Megan Dougherty | Writer
February 20, 2026
Founded in 1986, Harvard Model Congress (HMC) is a non-profit organization that hosts thousands of high school students each year to simulate the U.S. government environment.
This weekend marks the HMC’s 41st annual session in Boston.
Around 85 high schools around the country are expected to attend this year, including San Clemente High School. SCHS Senior Mikaela Benumof is returning to Boston this weekend for the second time. Benumof shared that she “had so much fun and learned so much last year” that she “couldn’t say no to coming back.”
Harvard Model Congress does not only take place in Boston, however. The organization hosts several conferences around the globe, in areas such as Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Other prestigious universities such as Yale, Princeton, and UPenn offer Model Congress organizations, but HMC is considered the largest and most popular.
The program is entirely run and staffed by undergraduate university students, giving attendees a glimpse into the lifestyle and work ethic of the Ivy Leagues.
HMC Delegates are assigned committees in which they will specialize and play a specific governmental role. HMC offers committees from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, as well as several special programs, to include the Presidential Cabinet, the Supreme Court, and the United Nations. Senior at SCHS Ava Echternach is excited to be a Supreme Court Justice this weekend and stated that she is “looking forward to putting [her] two cents into whatever problems may arise at the conference.”
The simulation spans for 3-4 days. Students are tasked with researching and debating various national issues, writing and presenting legislation, voting on bills, and much more. Delegates work together to form solutions and “run the country” as smoothly as possible.
However, this incredible experience does come at a heavy price, especially for those who must fly across the country to attend. That said, it is an excellent learning experience for those fortunate enough to attend.
HMC looks incredible on college resumes and serves as a great help in the admissions process. HMC also gives students the opportunity to meet new people, develop problem-solving and public speaking skills, explore Boston, dress in their fanciest business attire, immerse themselves in all things government, and, above all, enjoy an experience of a lifetime.
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