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    Policy and Politics Institute
    In-person Program

    Policy and Politics Institute

    by Wake Forest University

    A residential politics program where students debate domestic and international issues, meet policy professionals, and develop a public policy proposal.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Policy and Politics Institute at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Applications open

    Eligibility

    Current Grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States

    Cost

    $3,500

    Duration

    1 week

    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
    PoliticsInternational RelationsLaw & justice
    Accommodation: University residence hall
    Meals: All meals provided
    Certificate: Wake Forest certificate of completion
    Campus experience: Classes, activities, overnight supervision
    Teaching: Academic leader and guest speakers

    Policy and Politics Institute summary

    This is a focused introduction to democracy, elections, constitutional rights and international politics, taught through discussion and applied activities.

    Students analyze political messaging, debate domestic and foreign policy, meet people working in law and government, and collaborate on a public policy proposal.

    It best suits students who want an academically structured first experience of politics alongside residential university campus life.

    What is Policy and Politics Institute?

    The Policy and Politics Institute is part of Wake Forest University's Summer Immersion Program. It introduces students to American democracy, constitutional rights, elections, political polarization and international politics through university-style discussion and practical activities.

    Participants analyze media messaging, debate current domestic and foreign-policy issues, and hear from policy leaders and alumni working in law and government. Their central collaborative task is to develop a public policy proposal and a plan for influencing the legislative process.

    Why Succeed highlights Policy and Politics Institute

    • The curriculum connects democratic theory and international politics with current policy questions.

    • Students move beyond listening by debating issues and developing a public policy proposal.

    • Policy leaders, alumni and career speakers connect classroom ideas with work in government and law.

    • The residential structure combines academic sessions with supervised campus activities.

    • Completion is recognized with an official Wake Forest University certificate.

    Who is Policy and Politics Institute for?

    Best for

    Students who enjoy discussing current affairs and want to test politics, public policy, law or international relations in a collaborative setting.

    Not ideal if

    You want academic credit, a commuter option or a program centered on independent written research rather than discussion and group work.

    Is Policy and Politics Institute worth it?

    It can be worthwhile for a student who wants an intensive first look at politics and policy before choosing a university subject. The mix of debate, professional perspectives and a collaborative proposal provides more active exploration than a lecture-only course.

    The main limitations are the substantial fee, required residential stay and lack of academic credit. Its value therefore depends on whether the student will actively participate and whether the family prioritizes exploration, campus experience and confidence-building over a formal qualification.

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

    Cost and what is included

    $3,500; includes All program meals, Transportation for off-site field trips, Official Certificate of Completion.

    Accommodation

    University residence hall

    Meals

    All meals provided

    Provider details

    Review the Wake Forest University provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States.

    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 Policy and Politics Institute need?

    Effort level

    Moderate.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before the 1 November application opening.

    Main challenge

    Turning broad political interests into clear arguments and a workable policy proposal.

    Typical preparation

    • Choose a teacher, counselor or administrator who can describe your academic abilities and readiness for a college environment.

    • Draft the two application essays early enough to revise them for clarity and specific evidence of interest.

    • Before attending, build a balanced news-reading routine and practice separating evidence, assumptions and opinions.

    Useful if

    You follow current affairs and are comfortable contributing to discussion.

    What do students do on Policy and Politics Institute?

    The week combines classroom discussion, expert perspectives and collaborative policy work, with supervised residential activities outside the academic day.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Explore liberty, equality, justice, diversity, sovereignty and human rights.

    2. 2

      Examine political parties, polarization, elections and current laws.

    3. 3

      Analyze how political ideas and messages appear in the media.

    4. 4

      Discuss and debate current domestic and foreign-policy issues.

    5. 5

      Speak with policy leaders and hear from alumni in law and government.

    6. 6

      Develop a public policy proposal and a legislative influence plan.

    7. 7

      Join evening activities and scheduled free time on campus.

    Policy and Politics Institute 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

    Applications are considered until programs fill.

    Reference date

    Policy and Politics — Week 1

    5-10 July 2026

    Latest verified session.

    Reference date

    Policy and Politics — Week 2

    12-17 July 2026

    Latest verified session.

    Reference date

    Applications open

    1 November 2026

    Opening date for summer 2027 applications.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Current US Grades 9-12 or equivalent

    • Good academic standing

    • No school suspensions or disciplinary issues

    • Fluent enough in English to participate

    • Home-schooled students may apply

    • International students may apply

    How much does Policy and Politics Institute cost?

