“The Power of Connection: Bridging Generations, Inspiring Healing.”
Program OVERVIEW
Connecting Generations opens the world of educational travel to students, fulfilling the last wishes of World War II veterans to see their stories live on. Beyond classrooms, the program enriches entire communities by preserving and sharing these legacies. Students don’t just learn history—they become storytellers, leaders, and ambassadors of remembrance.
Our Core Values
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HONOR
At Connecting Generations, we’re all about helping young people grow into thoughtful, caring leaders. To us, living with honor means being honest, doing what’s right, owning your actions, and treating everyone with kindness and respect. These values help you become the kind of leader who makes a positive difference—in school, in your community, and in life.
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COURAGE
Strength of character means having the courage to do what’s right—even when it’s difficult. It’s about being honest, standing up for your beliefs, and treating yourself and others with respect. This kind of inner strength helps you face tough situations, make wise choices, and become a leader others can trust and look up to.
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COMMIMENT
We believe every young person has the power to grow through dedication and discipline. That means working hard, staying focused, and not giving up—especially when things get tough. When students show this kind of commitment, they not only reach their goals but also learn to honor and remember the brave heroes who protected our freedom.
“Experience World War II through the eyes of the heroes who lived it—where strategy, sacrifice, and victory come to life.”
— Private Wilson COLWELL , WWII
Participants - Fifteen schools will be selected, with priority for underserved students, expanding equitable access to advanced historical learning.
Focus - A curriculum-aligned immersion in World War II history, with the Normandy Campaign serving as a case study to examine military strategy, democratic values, and the human costs of global conflict.
Experience Includes -
Educational travel to Normandy battlefields, reinforcing place-based learning and historical inquiry
Expert lectures from historians, veterans, and military scholars, supporting analysis of primary and secondary sources
Guided site visits that foster critical thinking about leadership, resilience, and the ethical dimensions of war
Cross-generational mentorship, promoting intergenerational dialogue and the transmission of historical memory
Support Provided - Full guidance with applications, eligibility requirements, travel logistics, and pre-trip academic preparation, ensuring that the program integrates seamlessly with school curricula.
Alignment with Academic Standards
History/Social Studies: Deepens historical understanding through experiential learning, primary source analysis, and contextual study of World War II
Civics & Citizenship: Connects lessons of duty, sacrifice, and democracy to modern civic responsibility
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Builds empathy, ethical awareness, and resilience through reflective practice and dialogue with mentors
Leadership & Communication: Strengthens public speaking, storytelling, and collaborative skills as students become ambassadors of remembrance
Outcomes
Students will: Preserve history by documenting and amplifying veterans’ legacies
Develop historical literacy through inquiry-based, experiential study
Grow as civic leaders by linking past lessons to present responsibilities
Cultivate empathy and character through reflection on human sacrifice and moral choice
Program at a GLANCE
Program CURRICULUM
Our World War II curriculum, developed with the direct insights of those who experienced it, provides students with an in-depth examination of the human strategies, sacrifices, and stories that defined the conflict. Grounded in essential historical context, the program integrates firsthand accounts from veterans, offering students a unique opportunity to study the four core elements of warfare. This approach highlights how each branch of service played a distinct role in achieving victory, and how their collective efforts ensured the preservation of freedom for future generations.
For STUDENTS
The program is designed to promote comprehensive growth among students. Through its academic component, participants strengthen their understanding of history and civics, while the integrated travel experience cultivates resilience, independence, and leadership skills. Upon completion, students demonstrate increased cultural awareness, enhanced empathy, and a deeper commitment to values such as duty, honor, and sacrifice, all of which hold critical relevance in contemporary society.
For SCHOOLS
Schools flourish with this program, gaining an enriched curriculum that extends far beyond textbooks. By weaving it into history and social studies courses, educators empower students to think critically, embrace civic responsibility, and develop a global perspective. Partnerships with veterans, historians, and mentors bring lessons to life, sparking powerful cross-generational connections that leave a lasting mark on both students and communities.
APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Application Process — To be considered, each school must be nominated through a student-written letter that demonstrates a genuine love of history, respect for veterans, appreciation of the U.S. military, and commitment to civic responsibility.
Award — Selected schools will receive a fully funded, eight-day academic journey to Normandy for 20 students and four educators. This immersive experience allows participants to:
Walk the historic battlefields of World War II
Engage in place-based historical study and reflection
Honor the sacrifices of those who served
Return home prepared to share enduring lessons of courage, resilience, and unity with their schools and communities
Investing into our FUTURE
Honoring the wishes of World War II veterans means ensuring their stories, sacrifices, and lessons continue to guide future generations. Connecting Generations fulfills this mission by immersing underserved students in the history of World War II—strengthening academic achievement while fostering critical thinking, cultural literacy, and civic responsibility. With donor support, students gain access to world-class educational travel, mentorship, and leadership training that prepare them for higher education and future careers. In doing so, we carry forward the legacy entrusted to us by the veterans themselves—shaping thoughtful, informed, and engaged citizens, and strengthening the vitality of our communities for years to come.
Our Investment Covers
Round-trip international airfare to and from France
Accommodations in Normandy at historically significant venues
Professional documentation provided by production teams to capture the journey
Curated pre-tour academic resources, including readings and films aligned with WWII
Private engagement opportunities with the last living veterans of World War II
VIP access to significant historical landmarks and commemorative sites in Normandy
First-class, private motor coach transportation with full amenities
Comprehensive entrance fees covering all museums, landmarks, and cultural institutions
Custom commemorative materials, including rucksack, luggage tags, and identification badge
Comprehensive international travel insurance to ensure participant security and peace of mind