Kentucky students get firsthand lesson in political discourse

Students from Kentucky's University of Pikeville (UPIKE) recently arrived in the nation's capital to take part in The Washington Center’s (TWC) Inauguration 2017 Academic Seminar on "Elevating Political Discourse."

Participating in hands-on activities, group discussions and policy simulation exercises, the students will be among more than 340 anticipated at the two-week event. They also will visit some area attractions and leadership organizations, as well as meeting with faculty leaders.

“Seminar participants have an opportunity to witness the most important event in our democracy: the peaceful transfer of power,” TWC President Chris Norton said. “I think our conversations during this seminar will have a multiplier effect on participants, who will continue this discourse at their institutions, in their careers and in their communities.”

UPIKE has sent student groups to the seminars since 2000, and Nancy Cade, a professor of history and political science, has served as faculty adviser since 2004, attending two national conventions, four inaugurations and more than 20 seminars. TWC named her “Faculty Leader of the Year” in 2007.

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) launched the inauguration seminar concept in 1985. The center is an independent non-profit group providing internships and academic seminars to university and college students worldwide.