Orientation Breakfast: The preceding day, students from across the country arrived in Washington, D.C.  For many this was the first time on a plane, the first time out of their city and the first time in a hotel.  At orientation breakfast, they meet each other, meet the DtWT staff, learn about their upcoming days, receive a T-shirt that has a quote from their writing on it, along with other surprises to make their days in Washington fun and memorable. Friendships are formed between the students that last well beyond their time in Washington.

Kuwaiti Cultural Center: The Kuwait America Foundation has been the primary sponsor of DtWT since its inception.  The Kuwait Ambassador graciously welcomes students, parents, teachers and their families to the center as a gesture of hospitality and to introduce them to the customs of their country while recognizing the students for their courage to speak out against violence. 

Library of Congress:  A highlight of Recognition Week is the unique ceremony at the Library of Congress.  It is here that the writings of the student national ambassadors are presented to the Library in a beautiful leather bound book, rendering them as published authors with their work in the largest library in the world.  During this ceremony, students will share their stories with representatives from the Library as well as the Department of Education.   

Supreme Court:  Held in the auspicious Conference Room of the Supreme Court, our students again have the opportunity to share their stories with representatives from the Department of Justice, the Supreme Court, and The Washington Post.  The power of words is emphasized and the role words play in our judicial system, our rights of free speech and as agents for change from the classroom to the courtroom.

Capitol Hill:  In our democratic system, the people have the power to meet and discuss with their representatives aspects of society and the changes they support.  On Capitol Hill day, the DtWT student national ambassadors have the opportunity to meet with members of Congress to discuss youth violence. These meetings encourage our youth to be the catalysts for change that their stories seek to inspire and allows them the opportunity to see government in action.

Recognition Dinner: The culmination of National Recognition Week is a formal dinner where the students’ words are highlighted in a powerful and poignant presentation by the students.  Additional speakers and musicians give motivation, encouragement and recognition to our young student national ambassadors to round out a memorable time in Washington D.C. and quite possibly a life changing experience for them.