American Indian & U.S. Botanic Garden

National Law Enforcement Museum

National Archives, U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court, Library of Congress

Service-learning projects & Calvary Women’s Shelter

​

What is Not Included:

Round-trip flight

Meals not included in the program

Other personal expenses

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

HOW DO I GO?

​

• You will need a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license!

​

• To travel to Washington, passengers 18 and older must present either a REAL ID-compliant state driver's license or an alternative acceptable form of identification like a valid US passport at the airport.

​

• Apply here

IMPORTANT DATES

Important Dates:

​

Application Deadline: February 5, 2026

​

$500 Deposit Due: February 20, 2026

​

Final Program Fee Due: April 1, 2026

​

Tuition and Fees Due: May 2026

HOW DO I GET HELP FINANCING THIS PROGRAM?

Some tips for getting started:

​

• Start early and apply to everything that may be eligible for you.
• Start locally (Often many campus based scholarships have the fewest number of applicants.)
• Visit the Writing Center (First floor Schultz Library) to work on your essay for many different scholarship applications.
• Ask your teachers about any scholarships they may know about in your field of study.
• Do not FORGET about your community: clubs, churches, volunteer organizations may be willing to sponsor you.
• Stop by the Scholarship Office.

MORE QUESTIONS ?

• Please reach out to us with any questions. We are here to help!
• Dr. Bryan Burton

bryan.burton@sonoma.edu

• Rev. Lindsey Bell-Kerr

bellkerrl@sonoma.edu

​

​