SILVER SPRING, MD (Thursday, October 14, 2021) — Discovery Education today announced the Voices of U.S., a Virtual Field Trip series in partnership with Discovery, Inc. that introduces students to the principles, people, and perspectives that shape our nation and inspires them to participate in civic life. The first installment – entitled Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve – will help teachers and students around the world learn about the importance of service through a celebration of Veterans Day. This series is built on the successful City of U.S. Virtual Field Trip, which took students on a virtual trip around Washington D.C. Created in partnership with Discovery Inc., the Voices of U.S. virtual experience premieres on Wednesday, November 10th at 1:00 PM ET at discoveryeducation.com/learn/voices-of-us.
Designed to engage upper elementary and middle school students in a variety of topics related to veterans and public service and support greater student agency, the Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve Virtual Field Trip:
- Features notable U.S. military veterans and/or active-duty members who will share personal stories about their military experiences and explain why they chose to serve their country;
- Highlights historic locations symbolizing and amplifying service, honor, and duty;
- Inspires students to consider ways they can also act and serve their communities.
Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve begins by introducing viewers to the student hosts who are guiding this important virtual event. Through four engaging segments, students will hear from U.S. veterans about their service while learning more about Veterans Day, as well as distinguished national leaders, including:
- Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
- Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11)
- Neal McIntyre, Deputy Superintendent at Arlington National Cemetery
Extraordinary students served by Operation Homefront, the national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families, will also ask Rep. Sherrill about her service and its importance to the nation. Additional details on this exciting event can be found here.
“As a company commander who served over 23 years in our nation’s uniform, and as the mother of a West Point cadet, I was proud to take part in the Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve Virtual Field Trip to share the value of service I was taught in the military with our next generation of leaders,” said Senator Joni Ernst, the first female combat veteran elected to the U.S. Senate. “Just like the brave men and women who answer the call to protect our country, I encourage students across Iowa and America to follow in the footsteps of these heroes by living a life of service to their families, communities, state, and country.”
“I could not be more proud to share my experiences as a veteran and in public service with so many students through Discovery Education’s virtual field trip series,” said Rep. Sherrill. “The opportunities I’ve had to serve have been a privilege, and it is incredible to see so many young people interested in public service. Thank you to Discovery Education and Discovery, Inc. for bringing together all of the presenters for this project, and for honoring Veterans Day in such a fitting way for Discovery’s student audience.”
The Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve is accompanied by a helpful instructional resource for students in grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8 created by Discovery Education’s expert Curriculum Team, which are available on the event homepage. In addition, the segmented production of the Virtual Field Trip empowers teachers to either view the entire program with their classrooms as a single live event or use selected segments for specific lessons. The special will also air exclusively on Discovery Family and in Spanish on Discovery Familia.
The Voices of U.S. Virtual Field Trip series builds upon the successful City of U.S. Virtual Field Trip, which featured First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. The City of U.S. helps all students experience the history and beauty of Washington D.C. through a tour of the federal city’s many historic landmarks.
The Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve is the latest Virtual Field Trip produced by Discovery Education – the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Previous Discovery Education Virtual Field Trips can be found here or in the Virtual Field Trips Channel within the company’s recently updated K-12 learning platform connecting educators to a vast collection of compelling high-quality, standards-aligned content, ready-to-use digital lessons, and professional learning resources.
“Veterans have helped make this nation what it is today, and students can learn so much about service, honor, and history from their stories,” said Scott Kinney, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Education. “We are thankful to be teaming up with Discovery, Inc. to bring this powerful Virtual Field Trip to classrooms nationwide and are grateful to the guest presenters for taking the time to share their experiences and perspectives with students.
“Discovery, Inc. is a mission-driven company with a long history of using its brand reach for positive change and impact. We are excited to share these important stories and experiences with our audiences,” said Alexa Verveer, Executive Vice President, Global Public Policy, Corporate & Government Affairs at Discovery, Inc.
For more information about Voices of U.S. – Why We Serve Virtual Field Trip or Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning services, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through Twitter and LinkedIn. To learn more about Discovery’s Social Good programs, please visit Discovery’s ESG website.
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About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the worldwide edtech leader whose state-of-the-art digital platform supports learning wherever it takes place. Through its award-winning multimedia content, instructional supports, and innovative classroom tools, Discovery Education helps educators deliver equitable learning experiences engaging all students and supporting higher academic achievement on a global scale. Discovery Education serves approximately 4.5 million educators and 45 million students worldwide, and its resources are accessed in over 140 countries and territories. Inspired by the global media company Discovery, Inc., Discovery Education partners with districts, states, and trusted organizations to empower teachers with leading edtech solutions that support the success of all learners. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
About Discovery, Inc.
Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player, Food Network Kitchen and MotorTrend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media; a landmark natural history and factual content partnership with the BBC; and a strategic alliance with PGA TOUR to create the international home of golf. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and the forthcoming multi-platform JV with Chip and Joanna Gaines, Magnolia, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe. For more information, please visit corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.
Contact
Grace Maliska | Discovery Education | gmaliska@discoveryed.com