Embedded Files
{American Legion} Buckeye Boys State
American Legion Buckeye Boys State is an eight-day hands-on experience in the operation of the democratic form of government, the organization of political parties, and the relationship of one to the other in shaping Ohio government. Founded in 1936, Buckeye Boys State is the largest Boys State program in the nation with an attendance of over 1,200 young men annually, representing nearly 600 Ohio High Schools, several on-line High Schools, and the Home Schooled Community. The American Legion Buckeye Boys State program is sponsored by the Ohio American Legion, the largest veterans organization in the State of Ohio. At Boys State, young men learn about city, county, and state government through a non-partisan objective education approach. The young men also form friendships which will last a lifetime!
{American Legion Auxiliary of Ohio} Buckeye Girls State
Buckeye Girls State is the name given to Ohio's Girls State program, which was designed to educate Ohio's young women in the duties, privileges, rights and responsibilities of good citizenship. By getting involved in the process, Delegates can learn more about City, County and State Government in one week than they will learn in an entire semester of high school. The Ohio American Legion Auxiliary has been a proud sponsor of Buckeye Girls State for the past sixty-four years. The program has been honored by such organizations as Freedom's Foundation at Valley Forge and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
{Close Up Foundation} Institute for Deliberative Democracy
How can young people move beyond political labels and become effective leaders on critical policy issues? Join high school students from across the country to deliberate on pressing national challenges and create informed, lasting solutions! This two-week Institute begins with the National Youth Impact Summit and moves towards examining why it is so difficult to enact change on pressing challenges facing the nation in the second week. Students who are accepted for the full two-week program will participate in a facilitation training and be certified by Close Up and Stanford’s Center for Deliberative Democracy as Student Ambassadors of Deliberative Dialogue. You may apply for either the National Youth Impact Summit (first week only) or the full 2-week Advanced Deliberative Democracy Course.
{Close Up Foundation} National Youth Impact Summit
How can young people step up to communicate and compromise across differences in an effort to address pressing national challenges? This week-long National Youth Impact Summit equips students with tools and knowledge to become catalysts for change in their communities. Students will come together for six days in Washington, DC, to research and understand the characteristics and causes of pressing national issues, consider the value of deliberation, develop a cohesive Youth Agenda for Action, and meet with public officials to advocate for their agenda. In partnership with Stanford’s Center for Deliberative Democracy, students will have the opportunity to learn about the value of deliberation and participate in a large-scale deliberation on a broad national issue.
{Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University} Global Security and Intelligence Studies (GSIS) Spy Camp
This summer, students can immerse themselves in the world of security and intelligence to learn about espionage, investigative and surveillance techniques, as well as counterintelligence. Our College of Security and Intelligence is the first and only school in the nation, and is led by top-notch faculty with real world experience in protecting our government’s assets and secrets. This program is not a computer cybersecurity program. Students will be conducting a series of on-campus and off-campus “OPS” using covert undercover identities. They will work in teams to develop a heightened sense of awareness of their surroundings, learn the importance of a mission, and use analytical skills by gathering, summarizing, and interpreting information collected through a series of missions and operations. Embry-Riddle’s Spy Program is a real hands-on introduction to the world of counterintelligence, and will cover a wide range of topics including surveillance and concealment, code breaking and elicitation, spy tools, and gadgets.
{Emerson College} Politics, Activism & Leadership Institute
The Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute (PAL) is for high school students who wish to understand how communication is at the heart of politics, activism and leadership in a democratic society. The Institute is focused on a number of important issues, including, community activism, social justice, civic engagement, public service, scandal/crisis management, speechwriting, grassroots organizing, and communicating with the media. You will be encouraged to “find your voice” through the various activities, seminars, guest speakers, and field trips. Whether you’re interested in what takes place behind the scenes or in front of an audience, the Institute rests upon the belief that young people can be active agents within your communities, and serve as ambassadors and advocates for various causes and issues. Studying at a world-class college in a supportive atmosphere, coupled with exploring and enjoying one of America’s most historic cities enhance the PAL experience!
