Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis, today, announced the creation of the new Ohio University Capital Internship Program, to be based in Washington, DC, starting in Spring 2019.
This program seeks to provide a core group of students who have an interest in government and public policy with the opportunity to participate first-hand in public service by observing and contributing to the legislative process.
“The Ohio University Capital Internship Program will provide an experiential learning opportunity for who have an interest in the workings of our government. We hope to offer them the opportunity to better understand the challenges and rewards of public service while helping them develop strong leadership skills,” said President Nellis. “This new program will serve as a nexus for students to learn about the inner workings of government and public policy in our nation's capital.”
The pilot program this spring will provide a small cohort of students with an opportunity to work full-time in Washington, DC, in a placement such as the office of a Member of Congress or a Congressional Committee. Interns may take on a range of roles depending on the particular needs of the placement host. DC Interns will live in a common location, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and co-curricular opportunities.
Prior to going to Washington, selected students will prepare for the internship experience by participating in professional development through the Career and Leadership Development Center, as well as through curricular work to familiarize them with relevant policy issues. During their semester in Washington, OHIO-DC Interns will take a minimum of three credit hours, which may combine Political Science, Leadership in Public Affairs, and/or home-department internship course credits. Students may also choose to take online courses to fulfill a reasonable coursework load that supplements the internship experience and their major requirements.
According to Nellis, this program will also offer students with other enrichment opportunities, organized specifically for them.
“We will offer these students the opportunity to attend events with distinguished alumni, participate in sessions with OHIO faculty and staff visiting DC, and of course opportunities to tour significant area institutions, such as the National Press Club, where our Federal Government Alumni Luncheon was hosted earlier today.”
Housing for each participating Intern will be covered by Ohio University Capital Internship Program with the remaining cost of attendance consistent with a regular academic semester.
Eligibility Requirements to participate in the Ohio University Capital Internship Program include:
- Junior or Senior status in any major, on any OHIO campus (Exceptional sophomores may also be nominated)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- In good judicial standing
Interested students will be asked to provide a written application, including personal goals and a coursework plan for the internship semester to apply. Finalists will be invited to interview with a University selection committee.
President Nellis shared, “It is our hope that students will be able to leverage this internship experience to pursue this aspirations in politics or public policy.”