Mission & Vision
Established in 1996 to foster an understanding of government and public policies in young adults, the George Nethercutt Foundation helps all Americans, particularly students become more engaged with our government, and our history.
By fostering a fundamental appreciation for individual civic responsibility, the Foundation helps create a new generation of principled leadership in America.
The Foundation offers students unprecedented opportunities for civic learning and active citizenship by providing engagement opportunities with elected officials, issue advocates, government leaders, and members of the national press.
Through this exposure to the world of politics, government, business, law and justice, students have the opportunity to become productive and principled leaders for the future through an enjoyable combination of learning, experience, and service.
The Foundation conducts an annual Citizenship Tournament, in which students compete for valuable prizes and scholarships,and civics related travel. In the past, the Foundation has also offered valuable Fellowships to deserving college students.
Meet George Nethercutt
GEORGE R. NETHERCUTT, JR. is a former U.S. Congressman who represented the 5th Congressional District of Washington from 1995-2005. Nethercutt practiced law in Spokane, WA for 18 years before entering public service. While in Congress, he served on the prestigious House Appropriations Committee and the House Science Committee.
In 1996, George Nethercutt formed the nonprofit, independent George Nethercutt Foundation (initially the STAR Program—Students Taking Action and Responsibility), providing students with dedicated academic instruction about American history and leadership, including an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, DC to meet public officials, lobbyists and members of the national press, followed by students dedicating 60 hours of volunteer time at home. In 2012 Mr. Nethercutt led a Study Group at Harvard University covering the topic, “Why Study America.” He serves on various corporate boards around the world, including several nonprofits, is the author of the book, In Tune with America: Our History in Song, has written articles on current events for various publications, and produces the television series, “US History by the Minute,” containing 60-second televised history lessons designed to help educate the public about American heritage.
