Feb. 17, 2006 :: No. 136

Cal State Fullerton students interested in summer internships in Washington, D.C., now have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and receive six units of college credit through the new "Cal State D.C." program being launched by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and its Division of Politics, Administration and Justice.

Beginning in mid-June, student interns may be involved in assisting with legislative research, briefings and speeches; attending House and Senate briefings and hearings; and learning more about how the government of the United States operates. In addition to interning with members of Congress, students also may intern with executive agencies, various interest groups, lobbying organizations and others. In addition, classes will be held that enable participants to earn six units of college credit.

"This is an opportunity for students to really learn, firsthand, how our system works," said Stephen Stambough, assistant professor of political science. "The joke is that Washington, D.C., is run by 18- to 23-year-olds during the summer because so many universities offer internship programs there. Now, for the first time, Cal State Fullerton is also able to offer these kinds of internships. Not only is this a great learning experience for students, but it's a great networking opportunity as well."

The cost of the six-week program is about $2,500, including airfare, room and board and course fees. Scholarships are available for students of all majors with a grade point average of 3.0 or above. Ten scholarships of $2,000 and 10 scholarships of $1,000 will be awarded to Cal State Fullerton students. Participants can be juniors, seniors or graduate students.

"An internship serves as an experience, a great way to network, get your foot in the door," said Evelyn Garcia, a Cal State Fullerton political science graduate student who earned her bachelor's degree in 2003. She's now a field representative for Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.).

Garcia said she heard about her job through a contact she made when she participated in a similar Washington D.C. fellowship two years ago. "A program like this new internship opens doors," she said. "It can really prepare students for everything from living in D.C. to learning what kinds of political jobs they will be doing."

A workshop for prospective participants will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, and at noon Friday, Feb. 24. Both sessions will take place in the Dean's Conference Room, located on the second floor of the Humanities-Social Sciences Building. The deadline to apply for scholarships is March 15.

"We encourage students from all disciplines to apply," Stambough said. "It's an incredible opportunity for students to gain practical experience. I know many students who have participated in D.C. internships and come back with job offers. I'm very excited that Cal State Fullerton, along with universities across the nation, can now boast of offering a summer Washington, D.C., internship program."

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