
Capital Scholars Program
- Experience Washington DC as an intern this summer and earn 6 upper division credits!
- Intern at an organization of interest to you (options include, but are not limited to, the White House, Congress, courts, government agencies, lobbying and consulting firms, advocacy groups, media outlets, museums, think tanks, and non-profit organizations).
- Gain valuable skills and hands-on work experience.
- Visit government agencies, attend cultural events, and network with professionals from a number of fields.
Course
POS 484: Internship-6 credits
Program dates
May 27, 2023 – July 29, 2023
Program fee and scholarships
The program fee includes ASU tuition and fees, housing, some group meals, business cards, and program excursions. Airfare, transportation, and daily meals are not included. Scholarships may be available for students with unmet financial need.
Summer 2023 program fee: $9,875
Eligibility
Students from any major with 2.5 ASU GPA, a 3.0 major GPA and 45 hours of completed coursework may apply. Transfer students should contact Kayla Stamey at Kayla.Stamey@asu.edu for exceptions.
Application
Visit the Study Abroad Office website. Select the Program Search tab and enter “Capital Scholars” under the Program Name box to bring up the Capital Scholars brochure. If the application is available, you will have the option to select Apply Now. If it isn’t, select save the program by filling out the interest form. You will then be alerted once the application is open. In addition to the application, you will need to upload an unofficial transcript, two academic or professional letters of recommendation, clear scans of your student ID and government issued ID. Once applications are reviewed, students will interview with a selection committee.
Accommodations
Students live at Washington Intern Student Housing at Woodley Park with a community of fellow Sun Devils in centrally located, furnished, suite style apartments.
FAQs
What is the purpose of this program?
The primary goal of this program is to help students develop leadership skills that will enable them to be successful in their career, active in the community, and involved in policymaking. By supplying the Washington DC community with a reliable and consistent source of bright, hard-working interns, ASU and the state of Arizona benefit, too.
What will I be doing on the program?
You will live in Washington DC for two months in the summer and intern full-time at an organization of interest to you (options include, but are not limited to, the White House, Supreme Court, Congress, government agencies and departments, lobbying and consulting firms, media outlets, museums, think tanks, and non-profit organizations). You will also visit government agencies and historical sites, attend cultural events, and network with professionals from a number of different fields.
Am I eligible to participate in the program?
Students from any major are eligible and must have a current 2.5 ASU GPA, 3.0 major GPA, and 45 hours of completed coursework by the end of Fall semester to apply. Transfer students should contact Kayla Stamey at Kayla.Stamey@asu.edu for exceptions.
How do I apply?
Visit the Study Abroad Office website at https://studyabroad.asu.edu/. Select the Program Search tab and enter “Capital Scholars” under the Program Name box to bring up the Capital Scholars brochure. If the application is available, you will have the option to select Apply Now. If it isn’t, select Save to Favorites. You will then be alerted once the application is open. In addition to the application, you will need to upload an unofficial transcript and clear scans of your student ID and government issued ID. You will also need to supply two academic or professional letters of recommendation. These can be sent to Kayla Stamey at Kayla.Stamey@asu.edu. Once applications are reviewed, students will interview with a selection committee.
Am I responsible for finding my own internship?
Yes, in order for you to have an experience in Washington DC that best fits your unique interests, background, and skills, we require that you secure your own internship. We have a number of resources and connections to organizations in DC which we will provide to help you through the process and ensure you find an internship that is a good fit. If you are interested in interning at the White House, State Department, or any other high security agency, please contact Dr. Gina Woodall at gina.woodall@asu.edu about beginning the application process. These agencies have early deadlines!
Are internships paid or unpaid?
Generally speaking, Washington D.C. based internships are not paid. However, on occasion, students may receive a paid internship within the program.
What is the program fee? What does this include?
Please see the program fees section of this webpage or the application page for the most up to date program fee. The fee includes tuition, housing, and program related excursions. In addition to the non-refundable $50 application fee which will be applied toward the final program fee balance and a $200 refundable housing deposit.
What additional costs am I responsible for?
You are responsible for paying for your airfare, transportation costs, daily meals, personal expenses, health insurance, and non-program related optional excursions. Once confirmed for the program, a $200 refundable housing deposit is due. Please note that day-to-day living expenses are somewhat higher in Washington DC than in Tempe.
Are there scholarships available? Can my financial aid be applied toward these costs?
Scholarship funding may be available for students with financial need. Students must be admitted to the program and have a complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file in order to be considered for these scholarships. Financial aid and many ASU and private donor scholarships may also be applied toward program costs. Visit our scholarship webpage for more information.
Where will I be living?
You will live in Washington Intern Student Housing at Woodley Park (wishwoodleypark.com). The apartments house six students each and have three bedrooms and two bathrooms. All apartments are furnished and include utilities, AC, wireless internet, cable TV, cookware and dishware. WISH amenities also include daily maintenance, on-site staff, a computer lab, and access to social events. The apartments are centrally located, two blocks from the National Zoo and two blocks from the Metro. They are one Metro stop from Dupont Circle, three stops from downtown Washington DC and the White House, and six stops from Capitol Hill.
Can I earn honors credit for this program?
Yes, you can earn honors credit for this program. Please contact Dr. Gina Woodall at gina.woodall@asu.edu if you are interested.
Where can I get more information?
View our resources section on the Capital Scholars Program webpage. If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Gina Woodall at gina.woodall@asu.edu.