Emerson’s on-campus Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute (PAL) is for high school students who wish to understand how communication is at the heart of politics, activism and leadership in a democratic society. The Institute is focused on a number of important issues, including community activism, social justice, civic engagement, public service, scandal/crisis management, speechwriting, grassroots organizing, and communicating with the media. Within these issues, additional topics will be explored including the role of law in advocacy, implicit and explicit bias, storytelling around the globe, focus group research, intercultural politics, political journalism, personal branding, message campaign approaches, among many others.
Discussions and projects related to the influence of social media platforms, including TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, will also be threaded throughout the three weeks. All participants will be encouraged to “find their voice” as we journey through the various activities, seminars, guest speakers, and field trips. Field trips, both virtual and in person, to the USS Constitution, Black Heritage Trail, and the Freedom Trail, will also find PAL participants in the throes of history.
Throughout the three weeks, PAL participants will learn and talk about advocacy and communication as these are central for young people in both developed and developing nations. Unpacking and respecting complex real-life situations will be front and center throughout the PAL experience. Whether you’re interested in what takes place behind the scenes or in front of an audience, the Institute rests upon the belief that young people can be active agents within your communities both today and in the future, and serve as ambassadors and advocates for various causes and issues.
Each week, staff will allocate time to participants as they prepare a “Speech of Advocacy” to be delivered on the last day of the Institute in front of family, friends, staff, and guests. Speeches will be adjudicated by staff members and a final tape of performances will be available to all participants.
The Politics, Activism, and Leadership Institute is offered as a noncredit or college credit program option.
Location(s)
- Emerson College, Boston, Massachusetts
Schedule
- July 6 - July 18
Cost/Compensation
- Politics, Activism, & Leadership Institute Non-Credit Tuition: $3,744
- Politics, Activism, & Leadership Institute Credit Tuition: $4,133
- Residential Room and Board Fee: $2,106
- Non-Refundable Application Fee: $60
Eligibility Requirements
- Rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
- Students should have the desire and maturity to receive constructive criticism about their work and provide helpful feedback to others during the program are encouraged to apply.
Deadline
- March 15
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Student Statement of Purpose: In one or two pages, please describe:
- What do you hope to achieve during the institute?
- An event you feel has prepared you for the Institute.
- Essay: a 200–300-word essay that responds to the following question: What does ideal government look like to you? Responses should include a brief explanation of your skills and knowledge.
- Teacher Recommendation Form: Please submit at least one recommendation, completed by a teacher who knows your work. If possible, the teacher should know your work in the field to which you are applying.
- Résumé
- Official transcript (for students applying to the credit option)
Notifications of Decisions
- Rolling
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
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Emerson College draws independent minds from diverse backgrounds around the world through its highly regarded academic programs in communication, the arts, and the liberal arts. Originally founded in Boston, Massachusetts, Emerson now maintains campuses in Hollywood, California, and Well, Netherlands in addition to its Boston location. Emerson students are creative thinkers and doers who develop their expertise in professions that profoundly shape society and culture in the 21st century. The college’s alumni are leaders in publishing, advertising, entertainment, public relations, academia, and other engines of culture and enlightenment, as well as in industries of disruption and innovation. Notable alumni include Jay Leno, Jennifer Coolidge, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Adele Lim.
