News & Events

Fellows in the Batten Leadership Program are starting their summer by gaining experiential learning through travel. Fellows in the Class of 2026 are spending mid-June in Peru, while students in the Class of 2027 are studying around Virginia. 

They're providing regular updates and photos to show all they're learning.

Saturday, June 14: The flight this morning was about an hour and a half and had many pretty views of the mountains. We landed and got our suitcases, then headed to the vans. We all drove to a great restaurant and had a pizza lunch. After, we packed ourselves back in the vans and drove for an hour and a half to Calca. First, we stopped at the EcoHuella farm. Yessica, the owner of the farm, talked to us about the importance of sustainable farming. We got to tour the greenhouse and seed storage unit. Also, we got to see the guinea pigs and take many cute photos. Then, we had an awesome dinner of quinoa and chicken and had a small orientation from AASD (Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development). We ended the day back at the hotel, where we met as a group to play soccer and card games. - Peru

Sunday, June 15: Today we visited the Inkariy Museum to learn about the many tribes of Pre-Columbian Peru. They had replicas of a religious ceremony for all that were cool to see. The museum had a unique approach, starting with artifacts and then leading into many wax replicas showing depictions of life during those times. Then, we visited the AASD office to learn about coffee production in South America and distribution to the rest of the world. They allowed us to do a fragrance test, where we tried to identify the different aromas found in coffee. We were able to learn about the differences between the coffee grown in Peru versus in other regions as well as sample both types to compare. After lunch, we visited the Youth Association of Jewelry Makers in Urco to make rings and bracelets, as well as learn about the production of string from alpaca and sheep wool. We returned to our hotel for dinner, then were given a little bit of time to explore the city of Calca. - Peru

Monday, June 16: We came to school bright and early and drove to Richmond to speak with the state Secretary of Natural and Historical Resources and her deputy at the Patrick Henry building. While discussing their approaches to southwest Virginia's unique environmental issues, we learned more about Governor Youngkin's ACCELERATE Southwest initiative that aims to develop the region's economy by building infrastructure and lowering the cost of living. They reintroduced hunting and tourism as well by growing the elk population and diversifying the ecosystem. Next, we toured the Virginia Capitol and learned about the history of legislation in Virginia. We sat down in the House of Delegates' room and pretended to be newly-elected delegates voting on a bill. Around the capital, we got to see architecture that differed from the colonial and British norm, instead taking after Roman styles. After a four-hour bus ride, we arrived at the hotel, had dinner, and started conversations with icebreakers. - Virginia

Monday, June 16: We began our day with a long bus ride. The winding narrow mountain roads helped remind us of how isolated some of these communities are. Upon arriving in Qenqo we were greeted with fresh flowers as the town leaders introduced themselves. From there we ventured to where they were working on their newest section of afforestation; over the course of several years they have worked to plant tens of thousands of trees to help combat climate change. There we helped to dig swale that will be used to help water plants when the weather warms up. After having lunch we got to learn more about the community from those that live there, including hearing about the strawberries that they grow in their greenhouses. After saying our goodbyes we toured their strawberry greenhouses and got to try fresh strawberries. - Peru

Tuesday, June 17: We started our day early to make the two-hour drive to the UVA Wise campus. Once we arrived, we were welcomed by a panel consisting of Jeffery Baylor, Jenny Nichols, and Dr. Clint Pinion. We discussed the role of education in the development of southwest Virginia and focused on student needs and the lifestyle before and after the college experience. We then took a tour of the campus. After this, we went to the Wrap Technologies factory, where we learned about the Bola wrap. This technology is a new tool for law enforcement to use to aid in de-escalation. The technology wraps around its target, along with a flash and gunshot noise to startle, rather than electrocute. Its purpose is to de-escalate situations in a less violent manner. They took us through their temporary facility, and later through the new warehouse they are building. There, we spoke mainly about their hiring process. Because the Bola Wrap is considered a firearm, the hiring process requires both a drug test and a background check. This limited their pool of applicants tenfold and posed a challenge to the success of their business. Arguably the most interesting concept we learned about today is how the economic development team included all five nearby counties as they worked together to bring businesses to the area. Now these united groups can all benefit, both through more business opportunities, job creation, and increased tax revenue. This is vastly different from what we see in the Hampton Roads area, as our cities seem to compete with each other instead of working together. This concept is one we would love to bring back to our home and try to work together and build relationships with our bordering cities. Shortly after, we went for a delicious pizza lunch. Then, we hiked in one of the most biodiverse forests in the United States, Jefferson National Forest. At the end of our hike, we went to a beautiful lookout at the highest point in the region, the High Knob Lookout Tower, from which we could see five states: Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and West Virginia. - Virginia