    Program tuition

    $3,500

    Funding or discounts

    • Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable and due with the application.
    • Enrollment deposit: $550 — Nonrefundable after securing a seat.
    • Need-based scholarships: Limited funding — Requested through the general application.

    What's included

    All program meals, Transportation for off-site field trips, Official Certificate of Completion

    How to apply to Policy and Politics Institute

    1. 1

      Create an account in the Wake Forest Pre-College application portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the online application and two required essays.

    3. 3

      Report your GPA; a transcript and test scores are not required.

    4. 4

      Provide an eligible teacher, counselor or administrator as your recommender.

    5. 5

      Pay the $60 nonrefundable application fee when submitting.

    6. 6

      If accepted, select an institute and week through the registration form.

    7. 7

      Submit the $550 enrollment deposit to secure a seat or join a waitlist.

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    What does Policy and Politics Institute cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Democracy and rights

    Examine liberty, equality, justice, diversity and constitutional rights.

    International politics

    Explore nation-states, sovereignty, human rights and foreign policy.

    Parties and polarization

    Consider how parties, elections and polarization shape laws.

    Political communication

    Analyze political messaging and practice evidence-based discussion and persuasion.

    Public policy action

    Develop a policy proposal and plan to influence legislation.

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

    What is a typical day on Policy and Politics Institute?

    A typical day during the program.

    Classes and speakers

    Breakfast is followed by discussions on ideology and democracy plus a guest speaker.

    Policy work

    Students research their policy project and join a politics career panel.

    Campus activities

    Dinner is followed by supervised activities and scheduled free time.

    Residential routine

    Students prepare for bed before the published 10:30 pm lights-out time.

    Who teaches on Policy and Politics Institute?

    Academic leader Dr. Michael Callaghan Pisapia holds a PhD in political science and has taught American democracy, political philosophy, public policy and American politics. Students also hear from policy leaders, Wake Forest alumni working in law and government, and career speakers.

    The published hands-on experiences may change between sessions.

    Where do students stay on Policy and Politics Institute?

    Residential plan

    • Residence halls: Students stay in assigned Wake Forest University campus housing.
    • All meals: Meals are provided through the campus dining hall or catering for off-campus activities.
    • Overnight supervision: Professional staff live in the residence halls and join a 24-hour on-call rotation.
    • Evening activities: Staff lead activities such as basketball, karaoke, Spikeball and volleyball.

    Participants must stay on campus for the full institute week; roommate arrangements are not guaranteed.

    What happens after Policy and Politics Institute?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Use the policy proposal as evidence of focused subject exploration.

    Reflect on debates and professional talks in future application writing.

    Continue into politics, public policy, law or international relations study.

    Add the Wake Forest Certificate of Completion to a résumé or activity record.

    Participation does not provide academic credit or preferential treatment in Wake Forest admission.

    Where does Policy and Politics Institute take place?

    The institute takes place on Wake Forest University's Reynolda Campus in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Students live in campus residence halls, eat in the university dining hall and participate in supervised evening activities across campus.

    Optional airport shuttles are offered from Piedmont Triad and Charlotte Douglas airports for separate published fees.

    Policy and Politics Institute FAQs

    Current students in US Grades 9-12 or an equivalent stage may apply if they are in good academic standing and have no school suspensions. Home-schooled and international students are welcome.

    Students submit an online application, two essays, a self-reported GPA, one recommendation from an eligible school professional, and a $60 nonrefundable fee. Transcripts and test scores are not required.

    Yes. Every participant must live in an assigned Wake Forest residence hall and remain on campus for the institute week.

    The curriculum covers democracy, constitutional rights, elections, political parties, polarization, international politics, political messaging and ways to influence public policy.

    Students work collaboratively to develop a public policy proposal and a plan for influencing the legislative process.

    All meals are provided during the campus stay. Students can report dietary restrictions through the required medical documentation after acceptance and registration.

    Teaching assistants, student engagement staff and professional staff support participants throughout academic, recreational and evening activities. Residential staff live in the halls and operate a 24-hour on-call rotation.

    The institute does not carry secondary-school or college credit. Students who complete it receive an official Wake Forest University Certificate of Completion.

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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.

    View author page

    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Code of Conduct
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Programs Applications
    • Wake Forest Pre-College Campus
    • Summer Immersion Program Dates | Wake Forest Pre-College
    • FAQ | Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Apply - Wake Forest Summer Immersion Program
    • Wake Forest Summer Program | Policy and Politics Institute

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

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Institute page checked

    • Application process reviewed

    • Eligibility requirements reviewed

    • Tuition and fees checked

    • Campus arrangements reviewed

    • Safeguarding information reviewed

    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.