Students invited to retrace 1961 Freedom Riders route

<p>In 1961, 436 Americans boarded buses to test and challenge segregated travel facilities in the Deep South.&nbsp; It was a simple but daring plan, and it changed America forever. The Freedom Riders were black and white, Northern and Southern, secular and religious, old and young.<br /><br />This May, 40 college students from across the country will have the distinct opportunity to join original Freedom Riders in retracing the Rides, and beginning a conversation about the state of civic engagement today. What does it mean today? What has changed since 1961?<br /><br />Accepted students will participate at no cost to them. All transportation, hotel and food expenses are covered by American Experience. The Ride is scheduled for May 6-16, 2011 from Washington, D.C., to Jackson, Miss.<br /><br />Through live blogging, Twitter, and Facebook, the students on the bus will be able to share their experiences, and, in a sense, bring others along on their journey.<br /><br />Application deadline: Jan. 17, 2011. Apply now at <a href="http://www.pbs.org/freedomriders">http://www.pbs.org/freedomriders</a&gt;. Decisions announced: Feb. 2011.<br /><br /><strong>About Eight, Arizona PBS </strong><br />Eight, Arizona PBS specializes in the education of children, in-depth news and public affairs, lifelong learning, and the celebration of arts and culture — utilizing the power of noncommercial television, the Internet, educational outreach services, and community-based initiatives. The PBS station began broadcasting from the campus of Arizona State University on January 30, 1961.&nbsp; Now more than 80 percent of Arizonans receive the signal through a network of translators, cable and satellite systems.&nbsp; With more than 1 million viewers each week, Eight consistently ranks among the most-viewed public television stations per capita in the country.&nbsp; Arizonans provide more than 60 percent of the station’s annual budget. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.azpbs.org">www.azpbs.org</a&gt;. Eight is a member-supported service of Arizona State University.</p>