About the Program

The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics will lead high school students in a careful study of the pivotal turning points in American history memorialized by the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address, and the "I Have a Dream" speech.

Participating students will spend twelve days in our nation's capitol, Washington, DC. They will participate in seminars and visit historical sites in and around Washington, DC. They will take two day-trips, one to Philadelphia and the other to Gettysburg, to visit the sites where these three historical documents came to life.

Attending the Congressional Academy provides students a great opportunity to prepare for college and allows students to participate in an in-depth study of three important eras in our history. Students will also be able to interact with extraordinary faculty from around the country.

Students need to be in their junior year in high school to apply for the Congressional Academy.

The 2008 Congressional Academy runs from Sunday, June 29, 2008 to Friday, July 11, 2008.

Students can apply online for the Congressional Academy here.

Each selected student will be responsible for making their own travel arrangements to get to and from Washington, DC. Shuttle buses to the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel will be provided from National, Dulles, and Baltimore/Washington Airports and from Union Station in Washington, DC. With the exception of travel to and from the Academy and personal purchases, the Congressional Academy will be available at no cost to the students. Each selected student will receive a $250 travel stipend at the conclusion of the Academy to offset their travel expenses.

Please contact Lisa Ormiston to correct any mistakes on your application. She can be reached toll-free at 1 (877) 289-5411 or lormisto@ashland.edu.

Yes, we welcome applications from students who are being schooled at home. Where possible, teacher/counselor recommendations should be completed by educators who are not related to the applicant.

Students must apply to the Congressional Academy by April 9, 2008.

Letters notifying applicants of their acceptance status will be mailed out by April 30, 2008.

A PSAT, SAT, PLAN, or ACT score is required for admission. If something has prevented you from taking one of these tests, please indicate why in your application materials.

Yes. Students who participate in the Congressional Academy and complete all of the requirements are eligible to receive 3 hours of undergraduate credit through Ashland University.

Students that need to request a transcript to be sent to their home or to a third party, please go to www.ashland.edu/registrar/transcript.html, fill out the "Transcript Request Form" and send it into the Registrar's Office at Ashland University.

Grades will be sent out to Congressional Academy students during the month of September when Ashland University sends out all summer semester grades.

One hundred students, two from every state, will be selected to attend the Congressional Academy.

Students need to have completed their junior year in high school to attend the Congressional Academy.

If a student cannot fully participate in the program, we advise that s/he not apply.

No, there is no relation between admission to the Congressional Academy and admission to the freshman class of Ashland University. However, attending the Congressional Academy and performing well will strengthen your application to any college or university.

Most days, students will have an hour of free time in which they will have access to the university's computers as well as other university facilities. Academy students will not be able to leave campus during these free times.

In addition to the faculty, there will be 8 adults supervising the students during the Academy.

Yes, rooms will be air-conditioned.

No. Students are assigned to rooms of two to promote the diversity of our students.

No. Students are assigned to rooms and seminar groups with students whose background may be quite different from their own. These arrangements are essential to the Congressional Academy to emphasize diversity and help students practice their citizenship skills.

No, because housing assignments are being made and changed right up until the time students arrive at the Congressional Academy.

Please refer to the hotel website to determine what is available.

The Academy will take place at the Sheraton Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Virginia.

Congressional Academy students will travel on buses within DC and also on their day trips to Philadelphia and Gettysburg.

George Washington University Hospital is three miles away from the hotel.

Please check this website for updates if something happens in DC during the Academy.

You will be able to send mail to them to the hotel.

Students may wear casual clothing to classes, afternoon trips and day trips. Casual clothing includes shirts, jeans, t-shirts, running shoes and sandals. Clothing should be tasteful (e.g., no mini-skirts, short shorts, suggestive, lewd or vulgar messages on t-shirts, no tube tops, no sweat pants). Hemlines must be below fingertips when standing with arms hanging down by one's side.

When the Academy visits the Capitol, students will be required to wear business attire. Men should wear a business suit or dress slacks and a sport coat. Women should wear a business suit or a career dress. Hemlines must be below fingertips when standing with arms hanging down by one's side.

When a student is accepted to the Congressional Academy, the information that you receive will have a space for students to list any special needs.

Curfew during the Academy is 11pm every night. Students must be in their rooms with the doors closed. Congressional Academy staff will be through the hotel every night to check that everyone is in their room.

Students may only leave the hotel with the entire group for scheduled outings. Students may not leave the hotel during their free time or study time.

A government-issued ID – a driver's license, military ID, state ID or passport – are good choices.

The Congressional Academy is taught by some of the country's best college professors. A complete list of faculty and their qualifications is listed here.

An average day at the Congressional Academy will begin with a half-hour common session with all students. The students will then break out into four groups and have two class meetings until lunch. The afternoons usually consist of tours accompanied with talks given by the professors. An hour of free time is typically given before dinner along with an evening event and/or study time.

Each selected student will receive a list of things that they should and shouldn't bring while at the Academy.

Students may bring these items at their own risk. The Congressional Academy and the Sheraton Hotel will not be liable for anything that is lost, stolen, or damaged. The Sheraton does provide a business center for guest use.

Once the students arrive on campus the Congressional Academy will take care of all food, housing, transportation and tour expenses until the end of the Academy. The students will only need money for any souvenirs they may wish to purchase.

Shuttle buses to the Sheraton Crystal City in Arlington, VA will be provided from National, Dulles, and Baltimore/Washington Airports and from Union Station in Washington, DC.

Please go to the Transportation Security Administration's website for the latest updates and frequently asked questions before you travel. TSA recommends that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.

Students may leave the Academy after 3:30pm on July 11. Please remember when making travel arrangements that students should be at the airport two hours before your flight.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Lisa Ormiston, toll-free, at 1 (877) 289-5411 or lormisto@ashland.edu.