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The
St. Albans School of Public Service is a summer experience for young
men and women interested in learning first-hand about the nature
of public service and the role of government, non-profits, private
organizations and individuals in making America a democratic and
civil society. Open to both male and female students entering their
senior year of high school, the School of Public Service is offered
for four weeks during June and July. We invite the participation
of high school students from all across America and encourage them
to join us in the challenge of working for the public good.
Located on the Close of the National Cathedral, the School of Public
Service and its students are within the heart of Washington, DC.
The School's curriculum takes full advantage of this proximity by
including field trips to important area institutions, access to
Congressmen, agency leaders and public policy figures, as well as
case studies that put the student in the role of finder of fact
and decision-maker in simulated discussions of policy. The objectives
of the summer's rigorous academic program are to:
- Inspire leadership and instill a passion for public service among our students;
- Create a solid foundation of knowledge about the American public policy process;
- Explore what normative values guide the work of the government;
- Encourage students to think critically, creatively, and independently about their role as citizens in a democracy.
- Create a long-term community of peers
Through its varied academic and extracurricular offerings, the School of
Public Service challenges students with in-depth discussion, research, case
studies, visits and readings related to contemporary policy issues:
international affairs, national security, education, healthcare, welfare,
electronic commerce and business policy. Students explore as well the
respective roles of the President, the Judiciary, the Congress and the media
in influencing the policy process. Through an intense, closely shared
experience with their instructors, mentors, speakers and fellow students, the
School of Public Service helps students pursue knowledge that will serve both
the individual and society.
An integral feature of the curriculum is the opportunity for students to
role-play the responsibilities of appointed and elected officials. The
capstone event of the summer will be a simulated presidential election game,
along with team-building, writing, and research exercises that help students
work collegially while developing skills in analysis and self-expression. The
program will help students to imagine and prepare for the pace and nature of
college-level work, and provide a link to the college experience. |
