What is Patriot Academy?
Patriot Academy is a six-day “bootcamp” in leadership and government open to students ages 16 to 25 and held every summer in Austin, TX. Students delve into the political process from the inside out as they file legislation, debate bills, campaign for office and pass laws. In between legislative activities, they receive training in media skills, public speaking, leadership, current issues and America’s heritage–all from a Biblical worldview. Conservative leaders from all areas of the political field mentor students through the process, sharing their experience and wisdom. Patriot Academy offers students the most realistic, week-long condensed? conservative political training that we know of. Click here to read: Our History | Our Vision | What Our Students Say.
Where is Patriot Academy held?
Students are housed at a hotel near the hosting state’s Capitol. Everything but breakfast and sleep, though, happens at the Capitol. For committee meetings, you’ll meet in a Capitol committee room with your committee. When you and other students present your bills, you’ll present them on the main floor of the Capitol’s House and Senate chambers. Whatever you’re doing, it’s on location.
When is Patriot Academy held?
Patriot Academy is held for six days (Monday afternoon through Saturday afternoon) every summer. Patriot Academy 2013 will be held July 29- August 3. For our Adult Track Program dates and times, click here.
When should I arrive?
Texas students: If you’re driving: Plan to be at the hotel by 1:30 pm on Monday, July 29th. If you’re flying: Your flight should arrive in Austin by 1:00 pm on Monday, July 29th. Registration and room check-in is from 1:15-2:15 pm. Orientation begins at 2:30 pm. The schedule is tight–plan to be on time!
What training does Patriot Academy provide?
Patriot Academy provides a hands-on, student-led political immersion. Students will experience the political process by:
- Presenting a bill
- Running a committee meeting
- Hearing bills
- Debating conservatives and liberals on current issues
- Voting on legislation
- Building coalitions
- Campaigning for office
- Give speeches as a candidate
Students will learn practical skills, such as:
- Public Speaking
- Media relations
- Giving a great interview
- Building rapport
- Connecting with any audience
- Professional interactions
- Discerning the truth
- Identifying good legislation
- Defending your beliefs
Students will learn foundational principles for governance, including:
- The founding father’s vision for America
- Proper role/God’s purpose for government
- The foundation for our system of government
- The role of the Constitution in the past and future
- Principles of limited government
- Statesmanship and values
- Character and personal integrity
Students will hear about today’s most relevant issues from a Christian worldview, including:
- Sanctity of Life
- Traditional Marriage
- Second Amendment Rights
- Church and State Relations
- Freedom of Speech
- Parental Rights
- Stem Cell Research
- Education
- Taxes/Economy
- Immigration
- Individual Liberties
Students will receive practical advice and training from:
- State Representatives
- Policy Advisors
- Lobbyists
- Activists
- School board members
- City councilmen
- Candidates
- Campaign Staff
- Concerned citizens who are making a difference
What does a typical day at Patriot Academy look like?
After a day of initial training and orientation, the schedule is typically: Breakfast Devotions Workshop Committee Meeting Lunch Floor Session Workshops Committee Meeting Dinner Floor Session Devotions Sleep This is only a general representation of a schedule, the events for each day vary. We start early in the morning and go till late at night, generally a 14-16 hour day.
What roles can a student hold?
Most students assume the role of a State Representative at the Academy, writing bills, participating in committee meetings and debating on the House floor. Alumni may be selected as Chairmen for their assigned committee. Senior students take the role of Senators. The Academy is presided over by a student-elected Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House.
What is the difference between the House and the Senate?
The Senate is a special leadership body at the Academy comprised of senior alumni, usually 3rd-year students and up. Senators assume a mentoring role on the House floor, file Senatorial legislation, and debate in sessions of their own on the Senate floor.
Freshmen will serve in the House of Representatives. Alumni are welcome to apply for either the House or the Senate.
How do I apply for the Senate?
