The Institute for Responsible Citizenship was established in 2003 to prepare the nation’s best and brightest students to use their extraordinary talents to serve others.

• Individuals with the greatest potential should be challenged to pursue the highest achievement.
• Individuals who work hard to live virtuous lives and achieve academic success should be recognized and rewarded.
• Individuals who are destined for leadership should understand fundamental economic, constitutional, and ethical principles.
• Individuals who strive to make a difference can have a greater impact by working together.
• Individuals of character should be encouraged to pursue success as a platform for service to their communities, our nation, and the world.

Washington Program

Each year, we select 12 of the nation’s best and brightest college students for an intensive two-summer program that includes high-level internships in their fields of interest, rigorous academic seminars, professional development workshops, private meetings with public and private sector leaders, and a variety of social activities.

More than 300 students have participated in the Washington Program and have gone on to a wide range of successful and impactful careers. Learn more about the Washington Program here.

Collegiate Institutes

In 2016, the Collegiate Institutes were founded to engage with even more talented college students. The program selects students attending colleges and universities in Atlanta, Charlotte, Durham, Greensboro, and, New York City. The Collegiate Institute sessions take place on select Saturdays throughout the academic school year and consist of professional development workshops, private meetings with their city’s public and private sector leaders, and bonding activities with the other students in the cohort. Visit our Collegiate Institute page to learn more about our regional programs.