The Wisconsin State Senate is offering a unique educational experience to high school juniors and seniors. The Senate Scholar Progeram is an elite program designed to challenge Wisconsin's best students. One student from each of the 33 Senate Districts may participate in the week-long program in Madison.
The Senate Scholar Program has created an advanced government curriculum that includes classroom instruction, a lab component, and roundtable discussion sections. The first part of the week, the scholars spend several days in a classroom setting. Experts teach about constituent relations, research and development of legislation, and bill drafting. The remainder of the week involves putting their knowledge into action. Scholars draft their own bills and amendments, form their own mock committee, elect committee leadership, and staff the Senate floor session. The lab component culminates in Friday's committee hearing that includes testimony from executive agency department heads, lobbyists, and members of the public. Finally, the rountable discussions take place throughout the week and provide further insight from experts in all facets of the legislative process.
Any high school junior or senior with an interest in representative democracy is encouraged to apply. More information can be found at www.senatescholar.com or to apply, please contact your Senator or Jacob Clark, Program Administrator, at (608)266-2610 (email: jcob.clark@legis.wi.gov).
