Albany Unified School District arranged a trip to Virginia described as being for “young men and women of color,” where students toured Historically Black Colleges and Universities and took part in discussions on topics like social justice. The details came from records obtained by the parental rights group Defending Education and shared with the Daily Caller News Foundation. The school board approved the trip, which cost the district $42,845.
According to district materials, the trip was part of a broader mentoring effort. The program is described as creating a space where students can talk openly about their experiences while building academic and personal skills. It includes conversations about leadership, mental health, education, and self-awareness, with the stated goal of helping participants succeed and make a broader impact.
In addition to visiting colleges, students stopped at several historical sites, including the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial, and the Black Heritage Trail.
A district spokesperson said the trip was not limited by race in practice. Julie Sen, executive assistant to the superintendent, told the Daily Caller News Foundation that any student who showed interest and met academic requirements could participate. She said the district’s goal is to provide an inclusive environment where all students feel supported and prepared for what comes next.
Still, documents show the district runs other initiatives that emphasize support for non-white students and staff. Its 2025–2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan includes programs specifically labeled for “Young Men of Color and Young Women of Color,” which are part of a broader effort focused on social-emotional and mental health support. That initiative carries a budget of more than $1.25 million.