ASU's Washington, D.C. Summer program, which allows undergraduate students to live, work and study in the nation's capital, is accepting applications for the 2002 summer semester.
The program, which was revived last summer after a yearlong hiatus, is directed by political science professor and former Capitol Hill staffer Dr. Glen Krutz.
Krutz said that a summer-long experience in the district can open doors for students.
"I want students to learn about politics and make contacts, this way they will have more options after graduation," he said.
Twenty-five ASU students will be chosen to travel to the district and live in housing at The George Washington University campus, located in the Foggy Bottom area of the city. The GW campus is only a few blocks away from the White House.
During their eight weeks in the district, the students will be placed in internships according to their experience and interests, take a class that meets once a week, and participate in several group activities, including many with ASU alumni who live in the Washington, D.C. area.
The program offers four POS498 credit hours - which also counts as an L2 credit at ASU - and offers students the opportunity to earn four more internship credits.
While the program consists of mostly juniors and seniors, any undergraduate student can apply. Students are admitted on a rolling basis, so applying early can help chances for acceptance.
Applicants are chosen based on academic record, professional responsibility, and desire to go. Two letters of recommendation and an essay are required parts of the application.
ASU students interned on Capitol Hill and in the Bush Administration
Last year, Krutz was quite successful in helping students land top D.C. internships.
Two students interned for House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-MO), two interned with the Congressional Research Service in the Library of Congress, and four interned in the George W. Bush Administration at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
"Some of us really got lucky with the quality of internships we had," said Web Devil editor Seth Scott, who participated in the program last year and interned at HUD. "I had my own office with a view of the Capitol Dome and got to go to the Hill to represent the department and administration quite a bit."
Others served in highly coveted internships at the National Rifle Association, the Whitman Walker Clinic, the National League of Cities, and the National Republic Senatorial Committee.
Two interns - seniors Aaron Wohlberg and John Parsi - were frequently recognized around the town. They worked at Capitol Hill Web site Hillzoo.com and they wrote weekly columns about their experiences as interns.
ASU interns experience the nation's capital
Though interns can expect to work 40 hours a week during the summer, the program isn't all work and no play.
Program fees also cover many activities during the trip.
Last year, Krutz organized a group trip to Baltimore to see an Orioles baseball game, a night at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to see a play, and softball games against ASU alumni.
"Students will have the opportunity to experience a new city and discover more about themselves," Krutz said.
Last summer, the interns were able to meet President Bush at the White House.
The program costs $3,085 and includes housing, some scheduled trips and some meals. Some need-based financial aid is available.
Only 25 students are accepted into the program and February 4, 2002 is the deadline to apply.
