News

During every presidential election for the past 40 years, middle and high school students from Oregon and Washington have participated in the Model Presidential Nominating Convention (MPNC), recreating the process of nominating a candidate for president of the United States. This year nearly 5,000 students will model a Democratic Party convention, representing different states, issues, and candidates to choose a nominee and party platform.

Portland State University Senior Capstone students, under the guidance of political science professor Melody Rose, are working with the Beaverton School District to run this program, taking on tasks such as media exposure, candidate appearances, and student mentoring. The 2004 Model Presidential Nominating Convention will be held at the Memorial Coliseum in Portland, March 10-12, 2004. In the past, candidates such as Ronald Reagan, Robert Kennedy, and Bill Clinton have come before the convention to lend support to the students. More information can be found at www.mpnc.org.