Alvin Bentley, former 8th District Representative to the U.S. Congress, believed that good government begins with educated people dedicated to serving others. The Alvin M. Bentley Foundation continues to provide funding to all participants in honor of these ideals.

High school sophomores and juniors from across Michigan have gathered annually since 1967 for this opportunity. Participants consistently identify a variety of components as a favorite - assuming the role of a city member and advocating for that person's position on issues, debating and advocating for a personal position in the senate,