AACS Today

Mock Senate and Monumental Moments: YLDC 2026

Matt and AACS Government Relations Specialist, Olivia Summers, provide a comprehensive recap of the 32nd annual Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC) in Washington, D.C.. This year’s event brought together 40 students from 18 states to explore public policy through the lens of a Christian worldview, casting a vital vision for politics as a ministry. The hosts explore the highlights of a busy week, including the intensive Mock Senate simulation and a historic briefing held on the White House grounds. Listeners will hear how students engaged directly with the legislative process by meeting with congressional offices to advocate for the education freedom tax credit. The discussion also features insights from guest speakers like Dr. Matthew Spalding and Tim Goeglein, alongside a panel of YLDC alumni currently serving as congressional staffers. From tours of the U.S. Capitol during the America 250 celebrations to a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, discover how this program equips the next generation of engaged citizens. Tune in to learn more about the application process for the 2027 conference.

From Students to Mentors: A Full-Circle Look at the AACS Internship

In this episode, Matt and Jamison sit down with departing summer interns Jonathan Dys and Seth Walker to reflect on their eight-week experience in Washington, D.C.. The conversation explores the interns' professional growth as they transitioned to the rigors of a full-time office schedule and navigated the complex "politics within the politics" on Capitol Hill. The guests highlight their favorite moments, specifically their leadership roles during the Youth Leadership Development Conference (YLDC), where they mentored students and managed behind-the-scenes logistics. Seth shares how the internship provided clarity on his vocational path, leading him to prioritize ministry while maintaining a deep interest in the political process. Jonathan discusses how the high-energy demands of the summer "stretched" him, reinforcing his studies in history and the nature of human dynamics in government. The episode emphasizes the core philosophy that a career in public policy serves as a form of ministry and service to God. Finally, the hosts provide details on the application timeline for the 2027 summer internship program to continue this leadership pipeline.

Something Old, Something New, Something Red, White and Blue with Dr. Matthew Mehan

Jamison welcomes Dr. Matthew Mehan back to the podcast to discusses his landmark work, The American Book of Fables, an illustrated heirloom collection released to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary,. Dr. Mehan explores his mission to "restore the American imagination" by restocking the cultural pantry with moral images that foster virtue and wisdom in a free people. Organized into thirteen chapters representing distinct American regions—from the Everglades to the Great Lakes—the book weaves together nursery rhymes, fables, and primary sources that explain and elaborate on the core principles of the Declaration of Independence. The conversation highlights how these stories, featuring American wildlife such as bison and beavers instead of traditional Aesopic lions, serve as "moral puzzles" designed to shape the hearts and minds of "littles, middles, and bigs." Dr. Mehan emphasizes that civic rebuilding is a multi-generational endeavor rooted in patriotism, gratitude, and the cultivation of "gentle manliness and womanliness." Listeners will gain insight into the intensive research and artistic collaboration required to produce the book's stunning oil paintings and watercolors,. Ultimately, this episode showcases how fables offer a profound avenue for training witty, wise citizens prepared for a life of service.

Navigating the Education Freedom Tax Credit: A Preview of Treasury Regulations

In this episode, AACS Government Relations Director Jamison Coppola is joined by Randy Melchert, Executive Director of Accord Kids, to discuss the historic Education Freedom Tax Credit. Passed as part of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, this provision allows taxpayers to redirect $1,700 of their tax liability toward student scholarships, a program estimated to qualify 85–90% of all children in the United States. The conversation provides a detailed analysis of a recent "two-page preview" from the Department of Treasury regarding forthcoming regulations. The experts clarify critical updates, including Treasury's decision to define a school's location based on charitable solicitation registration rather than physical storefronts, and their intent to use commercial data for instant income verification. Additionally, the episode addresses outstanding concerns such as the "marriage penalty" and cross-border eligibility for students. Whether you are a school leader or a parent, this discussion offers the essential tools and insights needed to prepare for this transformational shift in education funding. For more information and to check eligibility in your area, visit accordkids.org [https://accordkids.org/].

Meet the 2026 Summer Interns: Seth and Johnathan

In this episode of AACS Today, Matt introduces the association's newest summer interns, Seth Walker and Johnathan Dys. Selected through a highly competitive process, these students from California Baptist University and Hillsdale College join the Washington office to gain firsthand experience at the intersection of faith and public policy. The discussion highlights the interns' first days on the ground, which included attending meetings in House and Senate buildings and connecting with conservative policy groups. Seth and Jonathan reflect on their personal journeys and their shared desire to explore the "ministry of politics"—a core AACS philosophy that views political engagement as a legitimate calling and service to God. From navigating the intricacies of federal advocacy to managing the logistical demands of the Youth Legislative Development Conference (YLDC), the interns share their goals for professional and spiritual growth. This episode provides an encouraging look at how the AACS is equipping a new generation of leaders to be a faithful "remnant" in the nation’s capital.