By Megan McCrum, Program Director

As Washingtonians finally emerged today from the snow-cocoon we've been wrapped in since last week, considering summer plans might not seem to be the first item on the to-do list. However applications for the summer 2010 National Right to Life Academy waiting on my desk serve as a reminder us that June 23 is not as distant at feels when looking out at all this sparkling whiteness!

The six weeks college students spend at the National Right to Life Academy forge a lifetime connection to the nationwide Pro-Life Movement. The graduates of the past three sessions of this program are working for the Movement now, some for state right to life organizations and others as college students across the country. Many are planning how they can put their professional skills to work for the greatest social justice cause of our time.

Several weeks ago on the day of the annual March for Life, a number of Academy graduates stopped by the NRLC office to say hello and to touch base. Two students from the class of 2009 now work together at the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation, another is hoping to begin lobbying for the voiceless once she graduates college. Another Academy alumnus just joyfully shared the news with us that she has been accepted to the Blackstone Legal Fellowship, sponsored by the Alliance Defense Fund.

The network of Academy alumni is a fresh source of vitality for a Movement whose greatest strength may be its faithful endurance and ability to replenish itself with an infusion of talented young people.

We are still accepting applications for the 2010 summer program. Applications can be found online at http://www.nrlc.org/Academy/Academy.html The program is held June 23-August 6 and the cost of tuition, room and board is $3200.

Please don't let the cost alone turn you away--scholarships are available. Contact us at nrlcacademy@gmail.com for more information.

But, please, don't delay.