In 1998, the Washington Workshops Foundation was chosen by the Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation (CICF) to administer a series of special one-week programs entitled: Democracy In Action: The Congressional Seminar. Modeled after our award-winning National Student Leadership Seminars, these programs benefit a select group of students from across the United States. It is our hope students will discover their innate talents for leadership, learning, and compassion. Click here for student enrollment forms.

Congressional
Frequent group meetings are scheduled on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress and their staff. Ample time is provided for student questions and answers as well as attendance at committee meetings and Congressional sessions.

Executive and Judicial
To better understand the relationship of Congress to the rest of federal government, you'll meet with high-ranking officials from White House staff, the Supreme Court, or independent federal agencies.

Model Congress
Each session, a model Congress is held. This includes committee work each evening, crafting legislative proposals that are submitted on the final night for debate, then voted on in a Congressional committee room on Capitol Hill.

International
Embassy visits and briefings by members of the diplomatic corps are scheduled each session to add perspective on America's role in the global community.

Academic Overview
During each session, a professor from the government faculty of a local university addresses the seminar group. These meetings explore the issues and questions raised in scheduled seminar sessions with Members of Congress.

Pentagon Briefing
Each session includes travel to the Pentagon for a special policy briefing and discussion led by Defense Department officials and military personnel.

Washington, The City
Throughout the week, the seminar program schedules stop-off visits at many of Washington's best known monuments, museums, and places of interest.