Washington Academic Internship Program 2021

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Thank you for supporting our 6th annual crowdfunding campaign!

The John Glenn College of Public Affairs has offered an exciting opportunity for Ohio State students to study and work in the nation's capital for 21 years! The Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP) selects outstanding undergraduates from any major to spend a semester in Washington, D.C. as John Glenn Fellows.

Like most aspects of our life, WAIP was completely turned upside down last March when the pandemic hit. Our spring cohort was sent home with little notice, and the program went on hiatus for summer 2020. Recognizing the need to offer students a quality internship and professional development opportunity, especially given the lack of opportunities at this time, we swiftly moved the program to a virtual format for autumn 2020. 

How were we able to support 11 Glenn Fellows in the first-ever virtual program? Alumni like you. 

We diverted the funds raised from last year’s campaign and offered every student in the fall cohort a $1,500 scholarship to make their participation possible. Because of you, students were able to take unpaid internships, set-up home offices or secure a professional wardrobe. Our spring students also received this $1,500 scholarship, continuing to make the program accessible through a global pandemic.

While much uncertainty lies ahead, one thing is clear: the need for scholarships is greater than ever. The pandemic has been challenging for us all. For Glenn Fellows, the challenges include less availability of jobs, parent job losses and fewer internship opportunities. Students still need your support.

For the past 6 years, supporters of WAIP have come together every February to make the program more accessible for Ohio State students. Thanks to your support, we have raised over $120,000, sending 20 students to Washington for a life changing experience without the burden of housing, and allowing the fall cohort in a pandemic to experience the program and gain critical professional experience at a time when few opportunities exist. 

We at WAIP remain committed to offering the program. We believe our mission to train the next generation of public servants is greater than ever. We hope to bring the program back to the in-person format soon, but until then, we will still be welcoming students to DC, even if only through a screen. Students still need your support- whether for housing scholarships when the program comes back in-person, or to be able to take a full-time, unpaid internship in the virtual format.

While in WAIP, John Glenn Fellows remain fully registered Ohio State students. Students earn academic credit hours for their internship, the research seminar in which a policy paper is developed and a course on policymaking and public service in the Washington community. Students will deepen their understanding of policy issues through weekly policy salons with experts. Friday study tours each week will also allow students to explore and experience different aspects of Washington.

Participants in the program meet policy professionals and interact with Ohio State alumni in the region. This interaction has value far beyond the semester in which the students are involved in the program. Real opportunities are presented for career advice, professional development and cross-generational exchange.

Many participants return to Washington after graduation and credit their early success in landing their first job out of college to WAIP. WAIP plays a critical role in the professional development of Buckeyes interested in public service - help us ensure that every deserving student has the chance to participate.