Presidential Classroom Scholars

Presidential Classroom Scholars on Capitol Hill attending an Academic Seminar with a former member of Congress.

Program Dates
Sun. June 28 - Sun. July 5, 2009
Sun. July 12 - Sat. July 18, 2009 (CICF)

A new president has taken the helm and the challenges he faces are of historic proportions: reviving the sputtering economy, securing peace and prosperity in Iraq and Afghanistan, achieving energy independence while protecting the environment, ensuring healthcare for all... just to name a few. With the fresh perspective that accompanies presidential transitions, we are reexamining our policies and priorities and setting the country on a new course. As cabinet members take their places, new foreign policy initiatives are announced, and the president and Congress work to pass critical legislation, it is a particularly exciting time to be in the nation's capital. Presidential Classroom invites you to Washington to step behind the scenes and examine the inner workings of our democracy first-hand.

As a Presidential Classroom Scholar, you will get a backstage pass to the very places where policy is brokered and news headlines are made. You will be briefed by senior officials from the White House or the Executive branch. You will meet members of Congress or key aides to explore the evolving relationship of Congress and the White House. Diplomats and defense officials will offer you their insights into the roles of the State Department and the Pentagon. You will discuss the new administration's agenda with the players who will have an integral role to play in the new administration's agenda adoption.

Consider it fieldwork for tomorrow's leaders. Washington, DC is your classroom, and your teachers are the members of Congress, journalists, economists, and diplomats who are making and influencing policy today. Your classmates are a diverse group of fellow high school students from across the country and the globe who share your curiosity and your passion—and often become lifelong friends. And your assignment? To assess what you hear, debate the issues with your fellow Scholars, and develop your own positions on the domestic and foreign policy of the United States.

At the end of the week, you will come away with your own ideas of what it means to be an American. You will strengthen your understanding of your personal rights, your obligation to others, and your responsibilities as a citizen. Prepare to be challenged and inspired.

February 15 - 21- President's Day

Celebrate the achievement of two of our greatest presidents just as President Obama completes his first month in office. Examine the principles of democracy and freedom laid out by George Washington and our founding fathers, and later broadened and enhanced by President Lincoln.

June 28 - July 5 – Fourth of July

The energy in Washington over Independence Day is palpable: You will feel it as you walk the halls of Congress; as you are briefed by noted authorities on the Constitution; as you debate your views with other Presidential Scholars; and as you watch and incredible display of fireworks burst over the Washington Monument.

Tentative Program Overview*

PLEASE NOTE:
All schedules, activities and speakers are subject to change without prior notification.

Sunday – June 28, 2009
Student Registration
Student Networking and Lounge
Rooming Assignments
Georgetown University Campus Tour | An optional tour of the Georgetown University Campus for prospective students
Dinner
Student Orientation | Review of activities, safety procedures, code of conduct, curriculum and dress code.
First Caucus Meeting | Introduction, caucus orientation, project and activity overview.

Monday – June 29, 2009
Breakfast
Week in Perspective | Review of the Constitution of the United States of America
Academic Seminar: The Amazing City of Washington DC | Past Speakers include: Brad Deutsch Senior Legal Advisor from the Federal Elections Commission (FEC)
Class Photo | In front of the United States Capitol Building
Lunch – In Washington, DC
Small Group Advocacy On-Sites | Students visit organizations such as the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the Republican National Committee (RNC) to learn about how these groups influence Public Policy. Other on-sites include the NRA and the Brady Group.
Crossfire Session | Student discussion on current issue topics in the news
Sample Crossfire Question | US Government: Which branch of the government do you think has the most impact on people's everyday lives – the Legislative, Executive or Judicial branch? Justify your answer.
Dinner
Academic Seminar | With topic experts and Washington DC insiders. Past speakers include: Former Congressman Mickey Edwards (R-OK), and Colin Powell (Former Secretary of State)
Caucus Meetings | Students work as a team in their caucus and present their project to the entire student body at the end of each program week.
Student Lounge | Time for students to research, network with one another, consult on their Caucus project as well as have a drink and snack provided by Presidential Classroom.

Tuesday – June 30, 2009
Breakfast
Academic Seminar | The Founding Fathers: Past Speaker: Ed Smith, Professor, American University
Educational Tour | National Archives: Viewing of the Declaration of Independence and The Constitution
Lunch | In Washington, DC
International Embassy Visits | The purpose of this visit is to teach students about the political and economic climate of a country and its relationship with the United States. They also learn about the role of a diplomat and the requirements of diplomatic service.
Crossfire Session | Student discussion on current issue topics in the news
Sample Crossfire Question | Affirmative Action: Does the election of an African American President make the case that affirmative action is no longer a necessary policy for American Institutions of Higher Education?
Dinner
Academic Seminar | Partisan Politics. Past Speakers include: Howard Dean, Former Democratic National Committee Chair and a panel of Young Democrats and College Republicans
Caucus Meetings | Students work as a team in their caucus to prepare to present their project to the entire student body at the end of the week.
Student Lounge

Wednesday – July 1, 2009
Breakfast
Capitol Hill Academic Seminar “Issues Facing Congress” | With a Current or Former Member of Congress.
Capitol Hill – Academic Seminar – “Issues Facing Congress” – With a Current or Former Member of Congress.
Capitol Hill Walking Tour | View the US Capitol Building, Library of Congress and Supreme Court
Lunch | In Washington, DC
Crossfire Session | Student discussion on current issue topics in the news
Sample Crossfire Question | Political Parties: Are all Democrats Liberal and all Republicans Conservative? Define these various political terms. Is the two party system a good political process or should additional political parties be give more influence?
Dinner
Academic Seminar
Academic Seminar | US Department of State – Overview of International Relations and Diplomacy.
Caucus Meetings | Finishing touches on their group project to be turned in at the end of the night.
Student Lounge

Thursday – July 2, 2009
Breakfast
Educational Day Excursion | Philadelaphia, Pennsylvania: Exclusive Visit and Touring of the National Constitution Center. The National Constitution Center is an independent, non-partisan, and non-profit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of and appreciation for the Constitution, its history, and its contemporary relevance.
Visit the Liberty Bell
Explore Independence Hall | Visit the site where the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Dinner | The Baltimore, Maryland Inner Harbor
Night Touring | Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial and Korean War Memorial
Educational Film | Arlington National Cemetery: To prepare the students for their Friday visit to Arlington National Cemetery.
Student Lounge

Friday – July 3, 2009
Breakfast
Academic Seminar | Past Speaker: James T. Conway, Commandant of the United States Marine Corps
Caucus Project Presentation | Model Congress Simulation
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier | Special Presidential Classroom Wreath-Laying Ceremony, Arlington National Cemetery.
Academic Seminar | Principled Leadership
Dinner
Academic Seminar | Past Keynote Speaker: Ralph Nader, Former Presidential Candidate
Student Lounge

Saturday – July 4, 2009
Breakfast
Caucus: Civic Action Plan | The purpose of the Civic Action Plan is to have students take what they have learned from the week and apply it in their communities.
Academic Seminar | Armed Forces | Past Speakers: Wounded Warrior Battalion
Educational Touring | Smithsonian National Museum of American History
Lunch
Annual Presidential Classroom 4th of July Picnic!
Special Access Washington DC 4th of July Fireworks Show

Sunday – July 5, 2009
Student Departures