Summer summits empower youth to strengthen peace, trust, and engagement in democracy

George Mason University believes that strengthening peace, trust, and engagement in democracy is vital for creating resilient, inclusive societies where individuals feel empowered to shape their future. As part of our Grand Challenge Initiative, this mission extends not only to our graduates and undergraduates, but to the broader community as well.

Over the summer, high schoolers from around the world came to the Fairfax Campus to learn from the experts how to contribute meaningfully to democratic resilience in the United States and around the world. These three longstanding programs demonstrate how George Mason is building civic trust and advancing peace by preparing our youth to lead.

Washington Journalism and Media Conference

Started in 2009, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference (WJMC) has immersed rising juniors and seniors in the world of journalism. During their week as "youth correspondents," participants hear from journalists and media experts, meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill, and tour Washington, D.C. This year's experts included the editor-in-chief of Washingtonian magazine, the director of Pentagon Press Operations, and the Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter for USA TODAY Network.

Youth correspondents apply what they learn through two simulations that place them in the role of journalists. Participants explore the First Amendment and serve as editors in a newsroom, developing the critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills essential to careers in journalism. Correspondents also earn college credit from George Mason University through their full and active participation in WJMC.

"WJMC brings together the best-of-the-best for an immersive experience that showcases leadership and careers in journalism," said Elena Johnson, director of the Washington Scholars Program, of which WJMC is a part. "These students learn tangible skills and connect on a human level, with a goal of being impactful, empowered and trustworthy citizens at home and abroad."

Conflict Resolution Youth Summit

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Conflict Resolution Youth Summit (CRYS) hosted a record 63 high school students from around the country this summer.

The four-day summit introduced high school students to the field of conflict resolution by teaching foundational skills such as active listening, facilitation, and negotiation. On the fifth and final day, students presented on a conflict in their school community, drawing on their lessons from the week to identify underlying causes and suggest interventions. The summit also brings students into Washington, D.C., for a day and introduces them to career pathways in conflict resolution.

As these skills are not often found in traditional high school curricula, students often leave the summit inspired to pursue conflict resolution in college and, potentially, as a career. Students can also receive one general elective college credit from George Mason by participating in the summit.

"CRYS equips young people with the skills to navigate conflict, communicate across differences, build trust, and collaborate on complex challenges," said Mel G. Carousso, recruitment coordinator and academic advisor for the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. "Through hands-on dialogue and problem-solving, CRYS empowers students to become engaged and constructive leaders."

George Mason Debate Institute

George Mason has run a version of a debate camp since its award-winning Debate Team started in 1974. Its current iteration-George Mason Debate Institute-began in 2014. Currently, it's the largest middle school and high school debate camp in the state of Virginia.

Campers are divided into three classes: middle school public forum debate, high school public forum debate, and high school policy debate. Every year, the institute selects two "wicked" public policy issues for the campers to research. This year, the policy debate students investigated public policy solutions to the health care crisis in the United States, and the public forum students focused on debating federal financial restrictions to corporate greenhouse gas emissions.

"Providing the next generation of leaders with the skills to engage in the democratic field to address wide-scale threats to society through discourse, dialogue, and public policy solutions is the mission of our institute," said Warren D. Decker Director of Debate Jackie Poapst.

All the tracks share a common goal: increase the public speaking confidence of middle and high school students while strengthening the quality and expanding the reach of debate across Northern Virginia.

"Debate is for everyone," Poapst reiterated. "Discourse and dialogue are a practice that any individual can and should participate in, as it undergirds the improvement of civic society."