The Commonwealth Seminar is accepting applications for its special 2008 Student Summer Academy, which will give college and graduate students an introduction to state government and the legislature. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2008.

The summer academy is sponsored by the Ansara Family Foundation, and the training will occur on Friday mornings, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on July 18, July 25, and August 1, and the graduation will take place on Friday, August 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.  There is a suggested $40 contribution to help defray catering costs.

The Seminar

The Commonwealth Seminarâ„¢ is an intensive training program focused on teaching diverse leaders how the Massachusetts Legislature really works.

Top state legislators, legislative staff, media members, and administration policymakers will introduce student leaders to the Legislature and state government generally. By giving an insiders' view of the process, our goal is to encourage diverse leaders to become effective advocates and to pursue careers in public service.

Who Should Apply?

The Commonwealth Seminarâ„¢ is a privately funded program with a mission of opening the doors of the State House. Our target audience for the Commonwealth Seminarâ„¢ is leaders from communities of color, immigrant communities, and others working to directly benefit those communities. You should be prepared to make a compelling argument in the application about how you fit into the target audience.

We are looking for leaders who meet those criteria and who have a proven track record of leadership in their communities or on their respective campuses.

We place a high value on creating a seminar class that is diverse racially, ethnically, and geographically.

Successful candidates for the Commonwealth Seminar will have a basic understanding of state government and a clear desire to use the skills learned through the seminar to make positive change.

Acceptance to the seminar is on a competitive basis, and Commonwealth Seminar staff and advisors will make all final decisions about the makeup of the seminar. We hope to make those decisions one week after the deadline to apply.

Logistical Details

The seminar will be held at the State House in Room 437 and, unfortunately, there is no parking provided by the Commonwealth Seminarâ„¢. There are commercial lots near the State House, and the location is easily accessible through public transportation.

If you have special needs, either because you need language translation to participate or because of a physical disability, please let Commonwealth Seminarâ„¢ staff as soon as possible. We will do everything possible to accommodate special needs.

There is a voluntary contribution of $40 requested in order to help defray catering costs. Sponsoring organizations may make this contribution.

For application, visit:  http://www.masscs.org/application.html
For questions, call: Joel Barrera at joel@masscs.org or 508-740-1078

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