Future Civic Leaders is currently accepting applications!

Future Civic Leaders is currently accepting online applications for their 2011 Summer Leadership Conference! The annual Summer Leadership Conference is a residential summer program that hosts 40 high school students. The program dates are:

6/27-6/29
7/11-7/13
7/18-7/20

7/25-7/27

Students will participate in various trainings, meet national politicians and run their own simulated congressional campaigns! This conference is held in multiple sessions during June and July in Washington, DC and is free! The program is for students who are either low-income, lower-middle class or who have been otherwise disadvantaged and the application deadline is March 31, 2011.

Last year’s speakers included: Ed Henry (CNN Anchor), Rep. Jared Polis (U.S. Congressman), Rep. Frank Pallone, James Kotecki, John McConnell (George W. Bush’s speechwriter) and more!

The main element of the conference is a simulated congressional campaign each student will take part in. All participants will be split into small teams and each student will play a role, such as candidate or campaign manager, and they will spend the conference making sure that their candidate gets elected. This is not only interactive but also educational.

Instead of just listening to speakers, students will be advised by real political operatives. For example, when the students have to write their speeches, a speechwriter will come and talk about speechwriting. When they work on fundraising, lobbyists and fundraisers will teach them how to set a budget. In 2010, students also toured the national headquarters of both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party. In addition, they were brought to the actual floor of the House of Representatives! This year promises to be bigger and better then ever!

The campaign is not just a fun simulation, but an avenue for active learning! The conference will culminate in an “election night celebration” where results will be announced and students will celebrate accomplishments while dancing the night away! Spend three days of your summer at this free, fun and exciting program!