Interschool Seminar

Civic engagement starts with civic discourse

Interschool Seminars are student-led, text-based discussions, about contemporary social issues. Each program brings students together from all over the District – public, public charter, and private schools – to engage in a dialogue that exposes them to a diverse array of perspectives.

Through student-facilitated conversations, participants learn to productively and respectfully discuss current, controversial topics. The thought-provoking conversations at Interschool Seminars teach students to defend their stances on a myriad of issues and help them develop and recognize the power of their voices. As a national model for civic discourse and dialogue among young people, Interschool Seminars have the power to shape a generation of socially conscious future leaders and citizens who will be responsible for building a better future for us all.

Transformative Education Opportunity

Prepares students to thrive
in a university classroom, where they will engage in similar high-level discourse

Creates space for dialogue
where students can safely share their voices and experiences

Exposes students to a variety of media
through speeches, essays, movies, news articles

Provides community service hours
to students who facilitate discussions and write follow-up papers

Models Inspired Teaching in action,
emphasizing student-directed classrooms

Attend or Facilitate an Interschool Seminar

 “It is more worthwhile to learn through discussion. The interplay of opinions and perspectives helps communicate experiences and real world wisdom that I won’t just need in a classroom or job, but things I will carry with me through life.”

INTERSCHOOL SEMINAR STUDENT

December 2017

 “It is imperative to bring these issues into the classroom; cultural and social literacy is a must-have for all young people.”

INTERSCHOOL SEMINAR STUDENT

February 2018