ENACT Course National Spotlight: “Democracy in Practice” at Penn State
During the Fall 2024 semester, ENACT faculty across the country taught captivating courses that provided students with valuable insights into civic transformation and the legislative process.
A highlight of the semester, and a prime example of the impactful work being done in ENACT classrooms, was when Penn State students in Professor Amy Linch's "Democracy in Practice" class had the opportunity to visit the Pennsylvania Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
According to Professor Linch, an ENACT Faculty Fellow and Professor of Political Science at Penn State, the trip was an eye-opening opportunity for students to see the direct impact of their academic studies on the process of shaping public policy.
"Students met with the director of the House Fellows Program and the current fellows, and got to see the relevance of what they have been learning in class to the actual work of legislators and lobbyists," Linch explained.
The visit also included a meeting with the Majority Caucus chambers (pictured at top) —an area not typically accessible to the public. This provided students with a valuable glimpse into the legislative process and how decisions are made.
Linch and the students within her “Democracy in Practice” class shared that they are grateful for ENACT support in funding this trip.
The experience allowed students to witness firsthand how their lessons from the classroom are reflected in their government, thus enhancing their understanding of democracy and the field of public service.