Infosheet

Inside Washington Seminar 2026 Program Survey Results & Participant Demographics The Inside Washington Seminar offers an immersive week-long exploration of U.S. policy, media, politics and civic leadership in the heart of the nation's capital. Participants engage with distinguished speakers, public figures and experts through plenary sessions, site visits and behind-the-scenes briefings that illuminate how government, media outlets and influential institutions operate. Small group discussions and interactive experiences deepen understanding of current issues and career pathways while fostering critical thinking, bipartisan dialogue and civic engagement. Designed for college students and emerging professionals, this seminar equips learners with real-world perspectives and connections that support informed participation in democratic life. When surveyed on the outcomes of the program: 91% of participants report being highly satisfied or satisfied with the seminar. e biggest benefit of attending the Inside Washington Seminar was to get an understanding of what really goes on behind the curtain. In your studies, you learn how the government is supposed to work. However, when you actually meet with people who work in the government and hear about the day-to- day operations, you start to realize just how complicated and messy the process really is. Tanesha Saintil, Miami Dade College 92% of participants agree that they were able to articulate the most central issues that will shape the upcoming elections as a result of their participation in the program. Geographic Data: Demographics: 197 total participants in the program 35% identify as first-generation college students 42% Florida: 41 North Carolina: 25 Massachusetts: 24 Pennsylvania: 23 Arkansas: 15 California: 12 Connecticut: 12 identify as part of a historically marginalized racial/ethnic group 61% identify as female Kentucky: 11 New Jersey: 8 Arizona: 7 Maryland: 7 New York: 5 Mississippi: 3 Ohio: 1 twc.edu 92% of participants agree that they were able to gain deeper insights into how administration priorities shape public policy. I loved that I was able to see past partisanship and hear about real-life experiences of those working to make change. I was able to listen to people that I didn't agree with and still respect their perspective. I learned so many skills on effective listening and communication that I will undoubtedly take into the future. Emmanuela Onyilokwu, Towson University e most helpful thing that I learned from the Inside Washington Seminar is to keep an open mind and be curious. ere are always going to be different opinions, but the most important thing that I learned from the speakers is that we have to analyze both sides of an argument and really expose ourselves to the truth. It's hard to say you know both sides when you just focus your narrative on one side of the spectrum and completely ignore everything else. Paolo Bello, Miami Dade College

• Cover