Order Code 97-742 C
Updated July 25, 2002
CRS Report for Congress
Received through the CRS Web
Civics Programs in Washington, D.C.
Susan Watkins Greenfield
Information Research Specialist
Information Research Division
Summary
A number of programs in Washington, D.C., explain the workings of the national
government to a diverse range of Americans, from middle school students to senior
citizens. This report highlights six of the most popular programs. The Congressional
Research Service does not endorse or recommend any organization or program. This
report will be updated yearly. For a guide to short-term or summer housing in
Washington, see CRS Report RS20505, Coming to Washington, D.C.? Sources of
Information on Temporary Housing.
Background
The costs of these civics programs typically range from $500 to more than $1,000,
not including transportation to Washington, D.C. Although some offer financial help,
many suggest that participants raise funds in their home communities. Interested persons
should inquire with specific programs about costs, available scholarships, and application
forms and procedures. Internet addresses have been included for these programs. To
evaluate an organization’s reputation, contact the following:
Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.
Charity Reports
4200 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington, VA 22203
Tel: (703) 276-0100
[http://www.give.org]
National Committee on Contests and Activities of the
National Association of Secondary School Principals
(NASSP)
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1537
Tel: (703) 860-0200
[http://dsa.principals.org/scaa]
Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress

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The NASSP produces an annual Student Contests and Activities National Advisory
List of educational programs that interested persons may use to identify a wide variety of
program opportunities.
Programs
Close Up Foundation
44 Canal Center Plaza
Alexandria, VA 22314-1592
Tel: (800) 256-7387
[http://www.closeup.org]
This nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization began in 1970. It offers
programs for middle school (grades 6-8) and high school students and their teachers, as
well as for senior citizens.
Congressional Youth Leadership Council
1110 Vermont Avenue, N.W., Suite 320
Washington, D.C. 20005
Tel: (202) 638-0008
[http://www.cylc.org/]
Begun in 1985, this nonprofit, nonpartisan civics educational organization offers
three programs for high school students:
! National Young Leaders Conference
! Global Young Leaders Conference
! Presidential Youth Inaugural Conference (during presidential inaugural
years only)
National Youth Leadership Forum
2020 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20006
Tel: (202) 347-4036
[http://www.nylf.org/]
This nonprofit educational organization, founded in 1992, offers three programs in
Washington, D.C.:
! National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine
! National Youth Leadership Forum on Law
! National Youth Leadership Forum on Defense, Intelligence, and
Diplomacy
Presidential Classroom
119 Oronoco Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: (800) 441-6533
[http://www.presidentialclassroom.org]
Started in 1968, the Presidential Classroom Scholars Program provides a week-long
overview of the nation’s government to high school students. Also offered are these five
special focus programs designed to give students in-depth exposure to policy areas of
national importance: the Global Business, E-Commerce and Public Policy Program; the

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Future World Leaders Summit; the Science, Technology and Public Policy Program; the
Media and Democracy Program; and the Law and Justice in a Democracy Program.
United States Senate Youth Program
William Randolph Hearst Foundation
90 New Montgomery Street, Suite 1212
Tel: (415) 543-4057
San Francisco, CA 94015-4504
(800) 841-7048
[http://www.hearstfdn.org/ussyp]
Begun in 1962, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation provides an all-expense-
paid week in Washington, D.C., for two high school student leaders from each state, the
District of Columbia, and the Department of Defense Education Activity to observe the
federal government in action and meet key officials. Delegates, who must be elected
student officers or school representatives, are selected by education officials in each state.
Each student receives a $5,000 college scholarship for undergraduate studies. This
program has early fall deadlines.
Washington Workshops Foundation
3222 N Street, N.W., Suite 340
Washington, D.C. 20007
Tel: (800) 368-5688
[http://www.workshops.org]
Started in 1967, this private, nonprofit, nonpartisan educational foundation offers
four programs for young people interested in the workings of national government:
! Congressional Seminar
! Diplomacy and Global Affairs Seminar
! Junior High/Middle School Seminar (grades 7-9)
! Advanced Congressional Seminar/Capitol Hill Internships

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