The Institute for Democracy, Pluralism, and Community Empowerment at Virginia Commonwealth University proudly presents the inaugural Virginia Government Simulation.
Established in 2024, the VGS provides undergraduate students from across the commonwealth the opportunity to live the life of a lawmaker during a three-day simulation each fall.
Students play the role of an actual sitting Virginia legislator, are expected to research their partisanship and positions, elect party leadership, propose laws, review and amend offered bills, debate, engage in floor action, and send passed legislation on to an internally-elected Governor.
The VGS provides a unique opportunity to meet students from across the state, as well as from different backgrounds and majors. Learning about the role that government plays in our everyday lives is essential to understanding governmental structures and provides knowledge on how to engage with government at the local and state levels. The simulation experience for many students is a transformative one, where they developed skills of communication, compromise, argument based on evidence, logical fallacies and how to discuss the problems that state and local governments face.
Who Can Participate?
Students from any university, college, or community college in Virginia are eligible to participate in VGS. For more information, please contact Dr. Amanda Wintersieck, Director of IDPCE, at wintersieal@vcu.edu.
What is VGS?
Modeled after the successful Model Illinois Government and the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, the VGS offers undergraduates a unique opportunity to experience the legislative process firsthand. Participants will take on the roles of Virginia legislators, engaging in activities such as researching positions, electing party leadership, proposing legislation, debating bills, and more. This immersive three-day event aims to foster skills in communication, negotiation, and critical thinking, essential for future civic engagement.
Why Participate?
VGS provides a platform for students to network with peers statewide, gain insights into governmental operations, and explore potential careers in public service. Don't miss this chance to make a difference and prepare for a future in leadership!
Elected Governors
Governor
Bridgewater College
Collin Nicholson
Bridgewater College, Class of 2026, political science with a minor in pre-law
Hometown: Strasburg, Virginia
My name is Collin Nicholson, and I am proud to serve as the first Governor of the Virginia Government Simulation in 2025. I recently served as a delegate in the inaugural simulation and am ready to pursue the needs of all delegates. Furthermore, I ensure that I will advocate for every delegate to be heard and promote bipartisanship within the legislature.
Outside of politics, I play football and Esports at Bridgewater and am an active member of the tutoring team, where I share my knowledge of history and politics with my fellow students. I am also a member of the Honors program and was a part of the Moot Court competitive team. During the Summer of 2025, I plan to intern at a law firm in Winchester, Virginia.
After graduating from Bridgewater, I plan to attend law school to pursue my goal of becoming an attorney, focusing on business law. Using my knowledge and experience from the simulation, I want to run for office and build a sustainable future for the next generation.
Lieutenant Governor
University of Richmond
Aaron Ress
University of Richmond, Class of 2028, Political science with a minor in Russian studies, sustainability, and history
Hometown: Kailua Kona, Hawaii
Growing up, many programs similar to the Virginia Government Simulator (VGS) were out of reach due to high upfront costs. Thankfully, one of VGS’s primary missions is to remain affordable for all Virginia students. To foster a nation rooted in liberty and the successful pursuit of happiness, we need a civically educated and engaged population—a need that remains pressing today. Programs like VGS play a crucial role in empowering and educating the next generation of citizens.