It isn't everyone who has an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the workings of the nation's government. But thanks to a program called National Young Leaders Conference, several of America's youth can participate in a leadership development conference In Washington, D.C.

Ryan Long, a senior this year at Pleasant Valley High School, was invited to attend the program and he accepted the invitation. He was there nine days from July 3 through July 11. He was one of 10 who represented Pennsylvania."It was an excellent experience learning about how the government works. We learned how the presidents, senate, and house of representatives all work individually. I actually even got to meet one of Bob Casey's assistants," says Ryan, who plays football for PV, is in the school's band, an honor student and is an altar server at Our Lady Queen of Peace.The National Young Leaders Conference (NYLC) provides scholars with the opportunity to interact with a variety of personnel who operate within the three branches of government, the news media and the international community."We went to the National Press Club and heard Nancy Ambrose, Michael Crowley, (senior correspondent for Time Magazine) and other important journalists and reporters," says Ryan."NYLC prepares students to serve our country well, whether that means as elected officials in our nation's capital, as active members within communities around the world or as intelligent, creative and responsible members of the workforce," said Marguerite Regan, Dean of Academic Affairs for the Congressional Youth Leadership Council (CYLC), the organization that sponsors the Conference. "Through a series of simulations, we place these young leaders in the proverbial driver's seat on a variety of issues facing our country today. Their determination, as shown within the Conference, is a good indicator of the types of leaders we will see in the future."Students participate in a number of leadership skill-building activities and simulations. In one role-play activity titled "If I Were President," students act as the president and Cabinet members responding to an international crisis. Students also participate in "Testing the Constitution," in which they examine actual Supreme Court cases. The Conference culminates with the "Model Congress," in which scholars assume the roles of U.S. Representatives and debate, amend and vote on proposed mock legislation.In addition to all that, Ryan and the others went to all the monuments, the Smithsonian Museums and even a Washington Nationals game.CYLC is a nonpartisan, independent, educational organization. Since 1985, the Council has inspired more than 200,000 young people to achieve their full leadership potential. Members of the U.S. Congress have joined their commitment by serving on the CYLC Honorary Congressional Board of Advisors. In addition, more than 50 embassies participate in the Council's Honorary Board of Embassies."I had an excellent time and would do it again in a heartbeat," says Ryan.