{Envision} National Youth Leadership Forum: National Security
At NYLF National Security, students have a unique opportunity to talk directly with national security experts, learn about the latest intelligence strategies, and experience public service in action. Washington, DC serves as the perfect stage for this dynamic, six-day program where outstanding high school students get an insider’s look at potential career paths, and then put everything they learn into practice in a challenging, hands-on simulation. NYLF National Security students also enjoy exclusive access to government agencies and one-on-one interactions with industry professionals. Your participation in NYLF National Security will enhance your leadership skills and ultimately introduce you to a possible career in America’s national security, intelligence, or diplomatic fields. You will form friendships with future colleagues that will last a lifetime and gain the tools you need to help make your dream a reality.
💰 Scholarships Available
{George Washington University} National Security: The U.S. Intelligence Community & Counterterrorism Summer Immersion
Washington, D.C. is the hub of U.S. national security. This course introduces students to the relationship between national security and policymaking. Through guest lecturers, students will visit the country's top intelligence organizations and learn about the complexities of the U.S. national security agenda from perspectives of the legislative, executive and judicial branches. Students will further study the impact of national security practices by organizations such as the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security.
{George Washington University} Public Policy on Capital Hill Summer Immersion
Public policy is the way in which public issues are addressed by modifying existing laws and regulations or creating new ones altogether. In this course, students will think strategically, creatively and critically about current issues shaping the public debate, and learn to analyze and evaluate policies and programs in pursuit of public interest.
{Georgetown University} Leaders in Advocacy Academy
Partnering with the Close Up Foundation, the Leaders in Advocacy Academy will bring together a diverse group of students from across the United States and the world to participate in an intensive, hands-on program exploring various strategies for organizing people and influencing policy. You’ll be immersed in the real world of decision-making and advocacy in Washington, D.C., hearing directly from policy and media experts, think tanks, advocacy organizations, and influencers from both sides of the aisle. Through workshops, lectures, and leadership case studies, you’ll examine the complexities of major current issues and the practice of crafting persuasive arguments and compelling messages to support various positions. You’ll leave the program well equipped to take on leadership roles at school, in the local community, and in the global community.
{Georgetown University} National Security & Intelligence Academy
The National Security & Intelligence Academy brings together unparalleled government and international relations resources from the Georgetown network to explore security and intelligence issues. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how policies enhance the security of Americans in the post-9/11 world, study how the United States prevents foreign adversaries from gaining access to national security information, and examine how intelligence information is collected, analyzed, and disseminated.
{Georgetown University} U.S. Campaigns & Elections Academy
In Partnership with the Institute of Politics and Public Policy at the McCourt School of Public Policy, the U.S. Campaigns & Elections Academy will provide you with a framework to understand the elements needed for a successful campaign. You'll get a behind-the-scenes look at campaigning and explore what it takes to start, manage, and lead a political campaign. Taking advantage of our location in the heart of the nation’s capital, you'll learn from political operatives and industry experts, attend college-level lectures, engage in group discussions, and participate in workshops, simulations, and field trips. You'll also study how campaign narratives are developed and gain tips for building a leadership team to win. At the end of the week, you'll put your newfound knowledge to work in a mock campaign, where you'll create a campaign plan as part of a team.
{Junior State of America} JSA Summer Schools
JSA Summer School gives students access to rigorous college-level classes on the campuses of some of the most prestigious universities in the world. In addition to classes in topics like international relations, constitutional law and speech & political communication, speakers programs, debate workshops, and social activities help equip students with vital leadership skills while forming lasting friendships and memories. During a summer with JSA, you’ll meet and question leaders who make and influence public policy—like elected officials, journalists, lobbyists and military strategists. Inside the classroom, you’ll also develop a more sophisticated understanding of international relations, economics, the media, and other important topics. Classes, taught by real college professors, are often discussion based and require you to deeply engage with assigned readings. This approach prepares you for the kinds of classes you might take at the college level and will also hone your analytical reading and writing skills. JSA Summer Schools are held on the campuses of two renowned universities: Georgetown and Stanford. You’ll move into the dorms, gain access to the gym and other student-only facilities and learn what a campus meal plan is like. This rich experience will help prepare you for life on a university campus and give you a taste of the independence–and adjustments–that await at college and beyond.
