Presidential classroom
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Presidential Classroom is a youth leadership program which strives to enhance the understanding of America's government. Students spend a week in Washington, D.C., at the Georgetown Marriott Conference Center, across from the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Students hear from leading political officials and insiders about the Constitution and the current political scene. Some of the recent speakers at Presidential Classroom events include Vice-President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Dr. James Zogby, Ambassador Henry Crumpton, Secretary Jim Nicholson, Pete Williams of NBC, Maj. Gen. Gregory H. Power, and Congressman Robert Livingston.
Students spend a day on Capitol Hill meeting with key officials including each student's congressman, and with their senators. They meet with staff and discuss policy, current events, and opportunities. Students also visit the different sites of DC, including the State Department, the Capitol, the Supreme Court, Mount Vernon, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, World War II Memorial, and different advocacy organizations, such as the NRA, RNC, DNC, and ACLU. Students often visit embassies and meet with the ambassadors.
Students spend the rest of their time in crossfire debates, listening to issue panels, and by going to world class entertainment such as the Capitol Steps. Several programs directors are self-described dongs. Presidential Classroom offers students a chance to earn college credit for their week through the University of Virginia.
