Institute for Democratic Empowerment and Pluralism

Department of Political Science

2024 Virginia Government Simulation

The inaugural Virginia Government Simulation was led by VCU's Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment from Oct. 3-5.

Virginia State Capitol building

The 45 student participants represented VCU, Bridgewater College, George Mason University, Hampton University, Radford University, Reynolds Community College, the University of Richmond, Virginia Peninsula Community College and Virginia Tech.

 

 Meet our Elected Governors View the Official 2024 Bill Book

2024 Award Recipients

  • Rising Star Award: Riley Johnson, Radford University
  • Leadership Award: Julian Namez, Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Impact Award: Jess Montgomery, Virginia Peninsula Community College
  • Jay Pearson Award: Jory Cardoza, Bridgewater College
  • Future Delegate Award: Aaron Ress, University of Richmond
  • Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) Award: Tony Lucy, Bridgewater College

Student Coverage

A group of students sitting in the chamber of the Virginia State Capitol

The Divide on the Republican Party

Oct. 16, 2024

VGS simulation participants initially exhibited a welcoming atmosphere, but underlying divisions emerged during leader nominations, particularly between rural and urban representatives.

Democratic Delegates Riley Johnson and Jarret Lilly requested to speak (sitting and raising their right hands), as the rest of the Democratic Delegates sat in contemplation (screens/journals with information on HB 318).

Frustrations and Tensions Arise Within the Virginia Government Simulation

Oct. 4, 2024

Upon hearing Housing Bill 318, the first signs of tension began to rise within the two Delegate Parties.

Bridgewater College Delegates (left to right) Ethan Thee, Dylan Shifflet, and Collin Nicholson. Delegate Nicholson is standing, speaking into his microphone.

Feed the People: The Bridgewater College Delegation and Senate Bill 110

Oct. 4, 2024

Bridgewater delegates passionately fought for Senate Bill 110: Food Tax, which proposed the elimination of local sales and use tax on food and essential personal hygiene products in Virginia.

A group of students sitting in the chamber of the Virginia State Capitol

A student speaks from the podium in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A student sitting in a chair in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

Four VGS program affiliates stand inside the Virginia Capitol

A student speaks into a microphone inside the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A group of students sit in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A group of students gathered together in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

Students sit in the Virginia State Capitol chambers

A student speaks into a microphone and points

2025 Spring Regional Conference

cherry blossom trees at the entrance of Grace E. Harris HallJoin us for a day of immersive learning, meaningful collaboration and leadership development.

We are pleased to announce the Regional Virginia Government Simulation is taking place on March 22, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event is designed to build on the experiences from last year, providing even more opportunities for engagement, learning and leadership development

Secure your spot today by clicking the button below. Registration closes on March 10, 2025, so don’t miss out!

Register now

Choose Your Region

  • Eastern Virginia: Virginia Peninsula Community College, Hampton, VA
  • Central Virginia: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA
  • Western Virginia: Radford University, Radford, VA
  • Virtual meeting: Hosted online by Bridgewater College

Why Attend?

  • Deepen your legislative skills: Expand your knowledge in bill writing and the reconciliation of legislation with more advanced sessions.
  • Collaborate with peers: Engage in in-person morning sessions to draft two critical pieces of legislation:
    • Code of Conduct
    • Election Rules and Procedures

These two pieces of legislation will serve as the foundation for the 2025 Fall VGS Simulation bill book, ensuring that your work directly influences next year's program.

  • Enhance your impact: Join the afternoon virtual meeting where all regions collaborate to reconcile and finalize the legislation developed in the morning.
  • Convenient locations: With four regional options, attend a session within two hours of your home, making it easier to continue your involvement in VGS.