Westfield State Students Explore State Government and History in Boston

Westfield State University’s Summer Bridge Program offered incoming first-generation and new students a unique, immersive learning experience, which for one class this year, included  an educational trip to Boston.

Charles DiStefano, Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Master of Public Administration, Policy, and Civic Engagement program, led his State and Local Government class on a visit to the Massachusetts State House, providing students with a firsthand look at the inner workings of the legislative process.

“It’s important for them to know how it works because it affects a lot of their day-to-day lives,” DiStefano emphasized. “If they understand how it works, they can do a better job of holding government accountable.”

The visit, a highlight of the five-week Summer Bridge Program, was made possible through the efforts of Caitlyn Letourneau, Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Senator John Velis and a Westfield State alumna. Letourneau, who holds a degree in political science from the University. She worked closely with Professor DiStefano to arrange the class’s tour of the State House, where the students also met with Representative Kelly Pease, another Westfield State political science graduate. Pease provided the class with valuable insights into the legislative process and the realities of working in government.

“I was impressed by how engaged the students were,” DiStefano said. “They asked great questions that tied directly back to what they’ve been learning in class.” He added that the trip helped reinforce the difference between state and U.S. government.

Following their time at the State House, the students embarked on a journey along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path through Boston that features 16 historically significant sites, including Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, the Paul Revere House, and the Boston Massacre Site. To better interact with the Freedom Trail, students acted as tour guides by researching and presenting on their assigned location.

“The students knocked it out of the ballpark,” DiStefano remarked proudly. “They were prepared, energized, and instead of just hearing from me, they learned from each other.”

As this was the inaugural year for the Boston trip, Professor DiStefano noted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, some of whom had never visited the city before. The experience of meeting successful University alumni, combined with the hands-on learning opportunities, offered the students a glimpse into the possibilities that a political science degree can offer.

“There are job opportunities for them in state and local government,” Professor DiStefano said. “And so, they saw an elected official who graduated from Westfield State University and another graduate who works for elected officials. It was funny… one of the students asked Caitlyn Letourneau if she’d ever be interested in running for office, and Caitlyn said no. Political Science is not just about becoming a politician. There are a lot of people who work in government where they’re career public officials. There are opportunities for any major,  if they want a career where they can make a difference, and see the difference they’re making, in government.”