• Washington D.C. Summer Study Program
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  • Registration
  • Internship Listings in Washington, D.C.
• Alum Profiles
• Mission and Learning Goals
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• McCarthy Center
• Frequently Asked Questions
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Washington D.C. Summer Study Program

The Washington Summer Study Program is designed to provide students with an opportunity to live and work in the Washington, D.C., area while earning academic credit. Each student will serve in a Congressional office, on a committee staff, in a government agency, in a nonprofit organization, or with a public affairs group. In addition to the work experience, the faculty moderator will conduct seminars and arrange supplemental meetings with alumni(ae) and other professionals to enhance the learning experience.

This program is available to students from any major. Many students choose to work with a Senate or House office or with lobbyists and government relations firms. Economics majors can intern with the World Bank, IMF, or numerous other financial institutions. Peace Studies majors on the program have worked for human rights organizations and non-governmental organizations working in international development. Environmental Studies majors can work for the EPA or environmental policy organizations. Others might consider journalism internships, or internships within the federal bureaucracy. Natural Science majors can work for a health policy group and fine arts and humanities majors might think of interning with organizations such as the National Endowment for the Arts. There are literally thousands of internships in Washington DC. They are competitive but we assist you through the application process.

Student Information

Registration Information

2011 D.C. Program Participants:

Twelve students from the College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph, and Saint John's University, Collegeville, participated in summer internship experiences through the Washington Summer Study Program from the end of May to the beginning of August.

The program, operated by the political science department at CSB and SJU in conjunction with The Eugene J. McCarthy Center for Public Policy and Civic Engagement, is designed to provide students with an opportunity to live and work in the Washington, D.C., area while earning academic credit.  Each student serves in a congressional office, on a committee staff, in a government agency, in a nonprofit organization or with a public affairs group, learning and working in a community.  They apply for their internships based on their interests.

In addition to the work experience, program co-directors Matt Lindstrom, professor of political science at CSB and SJU, and Christi Siver, assistant professor of political science at CSB and SJU, conduct seminars and arrange supplemental meetings with alumnae/i and other professionals to enhance the learning experience.

Students who served internships from the College of St. Benedict during summer 2011 include:

• Mary Baumgard, a political science major from Avon, Minnesota, interned with the National Women's Political Caucus.
• Paidamoyo Chikate, a Gender Studies and English major from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, interned with the Center for Women's Policy Studies.
• Madeline Page, an environmental studies and political science major from Tucson, Arizona, interned with Environment America.
• Julia Renner, a political science major from Shoreview, Minnesota, interned with Capital Partners for Education.

Students who served internships from St. John's University include:

• John Berquist, a political science major from Coon Rapids, Minnesota, interned with the Red Cross.
• Clement Dai, an economics major from Shanghai, China, interned with the American Council on Renewable Energy.
• Evan Howard, a political science and social science major from Rochester, Minnesota, interned with Senator Al Franken (D-Minnesota).
• Sean Lynch, a political science major from St. Cloud, Minnesota, interned with the AHRI trade group.
• Devin Massopust, a political science major from Rapid City, South Dakota, interned with Senator Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota).
• Eric Schilling, a political science major from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, interned with Senator Amy Klobuchar, (D-Minnesota).
• Ryan Wold, a philosophy and political science major from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, interned with the Public Affairs Council.
• Daniel Wolgamott, a political science major from Elkhorn, Nebraska, interned with Representative Tim Walz (D-Minnesota 1st District)

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are two nationally leading liberal arts colleges whose unique partnership provides students with a highly engaged and integrate learning experience preparing them for leadership and service in a global society.  The student experience is enlivened by Catholic and Benedictine tradition and an extraordinary sense of place and community.

Pictured above are the 2009 Washington D.C. Summer Study Program participants.