D.C. Summer Study Program back for its 40th year

Twelve students from the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are participating in summer internship experiences through the Washington, D.C., Summer Study Program from May 27 through mid-August.

This is the 40th year of the Summer Study Program, designed and operated by CSB/SJU faculty and staff in the political science department.

The program provides students an opportunity to live and work in the Washington, D.C., area while earning academic credit. Each student serves in a congressional office, 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 and completion of coursework, this summer’s program co-directors, Dr. Christi Siver and Dr. Whitney Court, associate professors of political science at CSB and SJU, conduct seminars and arrange supplemental meetings with alumnae/i and other professionals. The program is coordinated each year by Sheila Hellermann, department coordinator for political science, sociology, peace studies, global business leadership and accounting.

There are five students from CSB and seven from SJU in the program this year. While many of the students are political science majors, other majors are represented, including economics, history, biochemistry, philosophy, science policy and European studies.

The 12 students (listed alphabetically) include:

Jacob Czech, a SJU junior double-majoring in economics and political science from Kewaunee, Wisconsin, is interning for the Department of Defense.

Valerie Doze, a CSB junior majoring in biochemistry from Grand Forks, North Dakota, is the international affairs intern at AHRI, a trade association representing heating and cooling companies, working on global performance standards, certification programs and industry information including trade and tariff issues with U.S. and international agencies and foreign embassies.

Collin Fowler, a SJU senior majoring in political science from Northville, Michigan, is the research and strategic intern for the American Federation of Teachers, educators who champion fairness, democracy, economic opportunity and high-quality public education, healthcare and public services for students, families and communities.

Jordan Gemilere, a SJU senior majoring in political science from St. Louis Park, Minnesota, interning for the National Association of State Directors of Developmental Disabilities Services advocating on federal policies impacting state systems for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Browerti Koffah, a CSB senior majoring in political science from Anoka, Minnesota, is the government affairs intern at AHRI, a trade association representing heating and cooling companies, working on the development of and advocating for environmental and energy policy and legislation at the state and federal level which impacts the industry.

Tessa Pichotta, a CSB senior double-majoring in European studies with a concentration in classical studies, and political science, from Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, interning for DC Arts and Humanities Education Collaborative, working on equitable access to learning opportunities in the arts and humanities in both public and charter schools.

Benjamin Pults, a SJU senior double-majoring in economics and political science from Oakdale, Minnesota, is interning at American Youth Policy Forum, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, providing learning opportunities for policy leaders, practitioners and researchers working on youth and education issues at the national, state and local levels.

Abigail Rader, a CSB senior double-majoring in political science and science policy from Naperville, Illinois, interning at the United States Environmental Protection Agency - Office of Water, specifically on the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System and Gulf of Mexico permitting guide.

Jillian Schulz, a CSB senior majoring in biochemistry from Plymouth, Minnesota, is interning at Better Medicare Alliance, an advocacy organization focused on providing seniors and people with disabilities quality health care.

Cole Souto, a SJU senior double-majoring in philosophy and political science from Redondo Beach, California, interning for Hogan Lovells, an international law firm, working in the Government Relations and Public Affairs Department on strategic communications.

Nicholas Swanson, a SJU senior majoring in political science from Plymouth, Minnesota, is interning for U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota.

Cullen Trobec, a SJU senior majoring in political science from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, is the communications associate Intern for Jubilee USA Network, a non-governmental organization advocating for debt relief for developing nations.