Smithsonian and Putney Student Travel Launch “Smithsonian Student Travel”

Inspiring High School Students To Travel, Learn and Engage
January 5, 2021
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The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, and Putney Student Travel, a premier student travel provider headquartered in Vermont, have launched a new collection of educational travel programs for high school students. Smithsonian Student Travel offers unique travel experiences to destinations ranging from Washington, D.C., to other U.S. and international locations, and is informed by the Smithsonian’s vast knowledge and resources built over nearly 175 years, combined with Putney’s 70 years of experience delivering high-quality and transformative student programs.

Smithsonian Student Travel programs are crafted around themes that are perfect for students who are curious to explore a new topic or interest or to dig deeper into one that is already a passion. Each program focuses on a unique and relevant topic, ranging from conservation and science to history, cultures, technology and innovation, and offers access to museum collections, local experts and researchers at locations around the world.

“We are excited to expand Smithsonian’s global travel experiences with these innovative new programs for high school students,” said Lynn Cutter, senior vice president of Smithsonian Travel. “These programs, developed in collaboration with the exceptional team at Putney Student Travel, will educate and inspire high school students to gain the tools necessary to help shape their and our future.”

Smithsonian Student Travel offers two types of summer programs: Smithsonian On Campus and Smithsonian Student Journeys. On Campus programs are based in Washington, D.C., at a centrally located campus and take a deeper look into specific seminar themes, including Air & Space, Democracy & Media, Entrepreneurship, Race & Social Justice, Technology & Innovation, Wildlife & Conservation and more.

Student Journeys are travel programs that take students to destinations in the U.S. and around the world. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the history, culture, cuisine, language and environment of their destination while working on independent projects of their choosing. Students can explore the evolution of sustainable design in Denmark and at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, focus on climate change and renewable energy in Iceland, learn about marine ecology and conservation on Vancouver Island, and more.

“The Smithsonian’s dedication to learning is well known, and it has earned its reputation as one of America’s most trusted institutions,” said Jeffrey Shumlin, director of Putney Student Travel. “At a time when quality and trust are more important than ever, we are proud to be working with this iconic institution to offer these distinctive travel experiences.”

Although the Smithsonian museums are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first programs are expected to launch in the summer of 2021. For more information, visit www.smithsonianstudenttravel.org.

About the Smithsonian

Since its founding in 1846, the Smithsonian Institution has been committed to inspiring generations through knowledge and discovery. It is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 19 museums, the National Zoological Park and nine research facilities. There are 6,300 Smithsonian employees and 7,300 volunteers. There were nearly 22 million visits to the Smithsonian in 2019. The total number of objects, works of art and specimens at the Smithsonian is estimated at nearly 155 million, of which nearly 146 million are scientific specimens at the National Museum of Natural History. www.smithsonian.org

About Smithsonian Enterprises

Smithsonian Enterprises oversees the commercial activities of the Smithsonian through a variety of business activities. The media division includes Smithsonian and Air & Space magazines, which reach over 8 million monthly readers; SmithsonianMag.com with more than 8.8 million unique monthly visitors; and the Smithsonian Channel, which is available in over 55 million households globally on all cable, satellite and streaming platforms. The retail operation includes 35 museum and airport stores, Smithsonianstore.com, two IMAX theaters and food concessions. It also oversees consumer and education licensed products with over 85 licensees in categories such as toys, publishing, collectibles, jewelry and home; and Smithsonian Books, which offers non-fiction and illustrated titles. The travel division operates Smithsonian Journeys, an adult small-group travel program offering more than 300 departures annually, and Smithsonian Student Travel. www.Smithsonian.com.

About Putney Student Travel

Since 1951, Putney Student Travel has offered high school and middle school students the opportunity and insight to shape their world through travel, unique cultural engagement, friendship and fun. Summer programs in the U.S. and abroad range from one to five weeks in length and include the themes of Pre-College Enrichment, Service, Language, Exploration and Career. www.goputney.com

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SI-3-2021

Solo Medios 

Angela Ferragamo

SmithsonianJourneys@si.edu
(To book a trip, call 855-330-1542)

Jillian Hobday

(866) 870-2350

jillian@goputney.com

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