AMERICAN ENTERPRISE SUMMIT
In partnership with Close Up, the Horatio Alger Association’s American Enterprise Summit is a transformative experience designed for rising 8th-grade students. This fully funded program brings together nominated students and their teachers from across the country to explore the foundations of democracy, the free-enterprise system, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Summit Goals
Free-Enterprise
Gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities available through representative democracy and the free-enterprise system.
American Dream
Examine the American Dream through the lens of freedom, equality of opportunity, and mutual respect.
Meaningful Dialogue
Engage in interactive discussions that encourage diverse perspectives and foster meaningful dialogue.
Principles of Democracy
Learn firsthand about the nation’s history, the principles of democracy, our system of government, and the U.S. Constitution.
REQUIREMENTS
· Teachers will nominate 10 students from their school to participate.
· Each school will send 10 students and 1–2 chaperones, who must travel together to Washington, D.C.
· Students must be rising eighth graders.
· Students, parents, and teachers are required to attend a pre-program meeting.
SCHEDULE
Day 1
- Arrivals & Program Registration at the Hyatt Centric – Arlington, VA
- Guided Visits for Early Arrivals: National Air and Space, National Museum of the American Indian, Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
- Dinner and Program Orientation & Ice Breakers
- Room Check
- Private Teacher Reception
Day 2
- Breakfast
- American Dream Workshop: The evolution of the American Dream and the importance of education
- Lunch & Guided Visit at the National Museum of American History: “Giving in America” and “American Enterprise” exhibits
- Jefferson Memorial & Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Visits” Reflections on the American Dream
- Free-Enterprise Workshop: What is the free-enterprise system? Why is it important to human progress?
- Dinner & Evening Social Activity
- Room Check
Day 3
- Breakfast
- Democracy Workshop: Democracy and the American Dream. How does our government work?
- Capitol Hill Visit:
- Explore the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and Museum
- Witness the House of Representatives and Senate in action in the Galleries
- Visit the Library of Congress
- Lunch on Capitol Hill
- National Archives Visit: Exploring the founding principles and values of America
- The White House: Photo Opportunity
- Lincoln and War Memorials Visit: Reflecting on perseverance and integrity
- Dinner
- Room Check
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Departures Begin
- Lunch & Guided Visits for Late Departures: National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, Iwo Jima Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery
Please Note: This schedule is tentative and will be continuously updated as details are finalized. All dates, times, and events are subject to change without notice. Please check back regularly for the most current information.
About Horatio Alger Association
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished American, Inc. is dedicated to the simple but powerful believe that hard work, honesty, and determination can conquer all obstacles. The Association honors the achievements of outstanding leaders who have accomplished remarkable success in spite of adversity by bestowing upon them the Horatio Alger Award and inducting them as lifetime Members. Horatio Alger Members and support promising young people with the resources and confidence needed to overcome adversity in pursuit of their dreams through higher education. Through the generosity of its Members and supporters, the Association annually awards more than $18 million in undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships to 1,800 students and provides comprehensive academic, personal, and professional support services to its Scholars. For more information visit www.horatioalger.org.
About Close Up
Close Up is a non-profit, non-partisan, civic education organization that informs, inspires, and empowers young people to be come active citizens. Since 1971, Close Up has partnered with school districts nationwide to serve more than one million students and educators through experiential learning programs in our nation’s capital and in local communities, professional development, and curriculum and consulting. The organization’s goal is to connect what students learn in class to the real world around them, help them articulate their own views and listen to those of others, and engage with people of different backgrounds with tolerance and understanding. Form more information visit www.closeup.org.