{Junior State of America} Stern Civics Immersion Program
The Stern Civics Immersion Program is a three-week residential summer program.
Junior State of America’s Civics Immersion Program is designed to engage high school students with the most pressing issues facing our democracy today, challenging them to look beyond differences and focus on solution-oriented action. Participants gain a complete understanding of critical issues directly from the decision-makers who shape public policy and apply lessons learned to generate ideas for direct action in their communities.
Previous courses include Environmental Justice, Global Poverty, Inequality and Justice, and Design Thinking for Community Problem Solving. In addition to the primary course of study each summer, all students will take a supplementary course: Argumentation and Use of Evidence.
{Leadership Initiatives} National Security & Intelligence Summit
Students have a unique opportunity to work directly with national security experts, learn about the latest intelligence strategies, and implement security strategies to save lives. Students are coached by professional military leaders to design solutions to security issues facing real communities in the developing world. Students will work directly with security forces protecting communities from terrorism. In this rigorous internship, students will participate in combat training and tour the FBI and CIA headquarters, the Pentagon, Fort Myer, Fort McNair, the Washington Navy Yard, the Marine Barracks, the State Department, and Andrews Air Force Base. Participants will meet one-on-one with representatives from all branches of the military, federal agencies, military academies, and private companies to learn about the education and career opportunities available to them. 2020 representatives include The National Security Agency, CIA, FBI, Secret Service, West Point, the U.S. Department of State, Navy Seals and the U.S. Air Force Academy. For their final project, students will design and propose a security strategy to save lives with the help and mentoring of security industry professionals in order to focus and apply their understanding. Participants will present these proposed strategies to a panel of experts, top strategies will be implemented by actual security companies in the developing world over the following year.
💰 Scholarships Available
{Loyola Marymount University} Campaigns and Elections
The American political landscape is in constant change, driven by the demands of voters and public opinion, shifts in the major political parties and interest groups, and changes in campaign finance and election law. In recent years significant changes in technology and new media have brought fundamental change to how candidates and political parties campaign and win elections. Set in the shadow of the 2020 Presidential Election – as well as elections for a broad variety of representatives at the national, state, district, and local level – this program will familiarize students with the history of political parties, campaigns, and elections in the American context. We'll start by delving into the history of campaigns and elections in the U.S. and how they've shaped our world. We'll investigate the reasons candidates run for public office and probe the logistics behind candidate selection and the effect of the American party system on the structure of elections. Finally, we'll work toward determining how modern campaigns develop plans to win elections. The program will provide an immersive experience in the modern world of campaigns and elections, including lectures, small-group work, guest speakers, and dynamic field trips. Participants will have the opportunity to meet local elected representatives and their staff members and hear from campaign consultants working on the cutting edge of political data visualization and analysis.
{Northwestern University Center for Talent Development} Civic Leadership Institute
Young people often believe that they can’t make a difference. That they don’t have the knowledge, skills, or capacity to influence issues like poverty, healthcare, education, or the environment. That they’re powerless to create change. Yet there are countless stories that prove this is not the case. CLI students challenge this idea and explore the complex challenges that affect our communities, and develop the knowledge, experience and leadership skills they need to make a positive impact on the world. Through an advanced course in Service, Leadership & Community Transformation, students are challenged to learn in new ways and apply their skills in real-world settings. Several times a week, in their class groups, students engage in service projects that span neighborhoods, organizations, and approaches to addressing social problems.
{Ohio State University} Democracy Camp
Built on the public service ideals of Senator John Glenn, Democracy Camp is designed to encourage Ohio high school students to become engaged in their communities and inspire life-long dedication to the democratic process. Learn from and engage with elected officials, community leaders and Glenn College faculty and staff. Develop your policy knowledge, build skills to engage in activism and explore ways you can make an impact in your community over three virtual sessions. Create connections with peers who share your passions and leaders who are currently engaging in public service. Receive professional guidance on how to write a resume and personal statements for college applications. Take home a certificate of completion and invitation for fall on-campus reception. Students who are accepted into and complete all sessions of Democracy Camp will receive an application fee waiver when applying to Ohio State for fall 2022 or 2023.
