Students attending a briefing at Capitol Hill.

Public Policy + Economics

Summer 2024: June 1 – July 26

Academic Internship Program Sponsored by The Fund for American Studies
Why Public Policy + Economics?

Washington, D.C. is the place to be if you are looking for a career in the exciting fields of politics, government, law, economics, public policy or the nonprofit sector.

This TFAS program track is ideal for students who are passionate about politics and seeking to make an impact on their community through public policy or the nonprofit sector. You will gain the professional experience needed to break into a variety of competitive fields.

What Makes this Program Track Unique?
  • An internship placement in the field of public policy or economics (federal agency, policy group, think tank, Congressional office, NGO)
  • Coursework in economics and government designed to complement your real-world experience
  • Guest lectures featuring prominent policy and economics experts
  • Networking through career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working for Congressional Offices, Department of Housing and Urban Development, American Enterprise Institute, campaign polling firms, Economic Innovation Group, Department of Homeland Security, law firms, political action committees, U.S. Chamber of Commerce and many more.

It’s much more than just coursework and an internship placement. The contacts you’ll make throughout the summer will be invaluable in finding that first job out of college.


The Comprehensive Package Includes
  • Roommate matching with other program students based upon compatibility criteria.
  • Easy access to the safe and affordable Metro train and bus system.
  • Full access to campus resources, including libraries, computer labs and much more.
  • Comprehensive orientation to the program, campus and the city upon your arrival.
  • Dedicated program staff members who are available to communicate with you about your internship placement, financial aid and general questions in the months leading up to the program.
  • Continued staff support while you are in Washington to ensure that you have an amazing experience. In addition to the full time, year-round program staff who will get to know you and help you throughout the summer, there will be alumni living in housing and serving as Program Advisors.
  • Site briefings at institutions such as the Department of State, Capitol Hill, Federal Reserve and the White House.
  • Professional development seminars on topics including job searching, public speaking and networking.
  • A mentor program where you are matched with a DC professional working in politics, government, policy research, or the non-governmental sector.
  • Planned social events where you can connect with almost 350 other student leaders participating in TFAS programs. These events may include: a trip to a Nationals baseball game, a student BBQ, volunteer projects, canoeing on the Potomac and a trip to Mt. Vernon.
  • An active network of more than 18,000 alumni worldwide to join upon the completion of the program.

“I will never forgot the wonderful experiences I had through my internship, classes and networking opportunities provided by TFAS. They have shaped me and taught me far more than I ever could have expected, and I am now better prepared for grad school, professional life, and life as an American citizen.”

Grace Driggers, Clemson University
Intern. U.S. Senator Tim Scott

Sample Schedule

Students should plan to arrive on Saturday, June 1 and will be allowed to check into their on-campus apartments at between 10:00am – 2:00pm. Orientation activities will be planned for that evening and during the next few days. Students will be required to move out of the apartments on Friday, July 26 by 11:00am. Further details on arrival logistics, registration and orientation will be provided as the summer approaches.

This schedule is only meant to give an idea of the summer’s general structure. It is subject to change according to events and briefings. You will receive updated weekly calendars in class and by e-mail throughout the summer.

Mon
9:00AM – 5:00PMInternships
6:00PM – 7:30PMElective Courses: (optional)
Tues
9:00AM – 4:00PMInternships
5:00PM – 6:30PMEconomics Course
7:15PM – 8:30PMGuest Lectures
Wed
9:00AM – 5:00PMInternships
Self-paced Content – All Courses
Thurs
9:00AM – 5:00PMInternships
6:00PM – 7:30PMElective Courses (optional)
Fri
9:00AM – 10:30AMEconomics Courses
12:00PM – 5:00PMNetworking + Site Briefings