Program Highlights

  • Stage a mock Presidential election and strategize a plan to secure your candidate's success or even campaign for votes as you run for President
  • Participate in a Senate simulation where you will champion your ideas and passions into legislation to become law, moving it from Committee to the Senate floor
  • Learn about the role political parties, public opinion, and special interest groups can have on shaping behavior and policies at the federal, state, and local levels

Program Highlights

  • Stage a mock Presidential election and strategize a plan to secure your candidate's success or even campaign for votes as you run for President
  • Participate in a Senate simulation where you will champion your ideas and passions into legislation to become law, moving it from Committee to the Senate floor
  • Learn about the role political parties, public opinion, and special interest groups can have on shaping behavior and policies at the federal, state, and local levels
  • W H E N
    • Early July: July 14 - July 26, 2019
    • Late July: July 28 - August 9, 2019
  • T U I T I O N

    Residential: $4,998 USD

    Extended Commuter: $3,398 USD

    Commuter: $2,498 USD

Overview

Government plays a huge role in our daily choices, ranging from the amount of tax you pay for your morning bagel, to the types of medicines you’re allowed to purchase. Understanding the processes behind government work will allow you to work productively toward bringing about effective and lasting change. Learn from experts in the field about congressional campaigns, legislative priorities, and emerging national issues. Explore how America’s changing culture is impacting political movements.

Note: Summer Springboard programs are not run by our campus partners. Universities and their affiliated departments are not responsible for the Summer Springboard program in any way.

Hands-On Learning

Immerse yourself in the American political system as you draft legislation to represent your political goals. Use your power of persuasion to convince others of the value of your bill and move it from your committee to the Senate floor. Negotiate with other political parties and special interest groups that are attempting to change or derail your bill and ultimately, a debate and vote will decide if your legislation will become law.

Real World Insights

Learn to think like a politician by listening to experienced professionals in the field explain the vast and diverse career options available. Visits may include meeting with a member of Congress or their staff on the Hill; political strategists from the RNC, DNC, or major campaign; policymakers from inside one of the Executive Departments (e.g. State, Education, Health & Human Services, Defense); lobbyists who advocate Congress on specific issues or for a specific industry.

Career Exploration

Meet with successful professionals and experts in the fields of politics and public policy to learn more about careers and jobs in this field. Students will get a clearer sense of their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for personal growth. This insight helps students reflect on which areas within the field of public service is right for them.

Faculty

Instructor - Courses are taught by accomplished and passionate faculty recruited from many area colleges, universities and professional forums. Each faculty member is selected for their subject area expertise and proven ability to both challenge and captivate students.

Curriculum Advisor - While instructors vary each year, the Curriculum Advisors ensure continuity in our curriculum. This course was designed by Grant Gordon. Grant holds a PhD in political science from Columbia University, having specialized in the political economy of conflict, humanitarian intervention, and foreign policy. He developed and directed the global inter-agency mine action monitoring and evaluation mechanism for the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations for use in over 30 countries, and researched the impact of new technologies on humanitarianism for the United Nations.

Full Program Schedule