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.
Program Highlights
Run a presidential campaign
Join the election process for our nation's highest office, learning how plans are made, funds are raised, volunteers are coordinated, and how groups of voters are targeted.
Congressional experience
Take on the role of a U.S. Senator and craft legislation by working on committees, moving bills to the floor, and debating critical national issues.
Meet the professionals
Leading government officials, campaign strategists, and political analysts share their experiences of working in politics and tips for how to succeed as you begin your career.
Explore the political process
Discover the influence that interest groups, lobbyists, and financial contributions have on elections and the nation's political agenda.
Dates & Locations
Note: Space is limited. Please login to the online application to see up-to-date session availability.
Georgetown University
- July 12 - July 20
- July 24 - August 1
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.
Examples of past guest speakers include:
Robert Gates
Former Secretary of Defense
Ms. Sharon Day, Co-Chair
Republican National Committee
Mr. Raymond Buckley
Vice Chairman, Democratic National Committee
Senator Angus King
Independent - Maine
Jeh Johnson
Former Secretary of Homeland Security
Senator Michael Bennett
Democrat - Colorado
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.
Trips may include:
Georgetown University
Capitol Hill | U.S. Supreme Court | U.S. State Department | The Pentagon | The Smithsonian Institution | Historic D.C. Monuments at Night
Leadership Training
At the heart of the NSLC is a leadership curriculum designed to build concrete leadership skills that will help you succeed. 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 Political Action & Public Policy program include:
- Personality Styles and Group Dynamics
- Conflict Resolution
- Negotiation
- Public Speaking
- Intrapersonal Communication
College Credit Option
American University (AU) and NSLC have a unique partnership that enables you to earn college credit by enrolling in a supplemental online course designed to correlate with your NSLC program’s area of study. By enrolling in this credit course, you will enjoy a stimulating, innovative, and personalized college-level learning experience that builds on your NSLC accomplishments. The course is for one credit and is taught in a self-paced, asynchronous format across six weeks, allowing ample time to complete assignments. The course is designed to work within the framework of NSLC; students are not expected to complete coursework while on campus. Students may register for college credit via their personal student portal (myNSLC) once they have enrolled in an NSLC session.
Click here to learn more about this opportunity.
Tuition
Program tuition includes housing, all on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, and activities. Tuition also includes chartered, air-conditioned motor coaches for off-campus briefings and tours. Note: Students are responsible for the cost of travel to and from the program as well as individual spending money for souvenirs, laundry, and a few off-campus meals during fields trips and tours.
Click here to view our cancellation and refund policy.
| Location | Tuition |
|---|
| Washington, D.C. | $3,695 |
