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CAMDEN
TO
CONGRESS

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Through Saturday workshops, hands-on projects, in-person engagements, and a capstone trip to Washington, D.C., students gain real-world skills in public speaking, advocacy, and civic engagement while connecting directly with elected officials, organizers, and government staffers of color.

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Applications are currently closed. Please check back in 2026 for new opportunities

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Quick Snapshot

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  • ✅ 100% FREE: Meals and travel included 

  • 🧑🏽‍💻 12-week hybrid format

  • 📆 Virtual Saturdays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

  • ✨ In-person events

  • 🏫 Open to current high school students in Camden or surrounding areas (grades 9–12)

  • 👥 12-person cohort maximum

  • 🧳 Capstone trip to Washington, D.C. with congressional and White House staffers

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2025 KEY DATES & TIMELINE

SESSION
TOPICS

  • July 19 – Session 1: Orientation & Naming Power + Mapping Systems

  • August 2 – Session 2: How do systems show up and who changes them?

  • August 9 – Session 3: State Systems & Structural Power

  • August 10–30 – Independent Civic Engagement Weeks

  •    Participants will complete three self-guided projects:

  •    (Optional virtual office hours will be available during this period.)

  • September 6 – Session 4: Federal Power: Systems at Scale

  • September 13 – Session 5: Disrupting Systems: Strategy & Action

  • September 20 – Session 5: People Who Move Systems (Panel) 

  • September 27 – Session 7: Final Projects & Reflection

  • October 11 – Session 8: D.C. Trip Prep & Cohort Celebration (Power in Proximity)

ELIGIBILITY

  • Must be enrolled in grades 9–12

  • Must attend a high school within the Camden City School District or surrounding areas

  • Must commit to attending all sessions

  • Technology Access: Students will need access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet access to participate in virtual sessions and complete assignments

MEET
THE 
LEAD

Led by Ashly Estevez-Perez, a Camden-raised policy advisor, nonprofit founder, and nationally recognized advocate with 8+ years of federal government experience. As a formerly undocumented immigrant, Ashly navigated systems she was never meant to access eventually serving in both the U.S. Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration. Her leadership is rooted in deep commitment to Camden, lived experience, and policy expertise.

SUPPORT THIS WORK

Want to support youth leadership in Camden? 

CLASS OF 2025

This was an AI generated activity where students created their future self.

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