Five Calumet College of St. Joseph students will be able to experience the Democratic National Convention live and in person.

Freshman Kenyatta Freeman, junior Christopher Santana, senior Zeb Hall and recent graduates Emily Genova and Abe Olivares have been chosen to participate as part of the Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars, a nonprofit educational organization that gives students the opportunity to experience the mechanics of the political system.

Students attend a week-long orientation prior to the actual convention, which will be held Aug. 25 to 28 in Denver.

During the orientation they can mingle with well-known political figures and journalists and participate in panel discussions, press conferences and briefings. Attendees also can attend lectures by campaign officials, corporate and media representatives, policy experts and former public and party organizers.

Several hours of fieldwork also will be completed within a chosen area of interest. This will allow students to participate first hand in the rigors of the political system.

- For The Times