Each semester, we bring together more than 60 young leaders from across the country to participate in our internship program in D.C. They are given the opportunity of practical experience working on policy research, marketing, and business, and training in communication skills like blogging and public speaking. They learn about America’s founding principles while visiting important sites including the Pentagon, National Archives, and Mount Vernon. Combining an engaging curriculum with each intern’s individual talents and passion, the Young Leaders Program prepares students for success.

This summer, we challenged the interns to use their creativity to bring conservative principles to life. Heritage President Ed Feulner selected the winning projects. Katie Beck and Tim Duffy are the winners of an honorable mention. Stay tuned for the third, second, and first place winners this week.

Our video focuses on restoring the American dream and creating a prosperous future for our generation and generations to come. We used Representative Paul Ryan (R-WI) as an example of someone who is leading the way in government for conservative principles and a “Path to Prosperity.” The video is also aimed at our generation to spark more youth voter involvement in politics and elections. We stress the bleak state of our nation if we fail to take action, while showing the alternative to a dark future through the implementation of conservative ideals. Achieving the true American dream and turning our society back into a thriving, leading nation through our generation’s involvement are the main themes of the video.

[Editor’s note: This video was filmed prior to Mitt Romney’s selection of Representative Ryan as his running mate.]

Katie Beck is a graduate of the University of Arkansas and holds bachelor’s degrees in Broadcast Journalism and History. She is currently a second-year law student at the William H. Bowen School of Law. Tim Duffy is set to graduate in December 2013 from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in Political Science with a Legal Studies Emphasis.