John F. Kennedy '35 Institute in Government

The John F. Kennedy '35 Institute in Government is designed to stimulate curiosity about public policy and the desire to serve the public interest.

As Kennedy Institute (KI) participants, students take three KI classes on campus over the course of four and half weeks and experience government in action during a multi-day trip to Washington, DC. where (pending what is possible and permitted) they watch House and Senate debates, observe committee hearings on Capitol Hill, and spend time with officials in The White House and the Supreme Court. In DC, students build on what they have learned in the classroom and get a real insider's feel for politics in meetings with representatives of interest groups, national political parties, and the media.

While knowledge of politics is not necessary for the program, the desire and willingness to learn about politics, economics, U.S. history, and international affairs both in class and in DC is essential.

Note: matriculating and current Choate students who successfully complete the John F. Kennedy '35 Institute in Government program in the summer will satisfy the academic year requirement of PS430HO Political Ideologies for the John F. Kennedy ’35 Signature Program in Government and Public Service.

Current students who are already part of the JFK Signature Program during the academic year may request to take the summer KI course Foundations of Political Thought to satisfy the PS430HO Political Ideologies requirement.