Political Communication Program

Program Description

Political Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership Institute for High School Students (PAL) offers rising sophomores, juniors and seniors an opportunity to explore the crucial role of communication in politics, advocacy, and leadership in a democratic society. Applicants selected for this two-week program channel their interests upon a number of important issues, including public service, social advocacy, civic engagement, crisis management, public policy, global politics, and communicating with the media. The Institute rests upon the belief that young people, armed with an understanding of and practice in the art of communication, can be active agents within their respective communities. Further, junior citizens can (and should) serve as articulate ambassadors and advocates for various stakeholders, including those whose voices have been marginalized or devalued.

Please note: This program is designed for students who want an intensive training experience in leadership, government, social advocacy, and communication, and understand how to manage their time and complete assignments both in and out of the classroom. Students entering grades 10, 11 and 12 and who have the desire and maturity to receive constructive criticism about their work and give helpful feedback to others during the program are encouraged to apply.

Learning Outcomes

The Political Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership Institute for High School Students focuses on developing and strengthening communication skills.

Students who participate in the program learn to:

• Engage as citizen-leaders in a complex unpredictable political environment
• Prepare for a variety of leadership opportunities in government, business and industry, and nonprofit areas
• Understand numerous global political philosophies, issues and processes
• Embolden themselves as effective communicators
• Cultivate their public speaking, argumentation and persuasive writing skills

Program Dates and Costs

• PAL Institute Dates (including required orientation): July 21–August 3, 2013
• Move-out day (on-campus students): August 3, 2013–by noon
• Journalism Institute Dates (including orientation): July 6–July 20, 2013 (Session I)
• Move-out day (on-campus students): July 20, 2013–by noon (students who are not continuing in the PAL program)
• Political Communication Program per student: $1,500
• Journalism Institute Session I per student: $1,500
  Lunch, Monday through Friday, is included in the program fee.
• On-campus housing fee per student, per institute: $1,395
  The housing fee includes room, linens, breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and brunch and dinner on weekends.

Non-refundable application fee: $30

Who May Apply

PAL is designed for students who want an intensive training experience in leadership, government, social advocacy, and communication, and understand how to manage their time and complete assignments both in and out of the classroom. Students entering grades 10, 11 and 12, who will be 15 to 18 years of age as of July 6, 2013, and who have the desire and maturity to receive constructive criticism about their work and give helpful feedback to others during the program are encouraged to apply. You may also apply to participate in the PAL Institute and Session I of the Journalism Institute. Read about the Journalism Institute.

To apply to the Political Communication Program, submit the required institute application form (completed and signed), a $30 non-refundable application fee, and the following:

• Student Statement of Purpose: In one or two pages, please describe 1) what you hope to achieve during the institute, and 2) an event you feel has prepared you for the Institute.
• Teacher Recommendation Form: Please submit at least one recommendation, completed by a teacher who knows your work, in a sealed envelope with the teacher's signature across the back seal.
• Essay: a 200-300 word essay that responds to the following question: What do you wish to change about politics and government? Responses should include a brief explanation of your skills and knowledge.
• Résumé

Admission to Emerson College's Political Communication, Advocacy and Leadership Institute is on a rolling basis. Space is limited, so please apply early.

Priority application deadline: April 30, 2013

Final application deadline: June 17, 2013

Students who are accepted will receive an acceptance letter along with instructions for confirming their place in the program.

Note: The Political Communication, Advocacy, and Leadership Institute for High School Students is not currently open to international students. We consider you an international student if you don not have U.S. citizenship, dual U.S. citizenship, or permanent residency.

Program Schedule

Schedule is subject to change.

The weekly schedule is Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.

The Institute offers a number of events designed to tap both the creative and critical mind. Each day begins with a vigorous morning exercise designed to “wake up the senses” and “get the creative flowing.” Throughout the program, participants divide their time among a number of different activities, including workshops, leadership forums, small group field trips, social advocacy and civic engagement activities, dinners with invited guest speakers, study seminars, and Junior Citizens Day, among others.

Tentative Institute Topics

• Understanding the Political System: From Boston to Beijing
• Political Campaigning and Campaigning Politically
• Writing the Political “Stump” Speech: Words Do Make a Difference
• Leadership and Politics: Making a Difference in Your Community
• Junior Citizens Day

The program culminates with a presentation of a social advocacy message campaign that each student prepares and takes back to their respective communities. Each campaign addresses a socially significant issue that is being discussed in the student's hometown. The goal is for each student to be competent in developing and delivering these messages to various stakeholders and leaders in their communities. Students present their final projects to a distinguished panel of experts and government leaders.

General Academic Policies

• Emerson College Journalism or Political Communication Institute students are expected to attend all class to which they are assigned, participate fully in classes, and complete all requirements as outlined by their instructors.
• In addition, all students—including commuter students—are expected to adhere to the program's General and Residential Life Policies as outlined in the Emerson College Arts and Communication Pre-College Program Student Handbook.
• Emerson College Journalism and Political Communication Institutes have a zero tolerance alcohol and drug policy.

The Residence Hall

Emerson College Political Communication Institute for High School Students offers on-campus housing in a supervised, air-conditioned, and secured residence hall. Students are housed in four- and six-person suites. Each suite includes two or three double rooms with a shared bathroom. Each resident is provided with a bed frame, mattress, desk, desk chair, wardrobe unit, dresser, and individual Internet port. Every room is equipped with a cable jack.

Housing assignments are based on gender, age, and similar interests. Students who cause damage to their rooms or common areas or who lose their room keys will be subject to additional fees.

Supervision

Students will be supervised by professional staff and student staff members who live on campus, explain College policy, refer residents to College services and offices, respond to emergency situations, and act as a general source of support for student residents.

Arts and Communication Pre-College Programs

Emerson College offers five-week summer programs for high school students. If you are interested in pre-college non-credit programs in filmmaking, studio television production, stage acting, musical theatre performance, stage design, or creative writing, please visit Arts and Communication Pre-College Studio Programs.

The College also offers five-week summer programs for credit. If you are interested in a credit program in film production or film writing, please visit Arts and Communication Pre-College Credit Programs.

About Boston

Read about Boston’s rich political history, prestigious institutions of higher education, and research centers. Learn about the City of Boston.

EMERSON COLLEGE RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY PROVISION OF THIS PROGRAM AT ANY TIME. THE COLLEGE SPECIFICALLY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ITS TUITION RATES AND ANY OTHER FINANCIAL CHARGES. THE COLLEGE ALSO RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REARRANGE ITS COURSES AND CLASS HOURS, TO DROP COURSES FOR WHICH REGISTRATION FALLS BELOW THE MINIMUM ENROLLMENT, AND TO CHANGE INSTRUCTOR ASSIGNMENTS.