ASU High School Leadership Academy
Incoming high school sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to join the ASU Political History and Leadership program for an in-depth look at President Truman's decision to recognize the State of Israel in 1948 by participating in a decision-making simulation led by delegates from The White House Decision Center at the Truman Presidential Library. Participants will play the roles of President Truman and key advisors with access to now declassified original documents.
At midnight on May 14, 1948, the Provisional Government of Israel proclaimed a new State of Israel. On that same date, the United States, in the person of President Truman, recognized the provisional Jewish government as de facto authority of the Jewish state (de jure recognition was extended on January 31, 1949).
The program will challenge students to step into the roles of President Harry S. Truman and his advisors to tackle the historic 1948 decision to recognize the State of Israel. Student participants will choose which cabinet role they would like to play in the simulation.
Students will gain skills in
- Close reading and information gathering.
- Primary source analysis.
- Comparing and contrasting multiple points of view.
- Synthesizing complex information.
- Group cooperation and communication.
- Speech writing and public speaking.
- Crafting evidence-based solutions for a complex problem.
Two academies will be held on Monday, Aug. 1 from 8 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–5 p.m. on the ASU Tempe campus. Depending on availability, you will be assigned to one of the two sessions. The fee to attend is $50, which is subsidized by funding from the Bradley Foundation, the Apgar Foundation and community donors to the ASU Political History and Leadership program. There are a limited number of scholarships available if you have a financial hardship.