Henry Clay Center

Henry Clay Center Alumni of the Henry Clay Center now number over 800, and serve variously as elected state and local office holders, staffers in the U.S.

Civility • Discourse • Compromise

Educating a new generation of leaders in the principles and practices of statesmanship as exemplified by the great Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay. Founded in 2007 in Lexington, Kentucky, The Henry Clay Center is a 501c3 organization dedicated to the education of tomorrow’s leaders in the skills necessary for statesmanship; dialogue, negotiation and compromise. In

addition to annual student congresses at the high school and college levels, HCC sponsors lectures and conducts advocacy for greater levels of negotiation and compromise at all levels of government. The Henry Clay Center is in partnership with Transylvania University, the University of Kentucky’s Martin School for Public Policy and Administration and the Council of State Governments. Senate and House, as well as corporate and legal professionals in the private sector.

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our former Executive Director, Tom Shelton. Tom led the Henry Clay C...
02/10/2026

It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our former Executive Director, Tom Shelton.

Tom led the Henry Clay Center from 2020–2022 and played a pivotal role during a time of transition and growth for the organization. His steady leadership, thoughtful guidance, and commitment to the Center’s mission left a lasting impact on our work and on those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Sharon, and his family during this difficult time.

51 students. One from each state + D.C.Two weeks. Two cities. A fully funded experience. 2026 College Student Congress A...
01/07/2026

51 students. One from each state + D.C.
Two weeks. Two cities. A fully funded experience.

2026 College Student Congress Applications close NEXT FRIDAY‼️

As we approach the application deadline, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible cohorts we’ve had over the past several years. Don’t miss your opportunity to apply for this nationally recognized and unique summer program!



The College Student Congress brings together college juniors from across the country to explore public policy, leadership, and civil discourse in Lexington, KY and Washington, D.C.



🗓 Applications close next Friday, Jan 16th
🎓 Open to current college juniors
💼 Fully funded

Apply now at the link in bio!

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 College Student Congress! Rising college seniors — don’t miss this fully funded, ...
10/20/2025

Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026 College Student Congress!

Rising college seniors — don’t miss this fully funded, two-week program in Lexington, KY and Washington, D.C., designed for students passionate about public policy, bipartisanship, leadership, and making a difference.

Gain hands-on experience, engage with national leaders, and build lasting connections with peers from across the country.

Apply by January 16 at the link in bio!

2025 COLLEGE STUDENT CONGRESS!One of the most driven, engaged, and passionate cohorts we’ve had the honor of working wit...
06/10/2025

2025 COLLEGE STUDENT CONGRESS!

One of the most driven, engaged, and passionate cohorts we’ve had the honor of working with. Each and every participant impressed us with their insight, leadership, and commitment to public service - from thoughtful policy work in Lexington to real-world engagement in Washington, DC, this group exceeded every expectation and reminded us exactly why this program matters. We’re proud to now call them alumni, and there’s no doubt they’ll be the changemakers and voices shaping the future of our politics and our country.

Here’s to the 2025 cohort 👏

🚨 Deadline Alert! 🚨 Only ONE WEEK left to apply for the 2025 College Student Congress! Are you ready to make your mark? ...
01/08/2025

🚨 Deadline Alert! 🚨

Only ONE WEEK left to apply for the 2025 College Student Congress! Are you ready to make your mark? Don’t miss this incredible opportunity - head to our website and submit your application TODAY!

🎉 Applications for the 2025 College Student Congress are NOW OPEN! 🎉 Calling all rising college seniors: Don’t miss your...
11/04/2024

🎉 Applications for the 2025 College Student Congress are NOW OPEN! 🎉

Calling all rising college seniors: Don’t miss your chance to participate in this life-changing, two-week public policy experience in Lexington, KY, and Washington, DC.

Gain hands-on insights into public policy, connect with peers and professionals from across the nation, and be a part of something truly extraordinary! Visit our website (link in bio) for details and apply today! Applications are due by January 15th.

🎉 And that’s a wrap for the 2024 College Student Congress! 🎉A huge thank you to all of HCC’s sponsors, partners, and sup...
05/23/2024

🎉 And that’s a wrap for the 2024 College Student Congress! 🎉

A huge thank you to all of HCC’s sponsors, partners, and supporters. This cohort was absolutely incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments in Lexington and DC!

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from this unforgettable experience.

Applications for the 2024 College Student Congress are due TOMORROW! Link in bio to apply now! •
01/04/2024

Applications for the 2024 College Student Congress are due TOMORROW! Link in bio to apply now!



Applications for the 2024 College Student Congress are NOW OPEN! ••Visit our website (link in bio) to learn more and APP...
10/30/2023

Applications for the 2024 College Student Congress are NOW OPEN!


Visit our website (link in bio) to learn more and APPLY TODAY!


Application’s are due by January 5th!

The 2023 High School Student Congress!  Thank you to our incredible student attendees for the best week! To our sponsors...
06/21/2023

The 2023 High School Student Congress!

Thank you to our incredible student attendees for the best week! To our sponsors, supporters, and partners - thank you for helping make this year’s program another one for the books. We can’t wait to see the spectacular things this group does next!

The 2023 College Student Congress!Thank you to the Center’s sponsors, partners, and supporters for helping make this yea...
05/26/2023

The 2023 College Student Congress!

Thank you to the Center’s sponsors, partners, and supporters for helping make this year’s program possible. And most importantly, thank you to our AMAZING student attendees. The 2023 cohort will be a hard one to beat 👏🏻

51 of the nation’s brightest future leaders, we are proud and honored to have you as part of the Henry Clay Center’s family.

Address

Lexington, KY
40502

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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