Middle School

The 5-Day Middle School Program

Workshops available in English and Spanish
Some Students are eligible to receive PASS Program Credits (check with BCLI for details)

The Experience in Democracy Method

The Experience in Democracy Leadership Program prides itself in teaching American civics by exposing participants to the inner workings of the national government, labor, and business organizations, combined with leadership training and academic enhancement.

The key objectives are:

To strengthen civic participation.
To teach skills necessary to communicate and advocate effectively to elected officials at the national and local level.
To strengthen and enhance academic skills.
To develop leadership within migrant and immigrant communities.
To increase self esteem.

American Government and Civic Education; Power to Participate: Civic Education & Democracy

Our program uses modules, workshops, and seminars designed to teach and enhance understanding of: Personal Power, the Political Process, and How Government Works; Leadership and Economic Advancement

Observing, Developing Agendas, and Hands-on Experiential Learning

Students spend a full day developing personal and group agendas that they use to communicate to their own congressional representatives, as well as agency leaders. Agendas represent their community concerns and become their key focus of their week in Washington. Delegates spend a minimum of 3 days interacting and meeting with congressional representatives, US agencies, business, banking, and labor organizations.

Strengthening State and Federal Academic Standards

Reading, Writing, and Public Speaking
Delegates are required to read curriculum materials and prepare letters and agendas in preparation to present to congressional representatives and US agency officials during meetings.

Exploring Mathematics and Science
Students are provided with seminars and hands-on examples of how mathematics and science are used in a real world environment with visits to locations such as the US Department of Agriculture Research Laboratories and the Air and Space Museum.

Computer Literacy and the Digital Divide
Working in partnership with IBM, BCLI's computer center supports the EIDLP focus on teaching civics and government thru use of the Internet to communicate with Congress via email and the Internet.

Special Sessions

Financial Literacy
Working closely with federal agencies, banking, and community organizations to promote education in financial literacy and encouraging participants to become participants in mainstream banking and financial planning.

Health Education
BCLI Works closely with health educators and organizations to keep participants on the cutting edge of the latest developments in community health.

Labor and Business Development
EIDLP works with labor, and businesses to provide training and education to our future business leaders.

Also...

Bilingual Instruction Available
Hands-on Meetings with Congress
Academic Skills Enhancement
Historic, Educational Tours and Performing Arts
Safe Campus Housing
Separate Male and Female Dormitories
On-site Nursing & Close to Hospitals
24-Hour Supervision
Liability Insurance coverage up to 1 million dollars
Supplemental Insurance up to $1000.00 for emergencies.

After Graduation

Program tracking and follow-up for graduates are done through newsletters, special mailings, youth board participation, conferences, email, and local support networks.
Graduates also pledge to begin or participate in community projects and actively become involved in school and civic action.

BCLI's customized approach also includes:
All-inclusive Program: Tuition, Room, Meals, Supplies, Transfers, & Air Travel

Small Groups:
Full Group: up to 28 Students-3/4 Chaperones
Combined Group: 14 students-2 Chaperones
Special Combined Groups can also be accommodated with 4 students or more.
Scholarships: based on group size and prepayment:
Full Group: can receive up to 4 scholarships:
Combined Group: can receive up to 2 scholarships.