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Middle School Seminar

EXPERIENCE YOUR POTENTIAL!

Visit the nation's capital.

You are cordially invited to participate in our award-winning Junior High/Middle School 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.
students on Workshops foundation study tour in Washington DC

Not only will you have the chance to create a lifetime of special memories and make new friends; we are confident you will gain:

 

  • A greater understanding of The US Constitution, The Bill of Rights, and the structure and functions of the US government.

  • Deeper understanding and appreciation of the history of the United States and the Washington, DC region.

  • Personal growth, increased confidence, and inspiration for your future

  • The importance of civic engagement, understanding of policy issues and voting

  • A greater appreciation for public, community, and military service

  • Improved analytical thinking, public speaking, and time management skills

  • A broader worldview and understanding of international relations and our relationship to the international community.

  • Enhanced skills as a seasoned world traveler

ABOUT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL SEMINAR

The Middle School seminar to Washington, DC covers a range of topics in history, government, democracy, international relations, art, music, culture and public service over the course of one full week. Each schedule is unique, intense, educational, and fun. Each program can be designed to the goals, objectives and interests of each school or organization.
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SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Arrival Day - Welcome to Washington DC:
Our History and Honoring the Past

  • Airport arrival - Welcome from the WF Team

  • Mount Vernon - Life and Legacy of an American Icon

  • Arlington National Cemetery

  • The National Archives

  • Dinner in Historic Georgetown

  • Welcome and program orientation

  • Introduction to the Model Congress simulation


Day 2 - The Executive and Judicial Branch

  • Guest speakers on the role of the executive branch

  • Tour of the Department of Defense

  • US and DC District Court

  • Perspectives from Federal Judges

  • The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery

  • Evening Speaker

  • Model congress committee meetings


Day 3- International Relations

  • The Lincoln, Korean and Vietnam War Memorials

  • ScholarsThe Woodrow Wilson Center for International

  • Budget hero simulation

  • US Holocaust Memorial Museum

  • Museum Visit and Country Briefing

  • Night Tour of Iconic Washington Monuments

  • Model Congress Committee Debates

Day 4 - The Legislative Branch and Judicial

  • Branch - Capitol Hill Day

  • Supreme Court Oral Arguments

  • Panoramic Group Photo at the US Capitol

  • US Capitol Tour

  • Meeting with California Congressional

  • Delegation

  • The Library of Congress

  • Evening Theater Experience at the Capitol Steps


Day 5 - Life and Legacy of our Founding Fathers Explore Historic Virginia

  • Tour of Monticello Home and Gardens

  • Lunch at Historic Michie Tavern

  • Tour of Montpelier, James Madisons Ancestral Home

  • Evening Guest Speaker


Day 6: Our Laboratory of Learning

  • Final Model Congress Debates

  • The Newseum - Museum of the News

  • Smithsonian American History Museum

  • Smithsonian Natural History Museum

  • Smithsonian National Gallery of Art

  • Evening Dinner and Dance Cruise on the Potomac


Day 7: Air and Space and Safe Travels

  • Visit the Udvar Hazy Air and Space Museum

  • Depart for the airport and check in

  • Flight departs for home - Safe Travels!

CUSTOM WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE

Do you have something else in mind? Something you wish to add? We can also customize this program further to include other cities and content catered to the goals and objectives of your respective program experience.

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The Model Congress helped me find what I believe in, and allowed me a safe place to voice my opinion. I learned how to defend my position as well as strategically poke holes in the oppositions' arguments. Now I understand why it's important to learn about political issues.

​

– Hannah P., Hawai'i

washington monument

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.

Apply Now!

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