UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
AUG 6 1991 ADMINISTRATION
AND RESOURCES
MANAGEMENT
MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT: 1992 ^Presidential Classroom Volunteer Instructors
FROM: James R. Carr
EPA Institute (PM-224)
TO: Headquarters Program Operations
Support Offices
EPA Training Officers
The Presidential Classroom for Young Americans is seeking
outstanding government employees to serve as volunteer instructors
for its 1992 Senior High School Program. A copy of 0PM's
memorandum, a Fact Sheet and a brochure briefly describing the
program are attached.
The Classroom will hold nine one-week sessions in 1992 with
approximately 350 students attending each week. Classes will be
held between January 18 and June 20, 1992. Instructors do not take
on the role of classroom lecturer. Instead, instructors help guide
students through the program and facilitate peer-group forums.
Volunteer instructors will receive no pay or reimbursement of
travel expenses to and from Washington from the Classroom. The
Classroom will assume all expenses during the program, which
includes hotel accomodations (double occupancy), meals, travel
within Washington, and curriculum materials.
Selection as a volunteer instructor is based on the employee's
professional experiences, ability to devote full-time participation
and ability to work with both youth and adults. Interested
employees should complete the application, attach two letters of
recommendation and mail the original as directed on the
application. Also, send a copy of the application to EPA
Headquarters, EPA Institute Division, Strategic Planning Branch
(PM-224), Washington, DC 20460. The application must be received
by the Classroom by October 15, 1991.
If you have any questions or need more information, please
call Paul Jean, FTS 382-3348.
Attachments
Printed on Recycled Pap
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UNITED STATES
OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT
* WASHINGTON. D.C. 20415
Jul” 30 1991
1
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR
MEMORANDUM FOR DIRECTORS 4 NNEL(
FROM: CONSTANCE BERRY NEWMAN
DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: Volunteer Instructors: 1992 Presidential
Classroom for Young Americans
I would like to encourage Federal agencies to allow employees
to volunteer as instructors in the 1992 Presidential Classroom
for Young Americans. Presidential Classroom is a nonpartisan,
educational organization which provides this Nation’s most
promising high school student leaders an opportunity to
participate in a dynamic study of American Government and
current events.
Each year between January and June, over 3,000 students come
to the Nation’s Capital to explore our democratic process and
interact with leaders of Government, business, labor, the media,
the diplomatic corps, and the military. Representing all 50
states, U.S. territories, and schools abroad, the students
comprise a wide spectrum of economic backgrounds, lifestyles,
and values to create a diverse national student body.
Since its founding in 1968, a key ingredient of Presidential
Classroom’s success has been reliance on a corps of volunteer
instructors from the Federal Government. Instructors from the
civil service offer students a unique insight about the inner
workings of the Government, provide experienced professional
leadership outside of traditional academic settings, furnish
advice on pursing careers in Government, and act as role models
through their dedication to the principles of civic involvement.
Your support of Presidential Classroom helps to advance the
goal of rebuilding student interest in the public service and
reflects the Federal Government’s continuing commitment to an
informed and active citizenry.
The 1992 program’s week-long “classes” will be conducted
between January 18 and June 27. Additional instructor and
program information is included in the attached invitation
packet. i hope you will provide this information to interested
employees in your organization.
Attachment
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VOLUNTEERING AS AN INSTRUCTOR
WITH PRESIDENTIAL CLASSROOM
Presidential Classroom enlists qualified
irtstructors to volunteer for one week. Ins ’uctors,
from education, civil service, e military and the
private sector, work directly with high school juniors
and seniors who come to Washington, D.C. from
across the United States and abroad to participate in
the Classroom’s civic education program.
Presidential Classroom’s experiential program
emphasizes students’ involvement. Therefore,
instructors do not take on the role of classroom
lecturers. Instead, they review with students
presentation.s made by lawmakers and other
high-level political officials, as well as materials in
the curriculum guide. They also serve as facilitators
who encourage. challenge, support and guide the
students. The commitment of an instructor requires
long, active days, usually beginning at 8:00 a.zn. and
ending at 10:00 p.m. Many instructors comment “the
challenges are great but the rewards are even
greater.”
Each pair of instructors is responsible for
approximately 45 students. Instructors facilitate
peer-group forums, where students debate national
and international issues raised during seminars, and
encourage students to share perspectives about
power and politics. In addition, instructors inform
students about the federal bureaucracy and the
public policy-making process. Students meet with
legislators on Capitol Hill and visit government
institutions and marty of Washington’s cultural and
historical treasures.
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What Is Presidential Classroom?
