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    Political Action & Public Policy Summer Program
    In-person Program

    Political Action & Public Policy Summer Program

    by National Student Leadership Conference

    A residential political science program combining Senate, campaign and lobbying simulations with leadership workshops, expert speakers and Washington visits.

    Last verified: 4 Aug 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    High-school students

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Georgetown University, Washington, DC

    Cost

    $4,295

    Duration

    9 days

    Format

    In-person

    Application deadline

    Rolling · Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Save program
    PoliticsPublic Speaking
    Accommodation: Supervised campus dormitory
    Meals: On-campus meals included
    Campus experience: Classes, simulations and Washington trips
    College credit: Optional 1-credit AU course

    Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program summary

    Students explore how Congress, campaigns and interest groups shape public policy through role-play and collaborative simulations.

    The experience combines a U.S. Senate exercise, campaign planning, lobbying, leadership workshops, expert speakers and field visits around Washington.

    It suits students who want an active introduction to political science and are comfortable debating, collaborating and living on a university campus.

    What is Political Action & Public Policy Summer Program?

    Political Action & Public Policy is a National Student Leadership Conference summer program focused on Congress, campaigns and democratic policymaking. Students work through experiential simulations while learning how federal laws are written, debated and enacted.

    The residential experience combines political-science activities with guest speakers, leadership workshops and visits around Washington, DC. Students live at Georgetown University and explore both campus life and institutions connected with government and public affairs.

    Why Succeed highlights Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program

    • The Senate simulation moves beyond lectures into bill drafting, committee negotiations, floor debate and voting.

    • Campaign activities connect strategy, messaging, media, finance and voter engagement.

    • Lobby Day helps students understand how organised interests attempt to influence legislation.

    • Washington visits place political study near national institutions, archives and museums.

    • A separate leadership curriculum develops communication, listening, resilience and empathy.

    Who is Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program for?

    Best for

    Students curious about U.S. politics who enjoy debate, teamwork, public speaking and practical simulations.

    Not ideal if

    You want a low-cost day course, a non-residential format or a program centred mainly on independent academic research.

    Is Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants to test a genuine interest in politics through structured role-play rather than classroom theory alone. The combination of legislative, lobbying and campaign simulations offers several perspectives on how political decisions are made.

    The main limitation is value for money: the residential fee is high, and attendance itself does not prove academic distinction. Students will gain most by reflecting on the simulations, following up with wider reading and explaining what changed in their understanding.

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    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $4,295; includes Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation.

    Accommodation

    Supervised campus dormitory

    Meals

    On-campus meals included

    Provider details

    Review the National Student Leadership Conference provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    9 days; Georgetown University, Washington, DC.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

    Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.

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    How much preparation does Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program need?

    Effort level

    High and immersive.

    Best started

    Begin planning two to three months before a preferred session, especially for travel, funding and payment arrangements.

    Main challenge

    Responding persuasively during fast-moving team simulations.

    Typical preparation

    • Review how a bill moves through Congress.

    • Follow one current policy debate from contrasting viewpoints.

    • Practise a short speech and prepare to defend a position respectfully.

    • Plan travel, dietary needs and funding well before the session.

    Useful if

    You have read current political news and understand basic U.S. institutions.

    What do students do on Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program?

    Students move between political simulations, leadership development, expert perspectives and field visits, applying ideas through team decisions and public communication.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Take the role of a U.S. Senator and draft legislation.

    2. 2

      Work through subcommittees, floor debate and a bill vote.

    3. 3

      Build a team campaign plan from the primary to general election.

    4. 4

      Manage campaign contributions, expenses and advertising choices.

    5. 5

      Represent an interest group during a Lobby Day simulation.

    6. 6

      Explore social-media and campaign-marketing strategies.

    7. 7

      Attend guest-speaker sessions and Washington trips.

    8. 8

      Complete leadership workshops on communication, listening, resilience and empathy.

    Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Applications

    Rolling admissions

    Accepted while program or waitlist space remains.

    Reference date

    Georgetown University — 12-20 June 2026

    12-20 June 2026

    Reference date

    Georgetown University — 24 June-2 July 2026

    24 June-2 July 2026

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Ages 14-18

    • Completed at least one high-school year

    • Current high-school students

    • Eligible through summer after graduation

    • Academic excellence and leadership ability encouraged

    How much does Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program cost?

