Institute activities range from interactive discussions with politicians, opinion leaders and other powerful decision-makers to student-run simulations and activities designed to let students express their opinions and learn from the opinions of others.

While the Institute schedule varies each year and differs at each location, below is a general outline of what a typical day might be like.

8:00 A.M.
Buses depart for the State Capitol.

9:00 - 11:00 A.M.
Meet in Governor's office with the Chief of Staff and Press Secretary. Discuss how state policy can be changed.

11:00 - 11:45 A.M.
Question the top political reporters in the state. Focus on the role of the media in elections.

11:45 A.M. - 12:45 P.M.
Lunch in the Capitol.

1:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.
Meet in Senate Committee Room with Senate Education Committee Chair, lobbyists for the Teachers Association and the Governor's Education Advisor.

3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Break into small groups to plan a grassroots campaign to get an important piece of legislation passed.

4:00 P.M.
Buses return to the university.

4:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
Dinner and free time on campus, including an opportunity to visit the university bookstore.

7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.
Evening briefing and discussion (What issues repeatedly came up in the comments of our speakers today? How did their opinions conflict?) followed by a student-run debate (Topic: The use of standardized testing in college admissions).

9:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M.
Free time to look over tomorrow's schedule and relax with your roommate.

11:00 P.M.
Curfew.