wpjohnst@mavs.coloradomesa.edu
The Colorado Capital Conference gives 100 Colorado residents a chance to meet with some of the nation’s leaders. The conference is held June 5-7 in Washington D.C.
Leaders and participants discuss current issues and the federal legislature process.
“We encourage all students from all disciplines to apply,” Director of Strategic Initiatives Derek Wagner said. “We would love to try and have a broad representation of students come back this year.”
Junior political science major and ASG Vice President Adrienne Barlow attended last year’s conference.
“It was just the most amazing experience,” Barlow said. “It was really interesting to see how close you were to all of the inner workings of it.”
Barlow was given one of the four scholarships offered for the trip. ASG is attempting to help more students attend this year.
“Right now, we’re really trying to get people informed and excited about it,” Barlow said. “After the deadline date, we’re looking into funding some students.”
CMU President Tim Foster, U.S. Sen. Mark Udall and Congressman Scott Tipton will be among the featured speakers.
“The intent is to get people from Colorado that are interested and curious in going to Washington,” Wagner said. “Also, to have a chance to interact, not only with Mark Udall, but all of his colleagues, people he works with every day in the Senate and the House.”
Students will tour public buildings in Washington D.C. including the White House, the Supreme Court and the Kennedy Center.
CMU Director of Development Kristi Pollard is directing this year’s conference.
“CMU and CU will each offer four full scholarships which will cover transportation to and from Washington D.C., the registration fees and meals,” Pollard said. “CMU will be working with the political science department to select the four applicants to receive the scholarships.”
All applications must be postmarked by March 16. So far, there have been about 600 applicants. The awarded participants will be announced April 2. Fees will be $300 and will cover travel expenses and meals.
The conference is also important to CMU as a university. Wagner said he was able to see the results of last year’s event.
“Last year, we were able to project the quality of our students when they were interacting with members of Congress and the administration, asking good questions and really just demonstrating the level of quality that we have at this institution,” Wagner said. “We are hoping to have much more of the same this year.”
For more information on the conference, email capitalconference@coloradomesa.edu or visit www.coloradomesa.edu/capitalconference.
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