sentences:  The course also allows students to converse with policymakers, including senators, former congressmen, and White House press secretaries.The course operates from the view that policy is not only shaped by governmental organizations, but also by leaders in the private sector and NGOs and aims to bring together lawmakers and corporate leaders, seeking to bridge the divide and increase transparency.The Batten School has its own thriving student life with a close connection to the University of Virginia's as well.