About the Institute
July 17, 2023
MA State House interns participate in “Senate Immersion Module” civic learning program at Edward M. Kennedy Institute
Roleplaying as U.S. Senators, participants drafted, debated, and voted on legislation related to federal climate and energy policy.
(BOSTON, Mass.) – Nearly 100 legislative interns representing cities and towns across Massachusetts gathered in the Kennedy Institute’s one-of-a-kind replica senate chamber to participate in the Institute’s award-winning civic learning program, the Senate Immersion Module (SIM). Using state-of-the-art handheld tablets and interactive projector screens, and guided by the Kennedy Institute’s education staff, the legislative interns roleplayed as “U.S. Senators for a day” to draft, debate, and ultimately vote on a modern piece of legislation related to federal climate and energy policy in the United States. The immersive civics learning program began with remarks from State Senator Patrick O’Connor (1st Plymouth and Norfolk District) and Kennedy Institute CEO Adam Hinds, followed by a panel discussion with local reporters covering Massachusetts politics: WBUR’s Steve Brown, State House News; Service’s Alison Kuznitz; and Dorchester Reporter’s Bill Forry.
“I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this program at the Kennedy Institute for many years and it is a great opportunity share my background, my work in the Senate and discuss the legislative process,” said State Senator O’Connor. “ This event today was special, as I got to reconnect with my friend and former colleague, Adam Hinds, who brings an excellent background and knowledge of the legislature in his new role.”
Before its pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kennedy Institute’s award-winning Senate Immersion Module program reached up to 10,000 students a year over the span of 5 years. The revised, updated program incorporates input from the Kennedy Institute’s Youth Civic Education Fellows and Teacher Advisory, DEI specialists, technologists, policy experts, and hundreds of students and teachers across the region and country to better meet the needs of educators, address difficult topics in today’s political climate, and align with national standards of civics education.
“We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional young interns, whose demonstrated interest in our government and politics make them ideal participants in our SIM programming.” said Adam Hinds, CEO of the Kennedy Institute. “This was an invaluable opportunity for them to immerse themselves in the workings of the United States Senate, fostering collaboration and making connections with their fellow interns. Our hope is that they will return to the Statehouse with newfound expertise, appreciation, and dedication to their role in the Massachusetts legislature, further inspiring our next generation of leaders.”
The SIM is available onsite in the Kennedy Institute’s full-scale replica of the U.S. Senate Chamber, and is currently being expanded to include virtual programming so that students outside of Massachusetts have the opportunity to debate meaningful legislation. Bookings are open for K-12 teachers across the country. Learn more at www.emkinstitute.org/sim
About the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United State Senate The Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate actively inspires all Americans to keep our democracy and civic life vibrant, educate the public about the unique role of the Senate in our government, and promote civil discourse to drive bipartisan solutions for our nation’s challenges. Through educational programs, public forums, and digital exhibits, the Kennedy Institute welcomes individuals of all ages to debate the issues of the day, learn from each other, and leave empowered to make their own contributions to improving their communities. Learn more at www.emkinstitute.org
