Student Programs
Connecting Students to Congress
One of the Stennis Center for Public Service’s specific duties outlined by Congress is to “foster a sense of civic responsibility among the youth of the United States,” which is straight from the Stennis Center’s enabling legislation (P.L. 100-458—Oct. 1, 1988; Subtitle B). The Stennis Center offers a variety of programs to help young people better understand the inner workings of Congress for those who aspire to have a career in public service.
Student Service Corps
The Student Service Corps (SSC) is a Stennis Center program designed to foster civic responsibility and a service-oriented mindset among young people in the United States. The program encourages students to engage directly with their communities through service with government agencies at all levels and nonprofit organizations.
In addition to hands-on service, SSC promotes long-term engagement in public service by exposing students to career pathways in government and the nonprofit sector. Through this combination of community involvement and professional development, the Student Service Corps helps cultivate the next generation of public service leaders.
Scholars on Capitol Hill
The Stennis Center for Public Service sponsors two Scholars on Capitol Hill–related programs that give high-achieving students hands-on exposure to public service leadership.
Truman Scholars Day on Capitol Hill, established in 2003, allows Truman Scholars interning in Washington, D.C., to visit the U.S. Capitol and congressional offices through a partnership with the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation.
The Stennis Center also supports Mississippi State University Presidential Scholars by providing engagement opportunities with public service leaders and exploring pathways to leadership and service-focused careers.