Generally, big events that descend upon the Twin Cities don't have an easy-to-find academic component. The Republican National Convention, however, is different.
Colleges and universities across the Twin Cities -- from big to small -- have sought opportunities for their students to learn from this week's events at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
In some cases, John McCain's acceptance of the Republican presidential nomination will be a jumping-off point for class discussion. The same can be true for protests, news coverage and the sheer spectacle of the event. In other cases, schools and organizations have worked to make sure students can see the action up close.
One of the biggest programs is run by the Washington Center -- a D.C. group that works to educate college students and provide opportunities -- and housed at Augsburg College in Minneapolis.
Last week, more than 120 students from across the country learned about the convention and its role in presidential politics. This week those students, many of whom attend private colleges in the Twin Cities, will work as interns for organizations ranging from news outlets to the convention host.
"Our primary job is to place them in a position where they will have access, hopefully they will be inside the perimeter ... so they can observe, learn and reflect and ask questions," said Eugene Albert, senior vice president for the Washington Center.
"There are so few opportunities for students to be involved in politics without having to know someone."
Feras Amir is one of 20 Augsburg students in the program. A Palestinian who grew up in the Middle East, Amir came to the United States seven years ago. He'll spend next week working with Al Hurra, an Arabic-language network that broadcasts in the Middle East.
