Midweek Momentum: Law, Policy, and Purpose

Wednesday arrived with a renewed sense of focus as interns woke up eager to tackle the day. With congressional meetings and final presentations quickly approaching, the excitement was matched by a determination to refine their work. After a filling breakfast, students gathered their materials and prepared for a full day of collaboration, learning, and meaningful progress.

The morning began with congressional advocacy group work. Interns worked closely with their teams to develop and polish their campaigns, focusing on messaging, strategy, and policy goals. At the same time, groups met with Brandi Harden to check in on their legal casework, ensuring they were on track for final presentations and making any necessary adjustments.

Later in the morning, everyone came together for a powerful lecture by Kevin Hagan on Sentencing Reform and Advocacy. His presentation explored the complexities of the justice system and encouraged students to think critically about equity, fairness, and the importance of youth-led change. The session sparked engaging questions and thoughtful discussions.

After a midday lunch break, the interns split into two groups. One group set out to explore Washington, D.C., immersing themselves in the city’s history and culture. The other group stayed on campus to attend academic sessions. Professor Sarah Stiles led a lecture on Law and Society, offering insights into how legal systems shape and are shaped by societal forces. Following her session, Professor Dave Karpf provided valuable feedback to students on their congressional advocacy efforts, helping them strengthen their messaging and approach.

After switching tracks and enjoying dinner, all interns came back together for a key evening session. In their congressional teams, they presented their revised campaigns to a panel of Capitol Hill interns. The feedback they received was both encouraging and constructive, offering real-world advice from those with firsthand experience in legislative work.

As the day came to a close, interns returned to their dorms feeling tired but inspired. With only two days left in the program, they took time to reflect on their progress and prepare for what’s ahead. The energy remained high, and the anticipation for final presentations and meetings continued to build.