Twenty-four Elon students are spending a remarkable two weeks this Winter Term at The Washington Center, getting an insider's look at the way U.S. government works and meeting important political figures in the nation's capital. Details...
The students met on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives for three days last week. During those sessions they heard lectures and asked questions of decision-makers and news analysts, such as Sen. Chuck Hagel, former Congressman Tim Roemer, who served on the 9/11 Commission, ABC correspondents Ann Compton, Sam Donaldson and Pete Williams and C-SPAN founder and president Brian Lamb. The students also had a chance to hear from former White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry and Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns. They are scheduled to meet with Justice Antonin Scalia at the Supreme Court this week.
Senior Dana Cunningham is in her second Winter Term at The Washington Center, and says the experience has been transformative for her.
“Last year, I had some political interest, but I wasn’t really informed,” says Cunningham, an elementary education major from Etowah, NC. “It has sparked my interest in getting involved. This year, I’m working with other Elon students on writing their journals, developing their arguments and becoming political activists.”
Bob Anderson, associate professor of political science, has worked with the Center’s January seminars for 13 years and is listed as one of its senior faculty leaders. He says the seminars combine excellent content with relevant context.
“Students not only read about and reflect upon the concepts, theory, history and process of American politics, they actually listen to and engage the people who are making and implementing national policy in the environment where policy decisions are made.”
The Washington Center recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. It provides students with opportunities to work and learn in Washington for academic credit. More than 33,000 students have participated in The Washington Center’s programs.