(Radio Iowa) – Eighteen middle school students and a team of chaperones from southwest Iowa are on a ten-day road trip to the East Coast, with most of the time spent in Washington, D-C. Essex Community Schools Superintendent Mike Wells is serving as the main tour guide and says they have a very full schedule ahead.

Wells says he hopes the cross-country trek gives students a sense of history, especially in Washington, while the journey also offers an important lesson in independence.

The students raised thousands of dollars to cover expenses. Essex community development director Tess Nelson coordinated the fundraising efforts, which were many.

The Essex contingent is due back in Iowa on June 29th.