    Residential tuition

    $4,295 — Latest verified Georgetown cycle.

    Funding or discounts

    • Scholarships: Typically $500-$1,000 — Financial need is required.
    • Payment plan: Monthly payments
    • Optional college credit: $1,044 — Separate one-credit online AU course.

    What's included

    Supervised campus housing, On-campus meals, Course materials and academic expenses, Trips, tours and activities, Off-campus event transportation

    How to apply to Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program

    1. 1

      Open the official NSLC online enrollment portal.

    2. 2

      Create or retrieve your NSLC ID.

    3. 3

      Enter the student's birth date, gender and current grade.

    4. 4

      Select an available program session.

    5. 5

      Complete the online enrollment application.

    6. 6

      Pay the required deposit by card, or contact NSLC about paying by check.

    7. 7

      Check the student account for enrollment, waitlist and travel details.

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    What does Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Congress and legislation

    Draft bills, negotiate in committees, debate on the floor and vote.

    Campaign management

    Develop a candidate strategy from the primary through the general election.

    Lobbying and advocacy

    Represent an interest group and persuade Senate committees.

    Campaign finance and media

    Allocate contributions and design advertising and social-media strategies.

    Leadership development

    Practise communication, listening, resilience, empathy and self-awareness.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    Who teaches on Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program?

    Students receive practical perspectives from guest speakers with backgrounds across politics, government and advocacy. Past speakers include senators, a member of Congress, political organisation leaders and public-policy professionals.

    Guest-speaker line-ups can change between sessions.

    Where do students stay on Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program?

    Residential plan

    • Campus dormitory: All students reside in supervised Georgetown University housing.
    • Meals: On-campus meals are provided through campus dining services.
    • Overnight supervision: Team Advisors live on student floors as Resident Advisors.
    • Dorm access: Students receive keys or cards, and the front desk is monitored.

    Students are housed with one or two roommates on a floor with others in their age range.

    What happens after Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the experience to test interest in politics or public policy.

    Build examples for application essays and interviews.

    Continue into politics, international relations or law study.

    Request an alumni recommendation letter after attending.

    Add an optional one-credit American University course.

    The college-credit course is separate, online and charged additionally.

    Where does Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program take place?

    The program is based at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, placing students near major government and cultural institutions. Listed visits may include the Capitol Building, National Archives, Department of the Interior, Smithsonian Museums, historic Georgetown and Washington monuments at night.

    Trips and tours are listed as possible inclusions and may vary.

    Political Action and Public Policy Summer Program FAQs

    Students explore congressional lawmaking, political campaigns, lobbying, campaign finance, media strategy and the influence of interest groups and public opinion.

    Yes. Students live in supervised Georgetown University dormitories and receive meals through campus dining services.

    The program lists a U.S. Senate simulation, campaign management, Lobby Day, campaign finance, and social-media and campaign-marketing activities.

    Tuition covers housing, on-campus meals, course materials, academic expenses, trips, tours, activities and transportation for off-campus program events.

    Yes. Smaller groups have dedicated Team Advisors, who also live on student floors as Resident Advisors. An administrative team lives on site.

    Campus dining services can accommodate dietary allergies and restrictions when preferences are completed in the student profile.

    Yes. Enrolled students demonstrating financial need may apply, with academic merit and school or community involvement also considered.

    No. A separate one-credit American University online course is optional, costs extra and is completed outside the campus program dates.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

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    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • POLI GU by NSLC - Flipsnack
    • NSLC Enrollment Portal
    • Get College Credit Hours & Gain College Preparation Experience | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Pre-College Career Exploration Programs for Students
    • Top Georgetown Summer Programs: Unlock Your Potential
    • Youth Leadership Programs | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Frequently Asked Questions | National Student Leadership Conference
    • Summer Program Scholarships | National Student Leadership Conference
    • High School Summer Political Science Program | National Student Leadership Conference

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 4 Aug 2026)

    • Program details checked

    • Dates and tuition checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Enrollment process checked

    • Accommodation reviewed

    • Scholarships checked

    • College credit clarified

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.