Operation Bentley is a week-long, intensive academic program which provides an opportunity to bring what you have learned about government to life. You will discover what it takes to run a city government, the difficult decisions that must be made, and the compromises that need to occur to effectively protect the citizens. As a state legislator, you write legislation that is important to you, garner support from your party's caucus, defend the bill in committee, and ultimately work to get your bill passed into legislation.

The purpose of this intensive week of city and state government simulation is to increase your understanding of the importance of active citizens and public service.

Who should participate?

Operation Bentley includes participants from rural, urban, and small city areas in Michigan with differing views on effective forms of government, personal and political beliefs, and prior experiences. This depth of backgrounds create a diversity and richness in the learning experience. The Alvin M. Bentley Foundation scholarship further enhances the breadth of the program by allowing all students who desire to apply.

Students compete to attend Operation Bentley based on grade point average, school coursework, activities, recommendation, and written essay. The number of students from each school may be limited to ensure representation from schools throughout the state.

The Operation Bentley program is very intensive. Participants have very little time, if any, to study for classes from school. The quality of participation is graded- in the simulations, during study sessions to preparing for simulations and the exam, and overall character. Participants are expected to demonstrate leadership by moving beyond their comfort zone and working with others in ways they might not have ever experienced.Your final grade, sent to your school, is based on this participation and a final examination.

Here's what past students have said about Operation Bentley...

• I wasn't sure about coming... I thought there would be a bunch of nerds here. Boy was I wrong!
• Operation Bentley gave me a chance to actually go through the motions of local and state government. It's one thing to read about it, far different to experience it.
• By taking on the role of a person not necessarily like myself (in the local simulation), I learned a lot about how other people view issues.
• I had the chance to strengthen my beliefs and developed the ability to argue them through debate!
• I loved that everyone was able to represent their own stance on issues (in the state simulation), defend them, and work together as a party to achieve the common goals.
• The best thing of being at Operation Bentley was being in an environment of similarly interested people all making excellent points and sharing their views.
• I am one of the top students at my school but I was ignorant of local government. I loved having the chance to participate in the simulation and learn so much.

Only through the generosity of the Alvin M. Bentley Foundation are we able to bring students from across Michigan together to experience government first hand - at no cost to you.

Don't miss this chance!