Overview

Spring - Washington, D.C.
FREE College Credit

March 20 - March 25 »
March 27 - April 1 »

Summer - Washington, D.C.
July 17 - July 26 »
July 31 - August 9 »

Summer - Wash., D.C./Baltimore
June 19 - June 28 »
July 3 - July 12 »

View More Available Dates »

Washington, DC as Your Classroom

Explore the heart of national leadership right from the corridors of power. It's an up-close, firsthand look at leadership as you've never seen it before: watch and be engaged directly in how issues are debated, policy is made, and world events unfold.

Engage in Issues Facing Our Nation

Join other outstanding young leaders in discussing current issues and events that are facing our nation. You'll gain insight from national, state, and local leaders about the importance of teamwork, persuasive communication, and critical thinking. Leave the National Leadership Summit inspired, motivated, and prepared for a lifetime of leadership and the exciting challenges ahead.

Develop and Grow Your Leadership Skills

The National Leadership Summit is a fast-paced, dynamic program that offers outstanding students hands-on experiential learning opportunities. Step into the roles of those who lead on the national level in the Legislative Simulation, where you will be faced with complex issues and conflicting points of view.

Think on your feet, engage in critical thinking, and solve complex problems. You'll actively engage in discussions and debates while you practice negotiation and effective communication, developing the skills necessary for effective leadership.

Guest Speakers

Political and Military Leaders and Policy Experts

• Dr. Madeline Albright, Former Secretary of State
• Steven Bennett, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, The Brookings Institute
• Elaine Chao, M.B.A., Former Secretary of Labor
• Dr. Veronica DiConti, Associate Dean, Georgetown University for Continuing Studies
• Brig. Gen. (Ret.) John Mountcastle, Ph.D., U.S. Army
• Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Wilma Vaught, U.S. Air Force
• Stephen Bennett, Chief of Staff, The Brookings Institution
• Bruce L. Braley, Congressman, Iowa, First District
• Gary Crocker, Foreign Service Consultant, U.S. Department of State
• Michael Dukakis, Former Governor of Massachusetts
• Dr. Martin Dupuis, Assistant Dean, Burnett Honors College and Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Central Florida,
• Jeff Flake, Congressman, Arizona, Sixth District
• Chuck Hagel, Former U.S. Senator from Nebraska
• Felix Ortiz, New York State Assemblyman
• Jamin Raskin, J.D., Maryland State Senator
• Manuel Stefanakis, Former Director of Public Administration Program, John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
• Michael Tanner, Director, Health and Welfare Studies, The CATO Institute
• Mary Beth Tinker, R.N., Tinker vs. Des Moines, 393 US 503, 1969
• Robert Tobias, Director, Public Sector Executive Education, American University

Government Agencies, Defense Organizations, Political Committees & Military

• Defense Intelligence Agency
• Drug Enforcement Administration
• National Security Agency
• U.S. Department of Commerce
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• U.S. Department of State
• U.S. Secret Service

Tuition, Location and Dates

Complete tuition, enrollment and other conference details can be found in the Application and Enrollment & Other Details included in your invitation package and in the online application.

Please pay careful attention, as dates may have changed from printed material.

2010 Spring National Leadership Summit Sessions*
FREE College Credit with tuition.

2010 Summer National Leadership Summit Sessions*

Tuition includes:

• One college credit - summer conference only ($475 value)
• A full schedule of classes, briefings, lectures and simulations
• Certificate of Completion
• Housing accommodations at a University/College dormitory (summer) or Conference Center (spring only)
• All on-campus meals **
• Course materials and lab fee
• Transportation as needed for off-site activities, briefings and events
• Field trips and social events
• Program Faculty and on-site staff for supervision
• LeadAmerica T-shirt

College Credit requires that the student successfully complete all aspects of the program (see college credit information for more details). National Leadership Summit 10 day Summer Conferences are accredited fro two (2) college credits. One (1) college credit (normally $475) issued from Loras College is included in the program tuition. A second college credit is available at the reduced rate of $299. National Leadership Summit Spring 6 Day Conferences are accredited for one (1) college credit which is optional and not included in the tuition. The college credit (normally $475) is available at the reduced rate of $299.

** Students will need spending money for several off-site meals, souvenirs and incidentals.

Students are responsible for their own airfare or other travel costs to and from each conference location.

*Dates and locations are subject to change.

Program Highlights

• Assume the responsibilities of leaders within the Legislative branch--build coalitions and platforms, resolve conflict, manage crisis and hone public speaking skills in the National Leadership Summit Simulation
• Examine leadership skills attributes through challenging case studies on George Washington, Margaret Thatcher and Abraham Lincoln
• Practice real world teambuilding and communication skills through a challenging ropes course experience
• Visit Mount Vernon and explore the estate of our first President, George Washington
• Obtain a front row seat and behind the scenes knowledge of current affairs through a visit to Capitol Hill, including scheduled meetings with the offices of your elected representatives
• Explore Washington, DC and tour the major DC monuments illuminated at night
• Earn up to two college credits

**Congressional Appointments may vary and are subject to member availability and scheduled recesses

• Spring National Leadership Summit students to visit Mt. Vernon, the estate of George Washington.  Students will explore the interactive museum, tour the home of our nation’s first President, and walk the vast estate as they contemplate Washington’s character and leadership attributes.
• Spring National Leadership Summit students to participate in Leadership Challenge -- an experiential Ropes Course at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.  Students will practice team building and communication skills through various high ropes and ground activities.
• National Leadership Summit students to visit Mt. Vernon, the estate of George Washington.  Students will explore the interactive museum, tour the home of our nation’s first President, and walk the vast estate as they contemplate Washington’s character and leadership attributes.
• National Leadership Summit students to visit the National Monuments, illuminated at night. This visit will give students the opportunity to walk around the nation’s most historic sites including the Vietnam War Memorial, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS

• College Accredited, Academic Curriculum
• Conduct research, analyze information, engage in debate, resolve conflict and build networks of support as you practice being the leaders of tomorrow
• Evaluate leadership qualities through LeadAmerica’s challenging Leadership Case Studies
• Debate current proposed policy solutions while crafting new paths forward on current issues of national importance like healthcare, national security, the economy and the environment
• Engaging Faculty & Guest Speakers
• Gain access to academic and professional leaders
• Speakers may include Legislative and Executive branch representatives, policy analysts, national security experts, representatives from federal agencies, Ambassadors and/or regional experts from institutions like the US State Department and the Brooking Institution
• Program Relevant Field Excursions
• Experience the program content and appreciate regional sites of importance through field excursions designed to complement the academic and skill building objectives of the program.
• Field Excursions may include visits to Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Museums, Mount Vernon and a Ropes Challenge Course
• Career Focused Skills & Personal Development Workshops
• Formulate a personal mission and vision plan
• Develop and polish skills like time management, decision making, team building, conflict resolution, public speaking, and communication
• Explore the opportunities and strategies to advance in program related career fields
• Collegiate Experience & College Enrollment Seminars
• Experience college life from challenging academics to dormitory living
• Gain an important head start in the preparation for college and the college admission process.
• Friends & Support for a Lifetime
• Develop a network of fellow scholars and mentors

A DAY AT National Leadership Summit*

*This is a sample day and examples of lectures, excursions and activities each program may include. All speakersand events are subject to availability and change, without notice, before or after the start of a conference.