About the Washington D.C. Congressional Internship

Former Intern Testimonials

Background

In 1999, University President Donald Haragan established a scholarship program to allow Texas Tech students to travel to Washington, D.C. to learn firsthand how federal policy is formulated in our nation's capital. The program's objective is to provide students who have an interest in government and public policy the opportunity to participate in public service by observing and contributing to the legislative process. The internship experience helps students understand the challenges and rewards of public life and helps develop their leadership skills.

More than 450 Texas Tech students have traveled to Washington D.C. as a part of this program. The program has gained the reputation of being one of the top collegiate internship programs on Capitol Hill.  Many former interns have used their internship experience as a springboard into careers in our nation's capital. Others have chosen to continue their education by entering graduate or law school or have begun careers in other fields with a greater knowledge of the workings of our federal government.

Along with the program's success came growth and expansion.  To give more opportunities to Texas Tech students, the program expanded to include legislative internships in state government in Austin during legislative sessions and federal government internships in Lubbock.

Working in Washington, D.C.

The President's Government and Public Service Internship Program is offered every Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Each semester, students are selected for internships in Washington D.C. and Lubbock.  Legislative interns are selected to work in Austin each session.  

Interns are placed in offices based on their interests in issues, experiences and knowledge and personality. They work full-time in that office and are considered an integral part of that staff.

Before starting their Washington, D.C., Austin or Lubbock internships, interns will attend orientation sessions to help prepare them for the experience and familiarize them with guidelines and responsibilities expected of interns. They also attend socials to get to know their fellow interns.

Housing on Capitol Hill

Texas Tech interns traveling to Washington D.C. are given the option to live in the "Tech House,” located two blocks away from the Capitol. The Tech House is located within a 5-10-minute walk of both the House and Senate Office Buildings, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and the National Mall. The Tech House is located across the street from the Capitol South Metro stop, which allows for easy travel throughout the Washington D.C. area. 

The "DC Experience"

During their time as interns, students are encouraged to get the full “D.C. experience” by exploring the city and surrounding areas and traveling along the East Coast. Interns will have the opportunity to discover the Smithsonian museums, tour the White House and visit our National Monuments. Additionally, the Dupont Circle area, Old Town Alexandria, Adams Morgan, Georgetown and Eastern Market provide entertainment for interns when they are not working in the office. Traditionally, interns have traveled to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Virginia Beach, Atlantic City, Boston, Gettysburg, Manassas, Niagara Falls and many other areas. There are also ample receptions, Texas State Society and Texas Tech Alumni Association events, and various festivals to attend while in D.C.

Academic Credit

Each intern will receive academic credit for their internship.  The number of hours awarded may vary based on their internship activities and length of time performing the internship.  Undergraduates will be enrolled in POLS 4000 – a political science practicum class.  Graduate student will be enrolled in IS 5000 that is also a political science practicum. Interns participating under this program are considered full-time students. 

Political Science Undergraduate Minor

Through the internship program students can complete a substantial portion of the political science minor.  Undergraduate interns who are not already majoring in political science, can earn up to nine hours of political science credit while working in Washington D.C. or Austin.   With completion of the internship and in addition to the six hours of political science core curriculum required of all undergraduates, students may choose between a Texas Tech University International Politics or Comparative Politics class to complete the minor. This is an excellent opportunity for knowledge base-expansion and continued resume building.

Scholarship

Each intern traveling to Washington D.C for the Fall, Spring or full Summer sessions will receive a $4,500 scholarship. The scholarship covers all housing costs and assists with living expenses.  Legislative interns working in Austin will receive a $7,000 scholarship for the legislative session.  Interns are responsible for their tuition (students receive an off-campus waiver for most fees), travel, and entertainment.

Qualifications

To participate in the program, it is preferred that undergraduate students have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours before the semester they wish to participate in the internship. Graduate students with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 are also eligible to participate.

No particular major or disciplinary background is required to apply for an internship. Students will acquire skills and experience through the program that will serve them well no matter what career or field of study they choose.

Other Important Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively through both oral and written means
• Involvement at Texas Tech
• Ability to get along and work with diverse groups of people
• Desire to learn and a good work ethic
• Well-mannered and able to interact well with others

To apply for the internship, click here.