RALEIGH — The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship is expanding its National Student Congress events to both high school and college-level students for the first time, in partnership with The Council of State Governments, the University of Kentucky Martin School of Public Policy & Administration and Transylvania University.
Scotland County high school and college juniors can apply for one of the programs.
“ I hope that the young people in the district will open themselves up to this opportunity to learn about public affairs and government,” said state rep. Garland Pierce. “It can be a life changing experience, and I’m excited for this opportunity to be afforded to our youth.”
The week-long programs, held at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, give students the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, academics, journalists and civic leaders to discuss the practical importance of compromise, constructive engagement and dialogue to resolve conflict and competing interests in a democracy.
Nationally recognized guest speakers will engage in seminars with the students, followed by student debates on current issues in political leadership. Past speakers include U.S. Supreme Court justices, speakers of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. senators, governors, and other nationally recognized officials and academic thought leaders. The Student Congress programs are free — including travel and lodging — to those selected.
The center is seeking high school juniors and college juniors with records of exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement from all regions of the country to apply. This year, the high school program will be June 12-18; the college program will be held June 19-25. Please forward this email to any potential high school and college students who may be interested in applying for the program. The deadline for applications is March 31.
For information, visit www.henryclaycenter.org or contact Dr. Michael Vetter, executive director of The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship, at mvetter@transy.edu.)