Fort Worth ISD Announces International Dual Language Enrichment Camp in Partnership with Mexico’s Monterrey Institute of Technology
Fort Worth Independent School District, in partnership with Fort Worth Sister Cities International and Mexico’s prestigious Monterrey Institute of Technology, will launch the Dual Language Enrichment Camp this summer. This groundbreaking three-week program represents a one-of-a-kind collaboration that will bring seven university students from Mexico to develop and teach innovative curriculum under expert supervision, working alongside seven Fort Worth ISD teachers.
The camp will run from June 13 through July 5, 2025, at Clifford Davis Elementary School. The program is open to all currently enrolled dual language students in kindergarten through fifth grade from any FWISD campus.
“This program represents our commitment to preparing students for an interconnected world,” said Dr. Marie Mendoza, Fort Worth ISD’s Executive Director of Emergent Bilingual Programs. “By delivering rigorous academic standards with genuine cultural experiences, we’re creating an authentic language and content learning environment that goes far beyond traditional textbook education.”The program’s unique structure features university students from Monterrey Institute of Technology developing and implementing cutting-edge curriculum under the supervision of two experienced educators. This approach allows Fort Worth students to experience innovative teaching methods while the visiting university students gain hands-on classroom experience in an international setting.
Beyond classroom instruction, the visiting group from Toluca will participate in an extensive cultural immersion program. They will explore Fort Worth’s rich heritage through visits to the Historic Stockyards, Kimbell Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum, and AT&T Stadium. Community service opportunities at the Tarrant Area Food Bank and Diamond Hill Community Center will demonstrate how cultural exchange extends to serving others.
A key component of the program is the host family initiative, where Fort Worth families will open their homes to the visiting university students and educators. This element transforms the academic exchange into lasting international relationships, with families sharing meals, weekend adventures, and daily experiences that enrich the educational tapestry for all participants.
“This isn’t just language learning – it’s education through genuine human connection,” said Toluca Chair Wilma Lopez. “The host family component creates deep personal bonds that will continue long after the program ends.”
The program will conclude with a closing ceremony on July 2, celebrating the remarkable progress students will make during their three-week immersive experience. This ceremony will be open to families and the community.
This innovative camp sets a powerful precedent for future international educational collaborations, demonstrating that when educators, families, and communities unite around a shared vision, extraordinary learning opportunities emerge naturally.