From the heated debating floor of Independence Hall, to the bloodied fields of Gettysburg and the empowering steps of the Lincoln Memorial, American history is far more than just dates and speeches. The Congressional Academy for American History and Civics takes high school juniors on an exploration of the American experience with a careful study of three of America's most critical eras through the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and, Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" speech.

Spending twelve days in Washington, DC, students will immerse themselves in our nation's capitol as well as venturing out on day trips to historic Philadelphia and Gettysburg. All the while, they will gain insight in to America's past by visiting the actual locations of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the battlefields of Gettysburg where Lincoln grieved for our splintered nation, and the steps where Martin Luther King, Jr. cried out for the payment of an overdue promise.

Engrossed in the study of the debates of America's founders, and leaders split apart by the civil war and later civil rights, students will study early examples of American civic leadership, challenging themselves to understand the arguments and missions of these great eras in order to gain the invaluable lessons that good citizenship requires thoughtfulness and purpose.

With three vital documents, three powerful locations, and three decisive eras, the Congressional Academy demonstrates how events coupled with America's fundamental ideas shape our national identity, influence the debates over the challenges our nation faces today, and still remain at the heart of all political discussion. The Congressional Academy takes history out of textbooks and places it in their life, allowing them to understand that the choices made by our founders affect us today and will continue to affect our future.

Jeffrey Sikkenga, associate professor of political science at Ashland, will lead the Academy. He will be joined by two other Ashland University Faculty, Christopher Burkett and Kristofer Ray. Joining them will be William Atto, University of Dallas, Christopher Burkett, Ashland University, Lucas Morel, Washington and Lee University, Melanie Marlowe, Miami University of Ohio, Vincent McGuire, University of Colorado, Kristofer Ray, Ashland University, Eric C. Sands, Berry College and Carl Scott, University of Virginia.

One hundred high school juniors will be selected to participate in the Congressional Academy. They will spend their time in three daily lectures and engaging in discussions with smaller groups of 25 students twice a day. They will also visit important sites in and around Washington DC connected with their studies.

The Congressional Academy is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Students participating in the Academy may receive undergraduate credit from the Political Science department at Ashland University.

To learn more about the program, please visit www.CongressionalAcademy.org.