Congressional Seminar
EXPERIENCE YOUR POTENTIAL!
Visit the nation's capital.
You are cordially invited to participate in our award-winning Congressional seminar.
Washington, DC is one of the most exciting, dynamic, and interesting cities in the world for young people to visit and enjoy. This unique experience creates an opportunity for you to personally explore the history, character, and culture of our capital city first-hand.
THE MODEL CONGRESS
The Model Congress is an interactive simulation designed to create a hands-on experience of the inner workings of the US Congress and the dynamics and challenges of policymaking.
Each participant will be assigned to a model committee and have the opportunity to interact with professionals and experts relating to their committee focus. Participants will also collaborate with their fellow committee members to analyze, discuss and design thoughtful solutions to address pressing national and international issues based on their research and experiences throughout the seminar week.
The culminating experience of the Model Congress is the Final Model Congress Session. Committees will present and debate their respective bills following a modified set of debate procedures very similar to those followed by members of the US House of Representatives. The Final Model Congress is always an enjoyable culmination of the Model Congress Simulation replete with spirited discourse, gavel strikes and calls to order!
ABOUT THE CONGRESSIONAL SEMINAR
This six-day program seeks to increase citizen participation in the electoral process while increasing students' knowledge of contemporary events through informative, on-site dialogue sessions with leaders from both the federal government and private sectors. To constantly seek out new information, to become involved, and to find new answers are the timeliness missions of youth and the goals of the Washington Workshops Congressional Seminar.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
Day 1 - Welcome to Washington, DC!
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Arrival and Check In
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Introductions and Seminar Orientation Keynote
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Speaker-The Importance of an Engaged and Informed
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Citizenry
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Model Congress Orientation
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Model Congress Committee Meetings
Day 2 - Origins of a Capital City
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Speaker Series: Life and Legacy of George Washington
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Visit Mount Vernon - Home of George Washington
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Honoring the Past: The Lincoln, Korean War and
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Our Founding Documents: The National ArchivesVietnam War Memorials
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Smithsonian American History Museum
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Speaker Series: The Balance of Powers - Democracy In
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Action
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Model Congress Committee Meetings
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Day 3 - Primer on Public Policy and the Diplomatic side of Washington
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Model Congress Panel Discussion with Public Policy
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Experts
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The Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars
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Visit the White House Complex and Photo Opportunity
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Guest Speaker Series: Executive Branch
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Embassy Visit and Cultural Presentation
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Guest Speaker Series: Lobbying Your Cause in DC
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Model Congress Committee Meetings
Day 4 - The Fourth Estate and Democracy
In Action Part 1
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Group Photo at the US Capitol Building
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Attend Congressional Committee Hearings
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Guest Speaker: Managing PR in the digital age
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Site Visit: The Newseum - Interactive News Museum
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Model Congress Committee Meetings
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The Evening Tour of Washington, DC
Day 5 - Democracy In Action Part 2
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Guest Speaker Series: WW Alumni Serving in the US
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Congress Individual Congressional Appointments
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Independent Research Time: Committee Meetings,
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Library of Congress
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Tour of the US Capitol
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House and Senate Galleries: Legislation In Action
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Model Congress Advisory Meetings and Policy Planning
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Model Legislation is Due
Day 6 - Bill to Law and Classical Washington
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Final Model Congress Debates
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Visit the US Holocaust Memorial Museum
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Independent Group Time at the Smithsonian Museums
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Farewell Evening with Friends and Fellow Legislators
Day 7- Depart for Home - Our Best Wishes on Your Bright Future!
Included with Your Workshops Foundation Experience
ACCOMMODATIONS
Students and chaperones are housed at safe, clean, and comfortable hotels or conference centers within the Washington, DC and New York metropolitan area. Housing for each seminar will be based on availability, school preference, value and program budget. Our seminar housing sites include major hotels in the Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, ICG and Kimpton family of hotels. We also offer a college campus experience by partnering with the National 4H Youth Conference Center, Kellogg Conference Center and major colleges and universities in Washington, DC and New York.
TRANSPORTATION
The Washington Workshops only uses fully licensed and insured motor coach operators. We only partner with
companies that have demonstrated a high standard of safety, professionalism, and cleanliness. Public transportation such as city busses and the subway are typically not utilized unless a group chooses to for an enhanced experience of the Washington, D.C. transit system.
TUITION
Seminar Tuition will be published on the final travel information sheet given to you by your school. Some school's tuition may be different depending on duration of the selected program and/or activities included during your school's visit to Washington, DC. Please contact your coordinating teacher or parent organizing your seminar for more information. If you are a new teacher or parent group interested in organizing a seminar for your students please don’t hesitate to contact our office directly at 1-800-368-5688. We also develop customized seminars and customized doesn’t always mean more expensive!
MEALS
Participants enjoy a healthy breakfast each morning and wholesome dinner each evening of the program. Lunches or a lunch stipend can also be included in the program and factored into the final tuition; however, this is not required. Please contact us for more information, or to learn about lunch stipend options.
WASHINGTON WORKSHOPS STAFF
Our staff consists of management personnel in the office and in the field. Teachers and students will interact primarily with an assigned program administrator. We take pride in maintaining well educated, experienced, professional program administrators in the field. Each program administrator must complete a full screening,
intensive training and a full criminal background check. Our program administrators are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all seminar participants. Many of our staff are typically going on to postgraduate studies and/or careers in education, public policy, international affairs, tourism or public service.
HEALTH, SAFETY & SUPERVISION - OUR HIGHEST PRIORITY
Throughout our memorable history of successfully operating safe, comfortable and enjoyable educational travel experiences, The Washington Workshops has created and maintained a rigorous set of safety standards and operating procedures. We take pride in our attention to detail and proactive approach to insure each seminar participant enjoys a safe and enjoyable time during their visit. We have developed a tested and effective set of security and accountability procedures that we diligently implement in conjunction with attending teachers and chaperons on every program to make the safety of your child our first priority.