Why Choose Experience in Democracy?

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Experience in Democracy Leadership Program?

It is our flagship program that prides itself in teaching “hands on” civic education to migrant
and immigrant youth, and adult leaders from under served communities by:

Teaching important skills and tools necessary to engage elected officials at the national
and local levels.
Customizing groups and community interest around a common agenda building process.
Exposing them to the inner workings of national government, labor, and business
organizations.
Our program uses the US Congress as a classroom of learning, and employs a curriculum
that exposes students to leadership development, civic participation, and real life education
applications like history, math, science, public speaking, and interest group formation.
Partners determine the prerequisites for those students that are to attend the program.
The requirements/duties for chaperones are outlined in the “Chaperone Enrollment Form”.

2. Program Objectives:

At the end of the program delegates will:

Be motivated to do more with their lives, and will have increased self-esteem;
Better understand the mechanics of public policy;
Learn tools and skills to be engaged citizens;
Become more active citizens and consumers in their communities.

3. How is this program different from other programs?

The nucleus of each week is based on the common agenda of the participating group and
their community.
Our curriculum is customized and evidenced based to reach our target population of
migrant/immigrant/under served students and parents.
Our curriculum is unique and includes agenda building, meeting with elected officials,
public speaking, financial literacy, and leadership development.
We use experienced trainers both in-house and external.
We operate in a bi-lingual (English and Spanish) training environment and can conduct all module training and meetings in Spanish.
All inclusive program cost: there are no hidden/additional fees: program includes all meals,
activities, and transfers, and training supplies.
Small class sizes with hands-on application: no workshop is more than 40 students.
Each week is customized to meet the needs of each community.

4. Program Options:

Washington DC (Middle and High School, College and Parents)

Experience Program: 6 days (Avl to all)
Power Program: 5 days ( Avl to All and Parents )
Power Program “Ala Carte”; Training Option Only (2-4 days) (Avl to All)

Onsite-Onsite Training: 1 Day Training Seminars-Interactive Meetings

College Students
High School Students
Parents

Philadelphia/Baltimore Option

5. Cost, Scholarships, and Group Options:

Washington, DC Flagship Program:

Are scholarships available for students interested in coming to the program?

Yes (Contact our office to request rate sheet)
Awarded as follows:
- 36-40 students up to 4 scholarships
- 18-35 students: up to 2 Scholarships.
- Onsite Training receives 2 DC Scholarships for every 100 students (Request Onsite-Online Training Rate Sheet)
- Chaperones fees are waived (except for housing)
- Scholarships waive tuition, housing, meals, program supplies, tours and transfers, and
  emergency health insurance.

6. Trainers:

Professional trainers are used in all core required workshops
All trainers are professionals in their field of expertise
The program also uses former alumni to support training needs
Bi-lingual training is available

7. When is the deadline for payments?

Register and pay before December 15th of each year and receive discounted rates for the
current fiscal year, plus additional scholarships.
After December 15th, please refer to rate sheet and program choice.

Logistics FAQ

1. Schedules:

What is the schedule of events for students while they are in Washington, D.C.?

Please see sample schedule in brochure for detailed information

2. Housing:

Hotels and Conference Facilities will be used throughout Washington, DC

3. Meals:

What do the students eat while they are in the program?

The students are provided with three meals daily. They usually are:

Breakfast: continental and a full buffet at hotels
Lunches: Longworth Congressional Cafeteria and other lunch options
Diners: restaurants and usually one evening of pizza
Chaperones usually have one night out on the town including dinner
Snacks and refreshments are also provided during tours and training

4. Air Travel:

Can we buy our own tickets for our students?

Yes, but we provide group travel arrangements to help alleviate the stress involved with
making travel arrangements.

What type of ID is required for travel?

Students need to bring their school ID only
Adults require normal state ID or other acceptable forms of photo ID

What is the airport that we will be flying into?

We request that you fly into Ronald Regan National Airport. If you fly into Dulles
International, or BWI, there will be an extra charge for ground transportation.

5. Bus Transfers:

All bus transfers are included and all program activities are accomplished on bus transfers to and from destinations.

6. Metro Experience:

Students usually have the opportunity to experience the DC metro to major museums and
sites.

General FAQ

1. Health and Safety

Chaperones work as a team week-long
Program staff is with the delegates at all times
The program uses an on-site nurse who is available to attend to minor injuries that may
occur during training.
On-call doctors are used for serious injuries
Males and Females are housed on different floors
24 hours supervision

Can handicapped students attend the program?

Case by Case basis. Unfortunately, we do not offer the program to deaf students because
we do not have any special education trainers to train them at this moment.

After the Program

1. What kinds of internship opportunities are there for students at BCLI?

Youth Fellowships and Internships are provided to offer opportunity for enhancing career
choices, training, and personal growth.

Other

About the Institute:

In 2001, became independent 501-C-3
Formerly part of another organization Hermandad Mexicana Nacional: a California
community organization
BCLI has trained over 5000 students