Baldwin High School Students Participate in “Leaving2Learn” at White House Experience

Baldwin High School seniors recently sat in the Oval Office—or at least a life-size replica of it!

Students enrolled in the district’s career-focused courses, Senior Experience or Senior Internship, recently paid a visit to the White House Experience and Museum of Democracy at Long Island University (LIU)’s Roosevelt School for a unique “Leaving2Learn” excursion. The district was among the first to participate in the exhibit when it launched last year.

LIU’s Roosevelt School provides in-depth studies in international relations and diplomacy, public policy, administration, and leadership via a diverse array of degree programs. The university’s White House reproduction is the only one located in the Northeast and one of four in the entire country.

In addition, the university partnered with the Museum of Democracy to designate the Roosevelt School as a permanent exhibition space to more than a million pieces of American presidential history. The exhibit houses the largest and most extensive collection of historical and political campaign memorabilia in the country, spanning presidential campaigns from George Washington to the contemporary period. Additionally, the collection includes items related to significant social causes and movements focused on freedom and democracy. The artifacts reflect the evolution of politics and political reform in America, as well as key civil rights issues, such as women's rights and social justice.

During the excursion, students were able to take a seat at the resolute desk and immerse themselves in a role-playing experience within the Situation Room, gaining insight into the responsibilities of the President of the United States as they adopted various positions, from secretary of defense to press secretary, during a crisis simulation. The Leaving2Learn also allowed students to engage in a mock press briefing in an setting that closely resembles what is broadcasted on C-SPAN.

The exhibit also served as a hub for access to presidential materials. Through this learning excursion, the high school seniors utilized all “six C’s of education:” creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, character and citizenship. 

“Attending the White House experience at LIU gives students the opportunity to build essential decision-making skills by immersing them in real-world situations where timely and strategic choices are crucial,” said Dr. Gabriella Franza, Assistant Director of Instructional Programs. “This hands-on experience equips students to navigate complex challenges with confidence and clarity.”

By participating in LIU’s White House Experience, Baldwin students also earned points towards their New York State Department of Education’s Seal of Civic Readiness—a formal recognition that a student has attained a high level of proficiency in terms of civic knowledge, civic skills, civic mindset, and civic experiences. The distinction appears on a high school transcript and diploma.

Launched in the 2023-2024 school year, Baldwin High School’s Senior Experience is an innovative course that allows seniors to engage in real-world professional hands-on learning experiences for a deeper exploration of their potential career. The course curriculum is in line with the district’s focus on developing future-oriented programs, while empowering students to take charge of their education and coursework as “producers.” In addition to Senior Experience, students have the opportunity to enroll in Senior Internship, another full-year class that enables students to take an internship. Both courses are part of the district’s “School2Career” initiative.  

Overall, the Baldwin students found the experience at LIU’s White House Experience to be highly educational, enlightening, and entertaining!