Student Academies

July 6 to July 11, 2026 

This interactive camp takes a hands-on approach to civic engagement, helping highly-motivated high school students turn ideas into action that transforms communities. We connect students with experts, using real-world situations to inspire creative solutions to challenging questions. This weeklong training builds the foundation for advocacy, equipping students with tools needed to become impactful leaders. 

Participants will learn about our democracy and its institutions in historic Gettysburg and Washington, D.C. They will participate in simulations to practice strategic thinking and decision-making skills used by one of our nation’s most effective leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Importantly, students will develop their passions into individual action plans that address a public policy challenge - and compete for a grant to fund their project. Participants will walk away from this experience well-informed, inspired and prepared to make positive changes in their community.

Use the link below to access information about the camp.

https://www.gettysburg.edu/eisenhower-institute/fielding-center/civic-engagement-camp

For reference, we’ve also included last year’s camp itinerary to provide a snapshot of the activities and experiences students participated in. 

Up to 10 students from APEX members who are rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors are eligible to attend the Eisenhower Civic Engagement Academy.

In addition, two APEX member volunteers will serve as chaperones, each supporting a group of five students and participating alongside them in this prestigious academy experience.

Interest and Enrollment for this project will open in April 2026