Congressional Student Forums

What does respectful political dialogue look like in practice?

Congressional Student Forums give college and university students a firsthand experience of civility in the governing process by bringing together members of Congress from both sides of the political aisle for a conversation—not a debate. Students witness elected leaders model respectful disagreement, thoughtful discussion, and a shared commitment to serving the public.

Hosted on college campuses nationwide, these 90-minute forums feature one Republican and one Democrat engaging in meaningful dialogue on current issues while responding directly to questions from students. Rather than focusing on partisan talking points, the program encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and constructive civic engagement.

The Institute for Civility manages every aspect of the experience, including congressional outreach, event coordination, promotional support, and program facilitation. Forums can be held in person or virtually and may also include voter registration opportunities for students.

Request Details

End-To-End

We’ll handle everything

We bring the program to your college or university campus (in-person or virtually), provide promotional materials, coordinate Congressional visitors, and prepare the program. We can even arrange to provide voter registration services for attendees if desired.

The Details

How it works

Meaningful dialogue. Two members of Congress, one Republican and one Democrat, dialogue (not debate!) about current issues.
For ~90 minutes. Forums are held on university/college campuses and last about 1 ½ hours.
Campus community. There is no admission fee, but the forums are usually not open to the general public.
Wrap-up + meet & greet. At the conclusion, each member of Congress makes a closing statement and participates in a meet and greet with attendees.

The PRogram

Agenda at a glance

Civility

The first portion of the program examines the importance of civility in the governing process and community.

Issues

Next, students interact directly with their elected officials, setting the agenda through their questions.

Closing

At the conclusion, each member of Congress makes a closing statement.

Rep. Sylvia Garcia and Rep. Randy Weber

Raise your hand

Ready for a forum on your campus?

We’d love to have a conversation with you.

Reach out

“So as teachers declare a crisis of civility in the schools, and the search goes on for something to blame, the students have a simple request: show us the way.”

— Chris Bury, ABC World News Tonight

Where We’ve Been

Past Forums

The Institute has an established track record of holding successful forums going back to 1999.

Year	Location	Members Of Congress
2023	University of Houston – Clear Lake, Texas	Sylvia Garcia and Randy Weber
2022	University of Houston – Houston, Texas	Sylvia Garcia and Randy Weber
2021	Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship – Lexington, Kentucky	Andy Barr and John Yarmuth
2021	University of Houston – Houston, Texas	Lizzie Fletcher and Randy Weber
2020	University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky	James Comer and John Yarmuth
2015	University of Houston – Houston, Texas	Gene Green and Randy Weber
2014	University of Texas San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas	Henry Cuellar and Lamar Smith
2014	University of Missouri Kansas City – Kansas City, Missouri	Emanuel Cleaver and Kevin Yoder
2014	Lone Star College, North Harris – Houston, Texas	Kevin Brady and Gene Green
2013	University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio – San Antonio, Texas	Henry Cuellar and Lamar Smith
2008	Lone Star College – North Harris, Houston, Texas	Kevin Brady and Gene Green
2007	The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor – Belton, Texas	John Carter and Henry Cuellar
2006	Lee College – Baytown, Texas	Gene Green and Ted Poe
2006	Texas State University – San Marcos, Texas	John Carter and Henry Cuellar
2005	Rice University – Houston, Texas	Kevin Brady and Gene Green
2004	University of Houston – Houston, Texas	Kevin Brady and Nick Lampson
2003	Queens University – Charlotte, North Carolina	Sue Myrick and Mel Watt
2003	TCU – Fort Worth, Texas	Kay Granger and Charles Stenholm
2002	Sam Houston State University – Huntsville, Texas	Kevin Brady and Jim Turner
2001	Houston Community College, Central Campus – Houston, Texas	Ken Bentsen and John Culberson
2000	North Harris Community College – Houston, Texas	Kevin Brady and Gene Green
1999	Houston Community College, Central Campus – Houston, Texas	Bill Archer and Ken Bentsen
1999	San Jacinto College South- Pasadena, Texas	Kevin Brady and Nick Lampson