The Eisenhower Institute at Gettysburg College is launching its “Power of Community” program, a weeklong summer experience designed to equip high school students with leadership and civic engagement skills. From July 7-12, 2025, participants will engage in hands-on activities, expert discussions, and immersive experiences to develop real-world solutions for community challenges.
Students will explore topics such as coalition-building, strategic decision-making, and effective storytelling to inspire action. The program encourages dialogue across differences, empowering unheard voices and fostering collaboration on public policy initiatives. Highlights include a guided Gettysburg Battlefield tour, a day in Washington, D.C., decision-making simulations, and a closing campfire for reflection and networking.
Participants will also create a “WHY” story or video for their public policy projects and compete for a grant to fund their initiatives. Through small group activities and mentorship, students will refine their civic engagement skills beyond voting, turning passion into meaningful action.
Held on the historic Gettysburg College campus, this transformative experience connects students with the legacy of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, emphasizing leadership and strategic thinking. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 30, 2025. With support from the Price-Eisenhower Civic Engagement Initiative, financial aid and project grants are available to ensure accessibility.
Copy and paste the following link for access to an application: https://commerce.cashnet.com/cashnetg/static/storefront/EisenhowerInstitute/catalog
Source: Gettysburg College