Our Mission

Founded in 1986, Harvard Model Congress is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit and the nation’s oldest government simulation conference run exclusively by undergraduates at Harvard College. First and foremost a teaching institution, HMC dedicates itself to providing an enjoyable and instructive atmosphere in which to develop a commitment to and interest in American government and civic engagement. Our primary goal is to teach and inspire the leaders of tomorrow.

HMC presents a unique opportunity for high school students to engage with American government through role-play and simulation in order to develop a better understanding of civic involvement and government function. Through a variety of congressional committees covering a broad spectrum of pressing federal issues, and a diverse collection of Special Program committees highlighting other aspects of the US government, HMC strives to provide a stimulating learning environment that fosters individual growth and group education.

By engaging in open debates, caucuses, trials, press conferences, testimonies, and crises, students are able to better appreciate the purpose and role of the political process. A committed staff of Harvard students strives to facilitate a supportive and educational learning environment that focuses on student participation.

Unlike other conferences, HMC requires students to assume the role of real life congressmen, senators, and members of government, forcing them to expand their own perspectives and to understand the issues at hand in a new, more nuanced way. We continue to improve the simulation with all of the resources available to us as we strive to guarantee the most accurate and informative experience.

The depth of the debate that we facilitate at our conferences complements the breadth of our programs. With 38 committees and a low delegate to staff ratio, we are able to support students throughout the conference as they tackle a diverse array of complex issues. Every year, our Harvard staffers write a combined 1,000+ pages of extensively researched briefings on each issue debated at the conference.

As HMC enters its 40th year, we are confident that it continues to be the nation’s premier conference as one of the most dynamic model congress simulation available to high school students. We hope to see you at Harvard Model Congress Boston 2025!

1,500 incredible delegates

9:1 delegate-to-staffer ratio

20+ states represented

1 Life-changing conference

TESTIMONIALS

The Executive Board of Harvard Model Congress works hard every year to improve our conference to deliver the best possible experience for our delegates and faculty members. Hear what past Faculty Advisors have said about our conferences!

“Everything was excellent. This was our first year at the Conference, and we all had a great time. One of my students shared this: The chairs were thoughtful and encouraging, and I was so lucky to have had them in my committee to assist me when I needed it. I also thought that the seminars were a great addition to the conference, and appreciated the many choices that HMC offered its delegates.” — Faculty Advisor, HMC 2021

“Thank you so much. This was a new and strange experience, for me and for my students, but the care you all took to get it going and to make sure I knew what was going on resulted in an overwhelmingly positive experience. You are all awesome! Thank you.” — Faculty Advisor, HMC 2021

“Keep up with the good work! You’re people to be admired. Thank you for inspiring our students in becoming good citizens for all nations.” — Faculty Advisor, HMC 2020

“Always impressed with Harvard Model Congress. Been attending now for 16 years, [... and I] think the delegates love the experience.”  – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2019

“No matter the outcome, our delegates have always found the weekend to be one of their greatest high school experiences.” – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2019

“In every session I attended, I noticed how diligent the committee chairs attempted to engage students that were not as actively participating as others.” – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2018

“A couple students had an inspiring conversation about how before HMC they just did schoolwork to get a grade, but now they understand that learning is truly preparing them to engage in the world. They now enjoy following the news. They want to push themselves to get to the next level.” – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2017

“There is no shred of doubt in our minds that this conference served its role of being a life-changing experience. It has already helped our students build up an informed yet respectful opinion regarding every aspect of civil and political scenery.” – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2017

“The conference was extremely well organized. The students who ran it were accommodating, attentive, and addressed concerns appropriately and thoroughly throughout the conference.” – Faculty Advisor, HMC 2017