Presidential Classroom is a nonprofit.
nonpartisan educational organization which offers
civic education programs to outstanding high school
juniors and seniors, educators, administrators and
other citizens who are interested in gaining a deeper
understanding of the process of a democratic society.
The Classroom was incorporated in 1968, but the
origins of the organization date back to the
administration of President John F. Kennedy who
sponsored two pilot programs: “Widening
Horizons” and “White House Seminars.” During
Lyndon Johnson’s administration, Vice President
Humphrey led a similar program called
“Washington Briefings.” As the success of the idea
became apparent, the framework was transferred
from the White House to a board of directors to
become “A Presidential Classroom for Young
Americans.”
As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization,
Presidential Classroom neither receives nor seeks
federal funding for its high school program. Tuition
provides 89 percent of the financial base, and
important contributions to the scholarship fund are
made by private corporations, foundations, and
alumni.
Conceived as a program for young people,
Presidential Classroom is now a parent organization
for a spectrum of civic and leadership-related
educational programs, including:
• The Senior High School Program assembles
exemplary high school juniors and seniors in
Washington, D.C. to explore American
government and public policy with our nation’s
leaders. It is for this program, held nine weeks
each year, that we enlist volunteer instructors.
• Federal Forum is open to government employees,
teachers, administrators, graduate and
undergraduate students and other professionals
interested in the federal government. This
week-long study of the political process is held
each summer in Washington, D.C., with optional
academic credit available through the University
of Virginia
• The International Program - This summer
program is designed to bring a global perspective
to today’s student leaders. Approximately 50 high
school students travel to England, Belgium and
Berlin to interact with European leaders and
students.
• Broadening Hori:ons: The Ia pan - U.S. DtmenS,gn
- In conjunction with the Japan Educational
Exchange-Baba Foundation, this summer program
spends approximately two weeks exploring
Japan ’s govern.ment and U S /Japanese relations
Enrollment is limited to 15 high school juniors and
seniors.
• Community Leadership Programs - Funded in part
through a corporate grant. these one-day
workshops are held on location around the United
States, providing opportunities for students,
teachers, and parents to meet with local leaders of
government and business.
Senior High School Program
Approximately 350 high school juniors and
seniors attend Presidential Classroom each week.
These students represent a cross-section of every
state and national heritage in the country, as well as
many foreign nations. They come from different
economic arid cultural backgrounds and are grouped
in a manner that achieves a diversity of opinions,
values and political beliefs.
Students are selected to attend by their schools or
local sponsoring organizations or can apply directly
to Presidential Classroom. To qualify, students must
maintain at least “B” averages or place in the top 25%
of their classes. -
The curriculum is comprised of seminars,
facilitating meetings, debate sessions, special
projects, Congressional appointments. visits to
Washington’s landmarks and the natural interaction
of various cultures and backgrounds. The seminars, a
major component of the curriculum, focus on
American government and current events. Speakers
at Presidential Classroom are distinguished elected
and appointed leaders in government, the military,
the diplomatic corps. business and the media.
Seminars are held in the Departments of State and
Agriculture, on the Floor of the U.S. House of
Representatives, in Senate and House Office
Buildings, and in the host hotel. Students have the
opportunity to interact with these top officials,
develop their own opinions and theories, and then
debate the issues during their caucus meetings and
Crossfire sessions. This type c: experiential
education in Amencan government encourages the
youth of today — the leaders of tomorrow — to
become active and responsible citizens.
(See back page jor sample schedule)
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SKILLS/EXPERIENCE (continued)
List your experiences working with youths leading small-group discussions, or supervising others in
professional/volunteer-related settings
Describe any additional experiences which would assist you as an instructor.
AVAILABILITY
We seek applicants who can volunteer one week and, if local, attend the volunteer orientation in January, 1997
Please rank in order the weeks you are available. Please note that we cannot guarantee your firs choice
_____ Class I January 18 - January 25 _____ Class 6 February 22 - 29
_____ Class 2 January 25- February 1 _____ Class 7 February 29 - March 7
_____ Class 3 February 1 - 8
_____ Class 4 February 8 - 15 _____ Class 8 June 13 - 20
_____ Class 5 February 15 - 22 _____ Class 9 June 20 - 27
If selected, will you be taking personal _________ or administrative _________ leave?
QUESTIONS (Attach additional pages f needed)
1. Why do you want to be an instructor at Presidential Classroom?
2. What qualities do you possess that would make you a good role-model and leader for students?
3. What is your perception of high school students today, and how do you see yourself relating to them
during a program of this type?
4. How familiar are you with the physical layout of Washington, D.C., and the workings of the U.S.
government?
