Inauguration 2025 Academic Seminar

Inauguration 2025 Academic Seminar

Engage in discussions with thought leaders, political experts and seasoned journalists in the days leading up to the inauguration of the President of the United States.

Be part of history by getting a behind-the-curtain look into the American political process at the Inauguration 2025 Academic Seminar. You’ll interact with political and media insiders who had a front seat to the presidential election and explore government agencies, think tanks and media outlets in the nation’s capital.

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in this seminar, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Be at least 18 years of age.
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Recent graduates may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Be in good standing at your college or university.
  • Maintain a GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. Students with lower GPAs may be considered.
  • Get approval from your campus liaison or a faculty sponsor.* 
  • Commit to fully participate in the program and complete all assignments.

*If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.

Seminar Components

Plenary Sessions

These morning sessions, attended by all participants, will feature distinguished speakers and public figures in D.C. Some of our past speakers include Washington Post journalist Ed O’Keefe, White House correspondent Alexis Simendinger and Concord Coalition National Field Director Phil Smith.

Educational Briefings

We'll help you explore Washington, D.C., taking you into government agencies, think tanks, media outlets and more. You'll get a behind the scenes look at how our nation’s capital works. Examples of past educational briefings include the Brookings Institution, Voice of America, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and various politically-focused organizations.

Small Group Discussions

Faculty leaders lead discussion groups that allow for candid give-and-take discussions to help you digest the information you've heard throughout the day. We encourage respectful debate and foster an open environment where you can confidently express your thoughts without fear.

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Seminar Cost

The cost for this seminar will be determined closer to the program date.

Many of our participants come as part of a group with their home institutions and billing arrangements vary from school to school. If you are participating in a group, you will need to confirm your actual cost of attendance with your campus liaison or faculty sponsor. If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty sponsor, email info@twc.edu.

Academic Credit

Our academic seminars are designed to qualify for academic credit at many colleges and universities. However, we do not grant academic credit. If you are participating in a group from your university, please consult with your campus liaison or faculty advisor about your particular credit arrangements. If you need help identifying your campus liaison or faculty advisor, please contact info@twc.edu.

Dates and Deadlines

The dates and deadlines for this seminar will be determined closer to 2025.

How to Apply

The next Inauguration Academic Seminar will be held in 2025. If you are interested in receiving information about future TWC seminars, please fill out the form below.

Request more Information

Seminar Faculty

Faculty members have the opportunity to lead their students through a transformational and once-in-a-lifetime learning experience by applying to be a faculty leader. Throughout the academic seminar, faculty leaders work with a group of 6 to 15 students as they participate in program activities. During the academic seminar, faculty leaders will:

  1. Attend all program sessions.
  2. Meet with students for group discussion and instruction. 
  3. Accompany students on educational briefings.
  4. Read students’ written work and evaluate their academic and professional performance.
  5. Recommend a grade for each student at the end of the program.

Learn more about becoming a Faculty Leader by contacting info@twc.edu.

Policies

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If your plans change and you wish to withdraw your application, you must send an email to info@twc.edu notifying The Washington Center of your decision. TWC will confirm your withdrawal via email once it has been processed. Please review the following policies:

If you are paying for your participation in the seminar, and:

  • You have paid your seminar fee and withdraw 30 (or more) calendar days before the start of the seminar, you will receive a full refund, minus the $200 nonrefundable deposit. Your $200 deposit may be applied to another TWC program within the next two years. 
  • You withdraw fewer than 30 days before the start of the seminar, you are responsible for the entire seminar fee. You may appeal this charge, if your decision to withdraw is the result of a documented personal or family emergency. Appeals are only granted in unique circumstances.

If your school is paying for your participation in the seminar:

  • You should immediately notify your faculty leader (along with TWC) of your intent to withdraw. 
  • Your faculty leader will help you determine whether you are financially responsible for the cost of the seminar.