2008 Programs

Presidential Classroom’s mission is to provide the highest quality civic education programs for outstanding high school students, using Washington, DC as a classroom. For nearly four decades, more than 120,000 students from across the United States and around the world have attended Presidential Classroom’s week-long programs, gaining knowledge, insight and experience from this extraordinary educational opportunity.

Presidential Classroom expands students’ knowledge of politics, government, and roles and responsibilities of institutions and organizations involved in policy-making. Students gain insights into the complexities of the policy-making process, as well as the interaction between government entities and organizations around the world. They experience the inner workings of government and policy formation firsthand, through seminars and site visits, in Washington, DC

“Presidential Classroom is dedicated to challenging the leaders of tomorrow to learn, understand and take action on the formidable problems that face our nation and our world,” said Presidential Classroom Executive Director Elizabeth A. Sherman, Ph.D. “With Washington, DC as our classroom, we attract outstanding high school students to a series of discussions with influential leaders and policy makers, site visits to national institutions, exercises and debates on topics of prominent importance, and interaction with teachers, mentors and peers. I am delighted to welcome this student to join Presidential Classroom for what promises to be a vital step toward civic engagement and meaningful participation in public leadership.”

Presidential Classroom offers nine specialized focus weeks, including Communications and Journalism; Science, Technology and Public Policy; Law and Justice in a Democracy; Art & Architecture in Washington; Intelligence & National Security; Global Health & the Environment; and the Future World Leaders Summit. Interactive sessions with international policy-makers, diplomats, scientists, military leaders, journalists, public officials and others, teach students about the challenges and complexities of government and leadership.

Students work with their peers on a group project throughout the week, applying new skills and ideas immediately after learning them. They also have the opportunity to earn college credit through the University of Virginia for their week at Presidential Classroom. Students graduate from Presidential Classroom with refined leadership skills and deeper understanding of politics, benefits that enhance their educational and career aspirations.

Presidential Classroom is a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)3 civic education program, founded in the tradition of President John F. Kennedy, who challenged young Americans to be committed to public service, is approved by the National Association of Secondary School Principals Student Activity Listing and endorsed by the National Education Association, Congressional Youth Award and Who’s Who Among American High School Students. For more information, visit our Web site at www.presidentialclassroom.org .