The Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship is expanding its National Student Congress events to both high school and college-level students for the first time, in partnership with The Council of State Governments and the University of Kentucky’s Martin School of Public Policy and Administration.

The week-long programs in Lexington gives students the opportunity to meet with lawmakers, academics, journalists and civic leaders to discuss the practical importance of compromise, constructive engagement and dialogue to resolve conflict and competing interests in a democracy. Nationally recognized guest speakers engage in seminars with the students, followed by a student debate on a current topic in the Old State Capitol in Frankfort. Past speakers have included justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, speakers of the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. senators and governors.

The Student Congress programs are free – including travel and lodging – to those selected. Current high school juniors and college juniors with records of exceptional academic and extracurricular achievement are invited to apply. The high school program will be June 12-18; the college program is June 19-25. Click here to apply.