Surovell Announces Second Annual Puller Institute

From Senator Surovell:

MOUNT VERNON, VA - Senator Scott Surovell (D-36) is pleased to announce that the second annual Puller Institute is now accepting 2017 applicants.

The Puller Institute was created to honor his predecessor, State Senator Toddy Puller who served in the Virginia General Assembly for 24 years.

Over a decade ago, Mt. Vernon Delegate Kris Amundson created her Young Leader Program. Her program was designed to introduce top high school students in the Mt. Vernon area to Virginia State Government process. After Delegate Amundson's retirement, Senator Surovell continued the program and renamed it the Amundson Institute in honor of Delegate Amundson's commitment to Mt. Vernon's young leaders. The Puller Institute is modeled on the same program.

“Since the creation of this program, I have met multiple young leaders from the Northern Virginia region with different backgrounds, passions and interests. They have been an excellent source of inspiration for some of my past legislation and always offer a unique insight into issues within their community along with possible solutions. This is a rare opportunity and I am pleased that I am able to continue it another year in the 36th District,” said Senator Surovell

Students spend two days in Richmond watching law-making process in action and attend General Assembly sessions of both chambers, watch committee hearings, meet with policy makers, cabinet officials, government relations professionals, and tour historic state buildings. After their trip, the selected students will complete a personal project that they will then present to the Senator in the Spring. These projects are based on an issue that the students are both passionate about and pertain to the 36th District.

In the past, students have met with current Governors, cabinet secretaries, other legislators, attended various committee meetings, toured the Virginia State Capitol and the General Assembly Building.

All 11th and 12th Grade students are eligible to participate. Participates are accepted in a competitive process based on grades, school activities, and statements of interest.

For more information on The Puller Institute and to apply for the 2017 session, please visit Senator Surovell’s website.

The deadline for all applicants is December 15th and the primary Richmond program will take place on Sunday, January 29th – Tuesday, January 31st.

Image via Senator Surovell.