Mount Vernon, Virginia – Senator Scott Surovell (D-36) announced that the sixth annual Puller Institute is now accepting 2021 applicants.
Surovell created the Puller Institute to honor his predecessor, State Senator Elizabeth “Toddy” Puller who served in the Virginia General Assembly for 24 years. Senator Puller was an avid advocate for the citizens of Virginia and this program is dedicated to her years of hard work for the 36th District.
Over a decade ago, Mt. Vernon Delegate Kris Amundson created her Young Leader Program. Her program was designed to introduce top high school students in the Mt. Vernon area to the Virginia State Government process. After Delegate Amundson’s retirement, Surovell continued the program and renamed it the Amundson Institute in honor of Delegate Amundson’s commitment to Mt. Vernon’s young leaders. The Puller Institute is modeled on the same program.
“Since the creation of this program, I have met multiple young leaders from the Northern Virginia region with different backgrounds, passions, and interests. They have been an excellent source of inspiration for some of my past legislation and always offer a unique insight into issues within their community along with possible solutions. This is a rare opportunity and I am pleased that I am able to continue it another year,” Surovell said.
Due to COVID-19, the Puller Institute will be held remotely. Students will still meet with policymakers, cabinet officials, journalists, and policy advocates via Zoom. After the program, the selected students will give a presentation on a state policy proposal for Surovell in the spring. These projects are based on an issue that the students are both passionate about and pertain to the 36th District.
In the past, students have met with Governor Ralph Northam, Secretary of Education Atif Qarni, NPR Reporter Michael Pope, Former Delegate Kris Amundson, and Former Delegate Chris Saxman.
For more information on The Puller Institute and to apply for the 2021 session, please complete the application here:
Puller Institute Application
The deadline for all applicants is Tuesday, December 15th at 5:00 PM EST. The remote program will take place on Tuesday, January 19th from 8:00 AM-6:00 PM.
More information: Philip Scranage, Chief of Staff
571.249.4484