Lt-FIERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Please attach two letters of recommendation. One of these letters should be from your immediate supervisor,
department head or school principal. (Letters of recommendation may be mailed separately.)
Note: Your application will not be evaluated until it s complete, including letters of recommendation.
Please mail your completed application to: Instructor Coordinator, Presidential Classroom, 441 North Lee
Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Your application must be received by October 15, 1991.
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QualificationS Of Volunteer
Instructors
To be considered for an instructor position, a
candidate must have a minimum of a bachelor’s
degrees possess good communication skills, and
show a high level of energy and interest in working
with youth. In past years we have received
approximately 600 applications for the 150 instructor
positions available. Selection is based on the
candidate’s professional experiences, ability to work
with youth and adults, understanding of the
Classroom’s objectives, and availability to serve one
week. In addition, instructors are required to:
• devote their full-time participation to the program.
Each “class” covers seven days arid evenings, from
Saturday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.;
• attend all Classroom functions (including seminars
with guest speakers and small group meetings)
and travel with the students to and from all
Classroom activities, both educational and cultural;
• adi ere to the nonpartisan status of Presidential
Classroom while serving on the staff.
Volunteer Status And
Accommodations
As volunteers, instructors receive no
remuneration from Presidential Classroom.
Candidates for instructor positions must obtain
employer’s approval and arrange personal or
professional leave before being confirmed as
instructorc Policy regarding leave with or without
pay varies widely and is subject to
the discretion of each employer.
80% of the Classroom’s 1991
instructors were granted
administrative leave,
All students, permanei t
Classroom staff and volunteer
instructors reside at the Omrti
Shoreham Hotel in Washington,
D.C., the program’s headquarters.
Provisions are made for instructors
to reside, double occupancy, at the
hotel at no expense to the volunteer
or his or her employer.
Meals, curriculum materials
and travel within Washington are
also provided to volunteer staff
members at no expense. Presidential
Classroom does not provide airfare or
L’ther trat’el expe iSe tO iiid from Was/w i çtOu. although
man instructors have secured transportation
financing from their employers.
Application Process
Interested persons must apply directly to
Presidential Classroom, except military personnel
who apply through their branches of service. You
may include a résumé if it provides relevant
information not ascertained within this application.
Completed applications should be returned to:
Instructor Coordinator
Presidential Classroom
441 North Lee Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2346
Upon receipt of this application and an initial
screening, interviews will be arranged in
Washington, D.C. for local applicants and for those
who may be in the area on other business.
Deadline
The deadline for applying for the position of
instructor is October 15, 1991, although extensions
may be granted under special circumstances.
Notification of final decisions will be made in all
cases by December 15, 1991.
For more information, please call the Instructor
Coordinator at Presidential Classroom: (800)
441-6533, or in the Washington metropolitan area,
(703) 683-5400.
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1992 Presidential Classroom
VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTOR APPLICATION
GENERAL INFORMATION
(please print or type) Date
Mr __________ Ms._ Military Title (if applicable):
First Name M I __________Last Name____________________
Home Address Phorte(_____ ______
City_ State Zip_
EMPLOYMENT
Depart1net t /School
AgertCY/ Department
Position_ GS Rating/Rank (if applicable)
Office Address Phone( )___________________
City_ State Zip
Employment Category: Civil Servant______ Educator — Military______ Other______
SUPERVISOR
The following information will allow us to notij your employer fyOIi! are selected as an instructor. lf #ou prefer that we
,i t contact your supervisor should you be accepted, please Leave this section bLank!
Mr._________ Ms._________ Military Title (if applicable):
First Name _________________________ Last Name -
Department/School Position___________________________
Office Address
City Zip
Indicate any past affiliation with Presidential Classroom, list dates:
Instructor: year:______ Student year:______ Othec year:
If no previous affiliation, how did you hear about Presidential Classroom?
Please be specific
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT POSITION DATES
COLLEGES/UNIVERSrrIESATr DED DATES DEGREE MAJOR
AWARDS/DISTTJ 4CflONS: _______________________________________
SKILLS/EXPERIENCE (Please feel free to attach an additional page f needed.)
List your current employment responsiblilities and describe the nature of your organization.
(over)
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1991 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM SCHEDULE
(This 1991 curriculum schedule provides you with the general layout of the Senior High School Program The 1992 chedule
will be cirnilar. although there will be changes.)
Student Registration / Instructor Orientation
Caucus Meetings - Welcome to Washington, D.C.
GENERAL SESSION
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR: Issues Facing Congress - A Democrat’s View
House appointments observation of House and Senate committee hearings, Supreme Court
SEMINAR: Lobbyists — Public Service or Special Interest?
