Why Choose Experience in Democracy?

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Experience in Democracy Leadership Program?

Our flagship program that prides itself in teaching American civics "hands on" to migrant, immigrant, and students and parents from developing communities by:

Teaching important skills and tools necessary to engage elected officials at the national and local levels.
Customizing groups and community interest around a common agenda building process.
Exposing them to the inner workings of national government, labor, and business organizations.
Our program uses the US Congress as a classroom of learning, and employs a curriculum that exposes students to leadership development, civic participation, and real life education applications like history, math, science, public speaking, and interest group formation.
Partners determine the prerequisites for those students that are to attend the program.
The requirements/duties for chaperones are outlined in the Chaperone Enrollment Form.

2. Program Objectives:

At the end of the program delegates will:

Better understand the mechanics of public policy.
Learn tools and skills to be engaged citizens.
Become more active citizens and consumers in their communities.
Be motivated to do more with their lives, and will have increased self-esteem.

3. How is this program different from other programs?

All inclusive program cost: there are no hidden/additional fees: program includes all meals, activities, and transfers, and training supplies.
Small class sizes with hands-on application ensure that every student participates
We operate in a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) training environment and can conduct all module training and meetings in Spanish.
Each week is customized to meet the needs of each community.
The nucleus of each week is based on the common agenda of the participating group and their community.
Our mission is to serve migrant/immigrant/underserved students and parents.
Our strong program curriculum includes agenda building, meeting with elected officials, public speaking, financial literacy, and leadership development.
We use experienced trainers both in-house and external.

4. Program Options:

Washington DC (Middle and High School, College and Parents)

Experience Program: 7 days/6 nights (Available to all)
Power Program: 6 days/5 nights (Available to all)
Flex Program: 4 days/3 night (Available to all)

Onsite-Onsite Training: 8 or 12 hour Training Options

College and Adult Students
High School Students
Parents and Community Leaders

5. Cost, Scholarships, and Group Options:

Washington, DC Flagship Program*:

Are scholarships available for students interested in coming to the program?

Yes, awarded as follows:
- 36 or more students up to 4 scholarships
- 18-35 students: up to 2 Scholarships.
- Scholarships waive tuition, meals, program supplies, tours and transfers.

* Refer to Calendar/Rate Sheet for more information

Onsite Training: Refer to Rate Sheet for more information

6. Trainers:

Professional trainers are used in all core required workshops
All trainers are professionals in their field of expertise
The program also uses former alumni to support training needs
Bi-lingual training is available

7. When is the deadline for payments?

Register and pay at least 4 months in advance of each year and receive discounted rates for the current fiscal year, plus additional scholarships.
Less than 4 months, please refer to rate sheet and program choice or call for more details.

Logistics FAQ

1. Schedules:

What is the schedule of events for students while they are in Washington, D.C.?

Please see sample schedule in brochure for detailed information

2. Housing:

Hotels and Conference Facilities will be used throughout Washington, DC

3. Meals:

What do the students eat while they are in the program?

The students are provided with three meals daily. They usually are:

Breakfasts: continental and a full buffet at hotels
Lunches: Longworth Congressional Cafeteria and other lunch options
Dinners: Restaurants and usually one evening of pizza
Chaperones usually have one night out on the town including dinner
Snacks and refreshments are also provided during tours and training

4. Air Travel:

Can we buy our own tickets for our students?

Yes, but we provide group travel arrangements for groups of 12 or more to help alleviate the stress involved with making travel arrangements.

What type of ID is required for travel?

Students need to bring their school ID only
Adults require normal state ID or other acceptable forms of photo ID

What is the airport that we will be flying into?

We request that you fly into Ronald Regan National Airport. Please note that if you fly into Dulles International, or BWI, there will be an extra charge for ground transportation.

5. Bus Transfers:

All bus transfers are included and all program activities are accomplished on bus transfers to and from destinations.

6. Metro Experience:

Students usually have the opportunity to experience the DC metro to major museums and sites at least one day during the week of training.

General FAQ

1. Health and Safety

Chaperones work as a part of the EDLP team week-long
Program staff accompanies delegates at all times
The program uses an on-site health coordinator who is available to attend to minor injuries that may occur during training.
On-call doctors are used for serious injuries
Males and Females are housed on different floors
24 hour-supervision

Can handicapped students attend the program?

Case by Case basis. Unfortunately, we do not offer the program to deaf students because we do not have any special education trainers to train them at this moment.

After the Program: New Beginnings

1. What kinds of internship opportunities are there for students at BCLI?

Youth Fellowships and Internships are provided to offer opportunity for enhancing career choices, training, and personal growth.

Other

About the Institute:

The Experience in Democracy Leadership Program is the flagship program of the Bert Corona Leadership Institute: an independent 501-C-3 with its own national board of directors.
BCLI has trained over 6,000 students over the past 10 years.

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