At the NSLC on Political Action & Public Policy, you will learn how you can have an impact on our nation’s future. You and the other students in your program will stage a mock Presidential campaign. At the same time you will immerse yourself in the inner workings of the U.S. Congress. Leading political advisors, politicians and experts on the intricacies of government will be your guides as you gain a real-world understanding of the U.S. political system.
College Credit is Available for This Program
The National Student Leadership Conference has a unique partnership with American University to offer college credit for our high school summer programs. The American University is distinguished as a premier global university and known for turning “ideas into action and action into service.” As a result of this NSLC/AU alliance, students attending the NSLC’s summer programs for high school students have the opportunity to take college credit classes taught by American University faculty at all NSLC locations. This credit option enhances your education within the framework of your program experience, without interrupting NSLC activities.
Read more about earning college credit through your NSLC program.
Program Highlights
Presidential Campaign Simulation
Strategize an action plan to secure your candidate’s success or even campaign for votes as you run for President
Visit Government Institutions
including the State Department, the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.
U.S. Senate Simulation
Step into the shoes of a U.S. Senator as you work to see your ideas and passions become law
Dates & Locations
American University
Washington, DC
- June 25 - July 3
- July 7 - July 15
Immerse yourself in the American political system
Hands-on Simulations
The NSLC summer political science program for high school students, U.S. Policy and Politics, gives you an opportunity to immerse yourself in the challenging complexities of the American political system. You will step into the shoes of a U.S. Senator as you work to see your ideas and passions become law. You will use your powers of persuasion and negotiation skills as you move your bill from committee to the Senate floor. In addition to serving your country in the Senate, you and your team will face the challenges of a fast-paced Presidential campaign. You may attempt to influence the election as part of an issue advocacy campaign, strategize an action plan to secure your candidate’s success or even campaign for votes as you run for President.
Our college-level lecture series will give you a foundation of knowledge on the American political system that will be vital for your success, not only during your conference but in your future career in politics and government.
Topics include:
- Campaigns and Elections
- Foundations of American Political Culture
- Interest Groups and the Media
- Congressional History and Structure
- The Presidency
Meet Political Professionals
While at the NSLC summer political science program, you will meet with and learn from U.S. government officials, interest group leaders and political campaign experts. In past years, our students were able to question Congressmen on policy, hear inside campaign stories and strategies from Presidential campaign managers, ask Secretaries about interdepartmental coordination and program implementation, and learn about upcoming elections from the Chairmen of the Democratic and Republican National Committees.
Secretary Arne Duncan
Department of Education
Secretary Robert Gates
Department of Defense
Secretary Ray LaHood
Department of Transportation
Ms. Sharon Day, Co-Chair
Republican National Committee
Ms. Linda Chavez-Thomposon
Vice Chair Democratic National Committee
Mr. Mike Duncan
Former Chairman, Republican National Committee
See behind-the-scenes in the nation's capital
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
An important part of the NSLC summer political science program is seeing the sites around some of our nation’s greatest cities. These trips are designed as both sightseeing tours and exclusive educational trips specifically tailored to the area of Politics:
- Capitol Hill
- U.S. Supreme Court
- State Department
- The Smithsonian Institution
- Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
- Baltimore Harbor
Leadership Training
At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. From the beginning of your program you will learn to work as a team during an exciting Ropes Challenge Course. Interactive lectures and small-group workshops will give you an opportunity to build upon your strengths and minimize your weaknesses.
Leadership topics tailored to the U.S. Policy & Politics program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Stress and Time Management
- Public Speaking
- Intrapersonal Communication
Your NSLC tuition is all-inclusive. Your tuition covers course materials, housing, on-campus meals, social events and transportation throughout your program.
We offer a comprehensive scholarship program to assist qualified students with the cost of NSLC tuition, based on financial need, academic merit and extracurriculars.
Fundraising is a great way to raise funds to contribute toward your NSLC program tuition while also forging relationships with leaders in your community.