Tuesday, June 17: We started our morning by watching a documentary about Julio Hancco, the Potato King, an aging Peruvian farmer who keeps alive the legacy of traditional farming practices in the remote Andes Mountains. The documentary explores young Peruvians’ struggle to choose between city life or rural farm life. After breakfast, we journeyed by van to meet the Potato King and learn about his way of life. Upon reaching 14,600 feet above sea level, we arrived at our destination. The Potato King welcomed the Fellows into his home, where he taught us about traditional Peruvian potato farming techniques that result in all his delicious varieties of potato. He then invited us to a delicious lunch that included chicken, vegetables, and multiple types of potatoes; all of it grown and harvested at his farm. We ended our visit with him with a goodbye and thank you before descending the mountains toward Ollantaytambo, a Peruvian town rich in culture and history. To finish off the day in Ollantaytambo, we explored the markets and had dinner with each of our Fellows cohorts. - Peru

Wednesday, June 18: We started off our morning visiting Sacred Valley Health (also known as Ayni Wasi.) Ayni Wasi is a Quechua phrase. Ayni means today I help you, and tomorrow you help me, and Wasi meaning house. Sacred Valley Health helps to improve health outcomes within the Sacred Valley of Peru by training women within the community to serve as community health workers in communities that lack access to healthcare. You may have heard of this organization through the Global Health Walk & Run fundraiser we had this year. These community health workers provide essential education to members in their community about various health topics and measures to prevent illness. These health workers also help members of their community facing issues and offer support to those who need additional care by providing assistance in finding health centers. After our visit, we took a guided tour around Ollantaytambo and hiked to visit a traditional Incan house that has been maintained and offered a perspective on what life for the Incans was like. We also saw and explored ancient Incan ruins with an excellent view of several mountains. After lunch, we had free time to explore the city and check out some of the markets and stores. To end our night, we visited the Sacred Valley Project, which is an organization working to ensure that Peruvian girls living in resource-limited areas have access to secondary education. We learned about the work of the project, but also had the opportunity to ask the girls questions about their interests and lives. We are all excited to visit Machu Picchu tomorrow! - Peru

Thursday, June 19: This morning we woke up at 5 to get ready to go to Machu Picchu! We had a delicious breakfast of eggs, avocado toast, and orange juice and headed out. We rode on the Inca Rail train, where we were entertained by the origin story of the town of Ollantaytambo, which was a lot of fun, and also looked at the beautiful scenery on the way up. We then arrived around 8 and got in line for the bus up to Machu Picchu after a quick exploration of Aguascalientes. After a 30-minute ride, we arrived at the grounds and started our tour. We split into two groups and had incredible tour guides: Eddy and Julio. We got to stop and take many pictures and learn about the ancient Incan history of the 7th wonder of the world. We then finished our tours and met up and took the bus back down the mountain and had a quick lunch of trout, beef, pasta, or veggies in the town at the bottom before getting on the bus back to Ollantaytambo. We then had fun van rides to Cusco, where we listened to music and talked about our day. - Peru

Thursday, June 19: After waking up in St. Paul, we traveled to Bristol and visited the Squabble State Cidery. From Mike Quillen, we learned about coal mining in the past and its impact on the region now. From Will Clear and Will Payne, we learned about the Delta Energy Lab they are developing through the GoVirginia Initiative to diversify forms of energy throughout the commonwealth and outside state lines. Additionally, we discussed the need for new businesses in the area with the loss of mining jobs. Squabble State sources 100% of their minerals from Virginia; they also support the region through commerce and by increasing tourism. ... Next, we drove to the Bristol Chamber of Commerce and met with Delegate Israel O'Quinn and the head of Bristol's Chamber of Commerce, Beth Rhinehart. There, we discussed the advantages and disadvantages of a city split by a state line, with Bristol residing in both Virginia and Tennessee. The state line causes many interesting situations to arise, both challenging and uniquely beneficial. With Delegate O'Quinn, we discussed his call to serve his community, having grown up there,  and his goals for Bristol, Virginia's future. Following milkshakes, we headed to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, where we explored the bluegrass genre and its roots in southwest Virginia through a number of interactive activities. After the museum we walked to a square dancing class and did the do-si-do for a fun-filled hour until our feet hurt. For dinner, we ate homemade fried chicken, mac and cheese, and cookie skillets before the night's big surprise, the Bluegrass Circle, a bluegrass band. We practices our newly learned dances, sang, and enjoyed the upbeat tunes on our last night as a group. To finish the day we played board games, talked, and prepared for our departure. - Virginia

Friday, June 20: Today was our final day in Peru. While we are sad to leave, we are excited to see our families tomorrow afternoon. Today, we started with a walking tour in Cusco. We visited the sight of the Qorikancha, an Incan temple that was once one of the most important religious centers in Incan history. The temple was dedicated to the sun god, Inti, and its name translates to Golden Courtyard. We also learned about the influence of Spanish conquest on Peru, and how this Incan temple was looted and its former resting place was turned into the Convent of Santo Domingo a place of Catholic worship. We also explored a market in the central of Cusco, and visited the many different shops within it. We then saw the National School of Sciences and Arts, which is considered the oldest high school in Peru. After learning about the history of the school, we had free time to explore shops surrounding the Plaza De Armas. After our free time, we had our final lunch together here in Peru. All of us Fellows can’t wait to see everyone back in the United States! - Peru