Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon launched the Congressional Youth Cabinet (CYC) as a nonpartisan initiative to provide high school students in Pennsylvania’s 5th Congressional District with an opportunity to learn more about Congress and the policymaking process. Members of the CYC get to share their ideas about solving pressing issues facing young Americans. We meet monthly, at her district office in Chester PA. At our last meeting we discussed with Congresswoman Scanlon the election and voting rights roundup; it was very memorable to hear firsthand from a House representative. In April 2023, we had the chance for a day trip to DC to see the legislative process up close.
My interest in applying was sparked by the fact that half the academy would be made up of Philadelphia students and the other half from outside the United States, all of whom are interested in the world's most pressing challenges and learning about social innovation and entrepreneurship. When signing up, knowing the exchange meets virtually every Saturday for a few weeks and having assignments weekly would keep me connected, engaged, and excited to build connections with my classmates. The exchange has given me many ways to apply what I have learned to my studies and life. I have now received my diploma from the academy which gives me one year of free access to the academy, access to the Alumni Portal, information about exchange programs, study abroad and mentorship opportunities, volunteer projects, and international internships.