The office of Virginia State Delegate Richard L. Anderson (R-51) has announced that the Prince William County legislator will host his third annual “51st House District Future Delegate Program” at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond during the months of January and February 2015.
The program is open to students from grades 7 through 12. They may be enrolled in any public or private school, to include home-schooled students. The 51st House District stretches from Occoquan Town westward through Lake Ridge, the county portions of Manassas, and into Brentsville and Nokesville.
All students are welcome to participate, regardless of party affiliation or views. The Future Delegate Program focuses solely on the legislative process and exposes students and families to legislative life in Richmond. The goal is for students to return home after a full day in Richmond with a greater appreciation for the public policy process. Anderson’s goal is to motivate students to pursue public service as their chosen profession as an adult.
On December 16, from 7-8:30pm, Anderson will host an orientation night for prospective student participants in the Powell’s Creek Conference Room at the McCoart Government Center at 1 County Complex Court, Woodbridge, VA. At that time, he and his staff will brief students and families on the program, answer questions, and hand out and receive applications from prospective participants.
In 2013 and 2014, Anderson hosted a PWC student for an entire day at the Capitol under his Future Delegate Program. The delegate stated that “over the last two years, we hosted nearly 70 students and their families. They stayed by my side for the full day, attending committee meetings, the daily House floor session, press conferences, and meetings with the Governor and other senior elected officials.”
The intent is that only one student will participate each day, so that they experience quality time with their elected representative and are able to focus fully on the legislative process.
Anderson further stated that “I look forward to welcoming another 35 students to Richmond in January and February. I want young people, who are the next generation of leadership in our Commonwealth, to experience Virginia’s legislative process first-hand. I want them to seriously consider a career in public service.”
The program is managed by his 51st House District Neighborhood Coordinator, Ms. Kristina Schnack Kotlus, who can be reached at [email protected].
