The Tampa Housing Authority sponsored a trip to Washington for 10 students from five Hillsborough County high schools who won an essay contest by writing about how education prepares them for the future.

"A lot of these kids have never been on a plane. A lot of them have never been out of Tampa," Tampa Housing Authority spokesperson Lilian Stringer said. "From this little visit, doors will be opened for them."

Stringer said 40 students who live in public housing submitted essays, and 10 winners were chosen. Five of those students are from Blake High School and shared what they wrote about education.

"For anything you want to do, you’ve got to have your education first," said Thomas Austin, 17. "‘Cause that’s the main important thing that’s going to lead you for your future."

"When you get your education, it helps you bring you to new opportunities that other people don’t have," said Angelo Larry, 16. "And it helps your intellect."

"It’s the key to life," said Devell Robinson, 17. "You can’t do anything without it."

The students will get a tour of the White House, possibly meet President Barack Obama, visit the Smithsonian Institution, tour Howard University and meet the Congressional Black Caucus.

"We’re actually providing luggage," Stringer said. "We’re providing the pants and shirts for the boys and ties. And they’re providing the dresses for the girl, We want them to look nice, and any occasion that comes up, they’ll be prepared for."

The students will fly to Washington on Wednesday and return Sunday.

"It was kind of like winning the lottery," Larry said. "If I get to shake the president’s hand, it’s like shaking the hand of one Jesus’ disciples."

"I’m very happy I get to go," Robinson said.

"Thank you for everything ya’ll did," Austin said. "Because a person like me, I never get the change to have this stuff."

The Tampa Housing Authority said they hope to take more than 10 students to Washington next year. The other students included one from Freedom High, two from Chamberlain, two from Steinbrenner and one from East Bay.