Sylvia and Richard Kaufman Interfaith Institute

Sacred Excursions is an immersive educational program that allows 7th grade world history students to learn about religions directly from the people who practice them. Through two field trips over the course of the school year, students engage with sacred spaces, religious communities, and cultural traditions in ways that bring classroom learning to life.

The program includes one field trip each semester, providing opportunities for students to visit up to three different sacred sites during the year. Collectively, students from each participating school may be exposed to six major world religions. All participating sacred sites receive training from the Kaufman Interfaith Institute to ensure that presentations and learning experiences align with state-mandated social studies and world history standards.

The Sacred Excursions experience begins at the Kaufman Interfaith Institute at Grand Valley State University, where students gain foundational knowledge about the role of religion in world history. They participate in interactive activities focused on cultural humility, learn how to use their site-specific curriculum workbooks, and develop skills for respectfully engaging with diverse faith communities.

Following these introductory sessions, students are divided into three groups and travel to different sacred sites. During each visit, students share an authentic meal representative of the tradition, learn about the core beliefs and practices of the faith, and hear firsthand about the lived experiences of community members who practice that religion.

The second field trip takes place in the Spring semester. Students travel directly from their schools to one sacred site for a morning visit and then to a different sacred site in the afternoon. This structure allows each student to experience three distinct sacred sites throughout the school year.

Because students are divided among different sites, the school community as a whole gains exposure to six religious traditions. Students then share their learning with one another through peer-to-peer instruction, reinforcing their understanding and strengthening their confidence in discussing world religions.

Perhaps the most powerful outcome of Sacred Excursions is the personal connection students develop with people from different faith traditions. Many participants report that after visiting a sacred site, they feel like they “know someone” from that tradition.

Research in social psychology supports the value of these experiences. Intergroup Contact Theory suggests that, under the right conditions, meaningful interactions between people from different social groups can reduce prejudice, foster understanding, and build stronger communities. By creating opportunities for authentic encounters across religious differences, Sacred Excursions helps students develop empathy, curiosity, and the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly diverse world.