2024 Virginia Government Simulation

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

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

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.

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.

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