Evening Activity
Ecumenical Service (optional)
Caucus Meetings
Smithsonian Museums and Tour of the Nation’s Capital
OPENING ADDRESS: Power in Washington
CROSSFIRE SESSIONS: Foreign Policy Issues
Caucus Meetings
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR. The Executive Agencies
SEMINAR: The White House Staff
Bureau of Engraving and Printing/Ford’s Theater
SEMINAR: U.S. Foreign Policy Objectives
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR: National Defense Strategies
Congressional Preview
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR Issues for the 1990’s: A Senator’s Perspective
Senate appointments, observation of committee hearings, Supreme Court
SEMINAR: Issues Facing Congress - A Republican Perspective
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR: American Diplomacy: A View From Abroad
Crossfire Sessions: Domestic Policy Issues
SATURDAYS
11.00-400pzn.
5 00-600pm.
730 - 8.30 p.m.
8.45 - 9 45 p.m.
SUNDAYS
7:00 - 8:30 am.
9:45 - 10:30 a.m.
11:00 - 4.00 p.m.
6:45 - 7.45 p.m.
8.00 - 9 00 p.m.
9:15- 10:15 p.m.
MONDAYS
8:00 9:00 a.rn.
10:00- 11:00 a.m.
11 00 -..12:00 pm.
1:30-2.30 p.m.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
- 7:45 p.m.
8:00- 9. 00 p.m.
9:00-9:30 p.m.
TUESDAYS
9:00- 10:00 a.m.
11:00- 11:45a.m.
12:00-3:45 p.m.
4.00-5:00 p.m.
7:30-8:15 p.m.
8.30-9:30 p.m.
9:45 - 10:45 p.m.
WEDNESDAYS
9:00 - 9:45 am.
10:00- 1:30 p.m.
2:30-3.30 p.m.
5:30 -11:30p.m.
THURSDAYS
9:00- 10:00 a.m.
10:15 - 11:15 a.m.
11:20 - 2:45 noon
3:45 - 4:45 p.m.
5:00-5:45 p.m.
7:15 - 8:45 p.m.
9:00- 10:00 p.m.
FRIDAYS
8:20 - 9:40 a.m.
9:45 - 10:30 p.m.
10:45 - 11:45 p.m.
1215-3:30 p.m.
4:00-4:30 p.m.
5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
7:30-8:30 p.m.
8:30 - 11:15 p.m.
SEMINAR: The Media and the American Political Process
Cautus Meetings
Smithsonian Museums
SEMINAR: Justice in America
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR: Volunteerism
CROSSFIRE SESSIONS: School and Community Issues
GENERAL SESSION: The National Student Body Reports
Caucus Meetings
SEMINAR The Business Community
Caucus Activities: FBI, National Cathedral, Pentagon
Arlington Cemetery
CLOSING GENERAL SESSION: Speaker and Final Banquet
Final Caucus Meetings
Dance
0
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Fact Sheet
Presidential Classroom Instructor Search
A nonpartisan, nonprofit civic education program, A Presidential Classroom for Young American’s
Senior High School Program engages qualified volunteers from government departments, the military,
education and the private sector to work with exemplaiy high school juniors and seniors during their
experience in Washington, D.C.
Qualifications For Volunteer Instructors
• Bachelor’s degree
• good communication skills
• high energy level
• interest in working with both youth and adults
1992 Program Dates:
The 1992 program will take place over nine week-long classes as shown below. Instructors serve for one
week.
Class 1 January 18-25 Class 6 February 22 -29
Class 2 January 25- Februarj I Class 7 February 29- March 7
Class3 February l-8
Class 4 Februaiy 8-15 Class 8 June 13 -20
Class S Februaiy l5-22 Class9 June 20-27
Expectations of Volunteer Instructors
Each instructor must:
• Devote full-time participation to the program. Each class covers seven days and evenings, from
Saturday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11 :3U p.m. (Hotel accommodations are provided.)
• Attend all classroom functions including seminars with guest speakers, caucus meetings and
small group discussions, and travel with the students to and from all Classroom activities.
• Adhere to the nonpartisan status of Presidential Classroom while acting as an instructor.
• Attend a one-day orientation program (in early January, 1992) about Presidential Classroom and
the role of instructors, if possible.
Deadline For Instructor Applications: October 15, 1991
Local applicants may be invited to interview in November and all applicants will be notified of final
decisions by December 15, 1991.
For more information, please contact Susan Studnicki at Presidential Classroom:
(703) 683-5400 or (800) 441-6533.
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