Contact one of the Cabinet or the Executive Director, and we’ll get your request to the appropriate person! All applications for House and Senate will be reviewed on an individual basis. Those who apply for the Senate may be selected to serve in the House or Senate, based on what the staff believes will be the place where they can serve best.
What is the age requirement for students to attend Patriot Academy?
Students must be 16-25 years old; age exceptions may be allowed under special circumstances. You can contact us if you’d like more information. All requests are reviewed on an individual basis.
What are the guidelines for raising and submitting tuition?
To be effective in the political process, you must learn to raise money and convince others to invest in your cause. In order to give students the most realistic political experience possible, we ask that students raise their own tuition and fill out a tuition ethics form documenting all donations. Once you are accepted, we will send you additional information to assist you in raising funds. To read tips on fundraising right now, please click here.
How much is tuition & When is tuition due?
A deposit of $75 is required when submitting an application for the 2013 Academy. The $75 deposit is included in the total tuition fee. If a student’s application is not accepted after review for the current year’s class, the student will receive a $50 refund.
Applications may be received until June 30th or until class space is full, whichever comes first. Applications received after the Academy is full will be placed on a waiting list. To qualify for discounted rates, please note the tuition submission deadlines below.
NOTE: Your spot is not guaranteed until all registration requirements and complete payment is received.
Tuition Fees: Texas (July 29 – August 3, 2013)
- Tuition Rate deadlines: (Tuition fee covers lodging, meals and all materials for the week. )
- $850 – Early Bird Rate: In order to receive the Early Bird rate, complete tuition must be postmarked by February 28, 2013
- $995 – Regular Rate: In order to receive the Regular rate, complete tuition must be postmarked by June 1st
- $1,150 – Late Rate: Payment submitted after June 1st. Final payment must be postmarked by June 30.
Partial scholarships are available on a limited basis. Students should attempt to fund raise before asking for partial scholarships. Please contact us for more information. All requests are reviewed on an individual basis.
How do I apply?
Glad you asked! Click here to go to the application page.
We have 110 seats available for the 2013 Patriot Academy Session. We encourage you to apply early!
If I’m shy or intimidated by politics, is Patriot Academy right for me?
One of the great things about Patriot Academy is that the environment causes students to quickly build friendships and develop a “team” mentality. Just like in the real legislature, students end up finding their niche in a variety of roles. Some students love debating at the microphone; others enjoy working on bill language. Since the students run their own committee meetings and floor sessions, how you choose to get involved is up to you.
We do ask, though, that you come with an open mind. Some of our most hesitant freshman have found themselves so inspired by the experience that they couldn’t help but get involved and wound up becoming some of our strongest leaders. Read what past students have had to say about their time at the Academy here.
How can freshmen prepare for Patriot Academy?
Upon acceptance to the Academy, you will be emailed a Freshman Orientation Packet and Student Page login information. The packet will include information about how to file a bill, how to file for candidacy, logistical information and study materials. It will also contain an “Insider Information” file, compiled by our alumni with everything they wish they had known their first year at Patriot Academy. The packet will cover everything from what to wear to tips on how to present your bill. In addition, all freshman students will be assigned a staff member or alumnus as a “mentor” to guide them through the Patriot Academy process. Their mentor will be available to help the student prepare their bill, introduce them to other students and answer any questions they may have before or during the Academy.
What is the process for writing a bill?
After you are accepted to the Academy, you will receive information on writing your bill. You’ll also be assigned a mentor, who will help you out as needed and approve your completed bill before you submit it.
How does a student run for office?
Each student enters the Academy as a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. The students of the Academy elect a Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Speaker of the House to preside over the Academy for the following year. For example, the students of Patriot Academy 2012 elected the leadership of Patriot Academy 2013. The students of Patriot Academy 2013 will elect the leadership of Patriot Academy 2014. Information on how to file as a candidate, along with protocol and requirements for campaigning, will be sent to students upon acceptance to the Academy.
To meet the leaders of this year’s Academy, please click here.
