Welcome to Public Good Generation: a new civic leadership experience designed exclusively for dynamic rising juniors, rising seniors, and graduating high school students interested in politics and public service!
This summer program is designed to help students understand the connection between Christian formation and civic life in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. You’ll talk with decision-makers and civic leaders, who work in spaces from government to advocacy to journalism. You will write and film a campaign issue ad, competing against other students to model civility and conviction. You’ll have opportunities throughout the week to participate in mock town halls, giving you the chance to apply what you have learned. If you are a Christian high school student who wants to serve your neighbors in politics and public service, this program is for you!
Get ready to embark on a transformative journey where your faith meets politics, and you emerge as a leader ready to make a difference in the world!
Sunday, July 7 - Friday, July 12, 2024
Washington D.C.
What can you expect?
A Safe, Rigorous, Challenging, and Fun Experience: We provide a secure yet vibrant space for high school juniors and seniors, ensuring a challenging and enjoyable learning experience at the intersection of Christian faith and politics.
Faith in Action: Explore the connection between Christian faith and political engagement. Our resources, expertise, and leadership will show you how politics is not just a subject but an avenue for living out your faith.
A Model for Civility and Christian Character: Learn from individuals who both model leadership the way Christ led in their public service careers and who also navigate difficult questions around their faith and work every day. Apply these learnings in discussions on political issues with respect and Christian character.
Real-world Insight into D.C. Politics: Gain exclusive access to real-world scenarios and discussions, connecting with Christians actively shaping politics in D.C. Equip yourself with fundamental knowledge about U.S. political campaigns, policymaking, and challenging issues like polarization. Apply this knowledge creatively to produce a campaign ad that reflects your passions, political awareness, and faith.
Life-long Connections: Forge new friendships and connections that extend beyond the program. Join a growing alumni cohort of young Christians pursuing degrees and careers in civic life. Discover how faith intersects with and contributes to your public vocation and passions.
During their five-day experience, students will participate in a range of activities, including:
Panels and keynotes from elected officials, civic leaders, and young professionals with real-world experience living and working in DC and civic life
Writing and filming an issue ad campaign for an end of the week compeition
Multiple mock town halls
Mid-week offsite day to DC museums and sights
A nighttime tour of the gorgeous DC monuments
Participants must be a rising high school junior, a rising senior, or be graduating this year.
Applicants:
Dates, Arrival, and Departure:
The program takes place between Sunday, July 7 and Friday, July 12, 2024.
Arrival and check-in is between 3:00 and 5:00 PM on Sunday, July 7. The opening dinner will be at 6:00 PM.
Departure is at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024.
For those flying, shuttles to and from the airport will be coordinated.
Location:
The program will take place at American University, a private university in Washington D.C. located at 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW.
All students will be housed in dorm-style rooms with a roommate. Students will share an en-suite bathroom with 2 to 3 other rooms.
Each student will be assigned a guide for the week, who will be available to answer questions and chaperone students between activities.
Cost:
The cost for the week is $975. All food, lodging, and programming are covered by this cost. Transportation to and from the event is the responsibility of the program participant and their family. Program fees will be paid in two installments: a $175 non-refundable deposit to confirm your place after acceptance, and a $800 final deposit due 45-days before the event.
Thanks to the generosity of our partners, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships. We do not want cost to prohibit qualified students from participating in this program. To inquire about available need-based scholarships, please contact Phebe Meyer at info@ccpubliclife.org.
Application:
Participants are selected based on a brief application process (a few short questions and a video response). The video response is not meant to be fancy or well-produced. We’re just asking you, in 2-3 minutes, to talk about why you want to participate in this program. Make it easy — get in front of a camera, and tell us a little bit about yourself and why you are a fit for the Public Good Generation summer program, covering the following questions:
Current interests in civic life or politics
Your dreams and interests for the future
What you hope to get out of this program
This video will not be used for any other purpose other than this application process. Feel free to upload it as an mp4 or mov file, or send a private YouTube link. If you are not comfortable with a video, you can send us an audio file.
Timeline:
Applications extended to April 15, 2024.
Applicants will be notified of their acceptance by April 19, 2024.
Participants must confirm registration and pay the deposit by May 1, 2024.
All fees are due on May 30, 2024.