ALPLM Expands Teen Summer Programs

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is expanding its summer programming for teenagers as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, offering new opportunities focused on civic engagement, leadership development, and public discourse.

The institution announced it will broaden access to its Future Presidents of America program while also serving as the Illinois host for the Ronald Reagan Debate Series, a national initiative organized by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. Both programs are scheduled for June and are designed to introduce students to government, policy issues, and leadership skills through hands-on experiences.

The Future Presidents of America program, which runs June 8 through June 12, is a weeklong summer day camp for students ages 13 to 16. The program accepts 24 participants and has previously been limited to students from central Illinois, but it is now open to applicants from across the state and the country. The camp focuses on the qualities associated with presidential leadership, combining lessons in civics with real-world scenarios that encourage students to consider complex issues and decision-making.

Participants will examine historical and modern leadership challenges while exploring the broader context of American government. A featured session titled “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written” will focus on the enduring meaning of the Declaration of Independence.

Students selected for the program receive full scholarships that cover educational materials and lunch, though housing is not provided for those traveling from outside the area.

Cindy Klenke, education director at the library and museum, said the program introduces students to new ideas and future possibilities while expanding access to a wider audience this year.

In addition to the camp, the library will host the Illinois competition for the Ronald Reagan Debate Series on June 20. The program brings students together to discuss current issues while drawing connections to the legacies of presidents with ties to Illinois. Participants will debate whether presidential elections should be determined by the Electoral College or the national popular vote.

The competition is open to students regardless of prior debate experience. Registration is free, and an online training session will be held June 2 to prepare participants. Students competing at the state level will have the opportunity to advance, with prizes including scholarships, cash awards, and a trip to California for the national finals.

Christina Shutt, executive director of the library and museum, said both programs are intended to engage young people in civic life and prepare them for future leadership roles.

Information about both programs, including application and registration details, is available on the America 250 section of the library’s website.

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum’s broader mission is to promote civic engagement through the history of Illinois while preserving and sharing the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Its collection includes approximately 13 million historical items spanning multiple eras, supporting educational programming that connects past leadership with present-day challenges.