Inauguration 2021 Academic Seminar
Experience this historical event through the lens of the people who help shape it.
Whether you're a history buff, a political junkie or just a concerned citizen, you have to admit - no matter who takes the oath office on January 20th, 2021, the Presidential Inauguration will be another extraordinary milestone in our country's history.
Be a part of that history by getting a behind-the-curtain look into this distinctly American approach to the peaceful transition of power. The Inauguration 2021 Academic Seminar will give you access to important organizations throughout the city and opportunities to engage with media and political experts who have had a front row seat to the election cycle.
Eligibility
To be eligible for 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
Speakers
You’ll engage with some of the most 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 Political Director Phil Smith.
Site Visits
We'll help you explore Washington, D.C. like no tourist ever could, taking you into government agencies, think tanks, embassies, media outlets and more. You'll get a behind the scenes looks at how our nation’s capital works. In the past, we've taken groups to the Brookings Institution, Voice of America, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and various politically-focused organizations.
Small Group Sessions
Faculty representing universities from all over the country lead these sessions 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 of the seminar is $2,395, which includes complimentary housing. 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.
Housing and Living
During this seminar, you'll be living in NoMa, one of the coolest and 'most connected' neighborhoods in D.C. You'll be in the middle of it all with easy access wherever you need to go.
Want to learn all about TWC housing, the community and the neighborhood? Check out our Housing page below.
Housing
Most participants share a 2-bedroom/2-bath apartment with three other participants in our modern academic and residential building. We'll provide everything you need, most of what you'll want, and even some perks you might not have expected (like tips on where to find a burger at 2am).
Each apartment is fully furnished and includes:
- a full dining set (pots, pans, dishes, silverware, coffee maker and toaster)
- refrigerator
- microwave
- dishwasher
- iron and ironing board
- vacuum cleaner
- mop and broom
- washer and dryer
- wi-fi and cable
What to Pack
As you are packing, please be aware that linens will be provided for seminar participants. The linen package includes a bath towel, hand towel, wash cloth, sheets, a blanket and pillow. If you tend to get cold at night, we encourage you to bring an extra blanket. Please be prepared to pack the following:
- personal toiletries
- government-issued ID card
- small folding umbrella
- business professional attire for academic sessions and site visits
- casual attire for evenings and weekends
- notebook and pens
- clothes hangers
Student Services
We give you your space, but we don't leave you totally on your own. Our student services team and alumni mentors make sure you have the support you need, any time day or night. And our disability services staff ensures that every student has the tools they need to live comfortably, complete assignments and succeed in their work.
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
- Priority Deadline: Wednesday, October 7, 2020
- Regular Deadline: Wednesday, November 11, 2020
- Check-In: Sunday, January 10, 2021
- Seminar Begins: Monday, January 11, 2021
- Seminar Ends: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
- Check-Out: Thursday, January 21, 2021
How to Apply
Start and submit the online application by clicking the button below. You are required to submit a $500 deposit along with your application. This deposit is applied towards the seminar fee and can only be refunded if you are not accepted into the program.
If you're not quite ready to apply, fill out our request for information below.
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:
- Attend all program sessions
- Meet with students for group discussion and instruction
- Accompany the students on site visits to embassies, think tanks and other organizations in D.C.
- Read students’ written work and evaluate their academic and professional performance
- Recommend a grade for each student at the end of the program
Faculty members who have 6 or more students attending the academic seminar are guaranteed a position as a faculty leader. Learn more about becoming a Faculty Leader here. If you would like to apply for a Faculty Leader position at the Inauguration 2021 Academic Seminar, email OCUR@twc.edu.
Policies
Refund and Cancellation 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 $500 nonrefundable deposit. Your $500 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.