{Salve Regina University} Summer Institute of Politics
The Summer Institute of Politics at Salve Regina's Pell Center is a weeklong residential program that offers promising high school students the opportunity to grapple with the great challenges facing the United States, the international community, and even your hometown. Along the way, you will learn more about yourself, develop your own style of personal leadership and get a flavor for what it means to live and study on a college campus.
{St. Albans School} School of Public Service
The St. Albans School of Public Service (SPS) lasts only four weeks each summer, but our students describe it as "life-changing." The School of Public Service is a unique program that brings 40-45 rising high school seniors from all over the United States and the world to the heart of Washington, D.C., where they undertake an in-depth exploration of government, politics, and public service. If you are accepted to SPS, you'll use the case study method (the teaching method used in graduate programs in law, business, and public policy) to dissect public policy issues ranging from the debate over the use of enhanced interrogation methods and drones in the war on terror, to the ethics of undercover journalism, to the efforts here and abroad to achieve equity in education.
💰 Scholarships Available
{Summer Springboard} Politics & Public Policy Course
Immerse yourself in the American political system as you draft legislation to represent your political goals. Use your power of persuasion to convince others of the value of your bill and move it from your committee to the Senate floor. Negotiate with other political parties and special interest groups that are attempting to change or derail your bill and ultimately, a debate and vote will decide if your legislation will become law. Government plays a huge role in our daily choices, ranging from the amount of tax you pay for your morning bagel, to the types of medicines you’re allowed to purchase. Understanding the processes behind government work will allow you to work productively toward bringing about effective and lasting change. Learn from experts in the field about congressional campaigns, legislative priorities, and emerging national issues. Explore how America’s changing culture is impacting political movements.
{U.S. Air Force Academy} Summer Seminar
Summer Seminar at the United States Air Force Academy gives students the opportunity to experience life on campus firsthand. Specially designed for high school juniors heading into their senior year, Summer Seminar allows participants to live like a U.S. Air Force Academy cadet for four days.
💰 Scholarships Available
{U.S. Naval Academy} Summer Seminar
The United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar is the first step in navigating your future to becoming one of our nation's next generation of leaders. If you are currently in your junior year of high school and considering the Naval Academy as your college of choice, we strongly recommend you consider applying to Summer Seminar. Summer Seminar will introduce you to life at the Academy, where you will experience first-class academic, athletic, and professional training at the #1 public college in the U.S.* (Top 25 Public College in the U.S. 2017, Forbes). Your Summer Seminar application will also serve as a preliminary application to the Academy that you will complete before or during your senior year. You will live in Bancroft Hall, experience life on The Yard and learn from some of our best midshipmen and most esteemed faculty.
{University of Chicago} Pathways in Urban Studies
The world is urbanizing at an increasing rate, and the idea of the city remains a potent one for community builders, policy makers, and researchers of all kinds. This course explores the work of city-building through public policy, placemaking, and urban planning and design.
💰 Scholarships Available
{Wake Forest University} Summer Immersion: Policy and Politics Institute
The Policy and Politics Institute offered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina is a week-long opportunity where students will learn about the democratic republic, their constitutional rights, and the powers that shape current laws. Students will learn about the efficacy of actually being empowered, which comes from the experience of doing politics effectively with others. Students will practice the art of thinking clearly, speaking persuasively, acting ethically, and working in collaboration with others.
💰 Scholarships Available
{Yale University} Yale Young Global Scholars: Politics, Law & Economics
Politics, Law, & Economics (PLE) is a session aimed at students with an interest in understanding diverse economic theories, the values and practices of government, and legal frameworks in historical and comparative perspectives. Students learn key ideas in topics such as public policy, human rights, market regulation, governance structures, international policy, and conflict and cooperation across borders. The session builds students’ critical thinking and analytical skills, enabling them to examine social systems and present-day issues through the lenses of economic, legal, and political theory. During PLE, students draw extensively on interdisciplinary approaches to build their expertise and increase their exposure to a wide array of topics within the session theme, preparing them to be more informed and engaged global citizens.
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