Anderson is one of 20 students in the cohort at the Western Kentucky University Center for Gifted Studies in Bowling Green. The institute also runs a second site at the University of Louisville McConnell Center.
Selection was competitive. The institute's first year drew 126 applications from 37 school districts and 54 high schools and academies across the state. Applicants were evaluated on academic achievement, leadership experience, civic interests, community involvement and thoughtful engagement with differing viewpoints.
This school year, participants will attend six Saturday sessions with hands-on work in government, public policy, historical thinking, communication and leadership development. The cohort's first session is Saturday.
In later years, students will move into more advanced work, including policy analysis, mock trials, legislative drafting, media literacy, negotiation and advocacy. They will also have chances to attend summer programming. The program ends with a senior capstone experience in Washington, D.C.
"There are incredible young people across Kentucky who are interested in government, history, law, public policy, leadership, and serving their communities," said Justin Mitchell, founder and director of the institute. "The Civic Leadership Institute gives them a place to come together, challenge one another, learn from leaders in these fields, and begin discovering how they can use their own talents to make a difference."
The institute's guiding statement is "Think critically. Lead confidently. Serve purposefully."