“WHERE HISTORY BECOMES A LIVING CLASSROOM.”
“Rooted in the legacy of 1944, our program builds courage, gratitude, and civic responsibility—and calls students to carry forward the stories of service that have protected our nation’s freedom.”
The Class of 44
In honor of the pivotal events of 1944 and the D-Day landings in Normandy, each participating school selects 44 students to participate in a scholarship-supported, curriculum-connected experience in Normandy, France. Through immersive, place-based learning and firsthand accounts, students deepen their understanding of history, cultivate civic responsibility, and help carry forward the legacy of service and sacrifice—ensuring that the courage of the Greatest Generation endures in the hearts and leadership of future generations.
Anchored in the timeless values of Duty, Honor, and Country…
Anchored in the enduring values of Duty, Honor, and Country, Connecting Generations: Class of ’44 serves as both a historical compass and a moral framework for student learning. Through the personal narratives and consequential choices of World War II, students examine the ethical demands of leadership, service, and sacrifice. In doing so, the program cultivates intellect and empathy alike—encouraging moral courage, responsible citizenship, and a lasting understanding of what it means to serve a purpose greater than oneself.
Teaching the Past, Inspiring the Future.
As the last living witnesses of World War II pass from living memory, the responsibility to preserve and teach their stories becomes ever more profound. By bringing students to the historic shores of Normandy, the program enables them to learn directly from the past—honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who served while turning memory into meaning. In this way, it not only safeguards the legacy of WWII, but also inspires young Americans to value freedom, choose unity, and carry forward the enduring hope of peace.
