(Madison)…. State Senator Kathy Bernier (R-Lake Hallie) is pleased to announce the 2022 Wisconsin Senate Scholar Program is now accepting applications. The program is open to high school juniors or seniors with an interest in government, law, politics or policy.
Participants get an insider’s view of the Legislature, learning directly from State Senators, legislative staff, journalists, legislative lawyers, and university faculty through simulations as well as actual participation in legislative activities. One student from each of the 33 Senate Districts will have the opportunity to participate in the week-long program in Madison.
The Senate Scholar Program has created an advanced government curriculum that includes classroom instruction, roundtable discussion sections, and a lab component. The first part of the week the Scholars spend several days in a classroom setting. Experts teach Scholars about constituent relations, research and development of legislation, and bill drafting. Scholars engage in roundtable discussions with legislative support agency directors and staff, media, and lobbyists throughout the week resulting in further insight into all facets of the legislative process. The remainder of the week Scholars put their knowledge into action. Scholars staff the Senate floor during an actual legislative session and witness the Senate debate on legislation. Scholars will also draft their own bills and amendments, form their own mock committee, and elect committee leadership. Finally, the lab component culminates in Friday’s committee hearing that includes testimony from experts and members of the public. Although the daytime curriculum is rigorous, fun evening activities are planned for each group of Senate Scholars. Each Senate Scholar is required to stay at the Concourse Hotel in downtown Madison. Program facilitators stay at the hotel and are available to Senate Scholars 24 hours a day.
Applications will need to be received no later than November 1, 2021. A digital copy of the application and more information can be found at: www.senatescholar.com.
