EI Washington Summer Fellows
The Washington Summer Fellowship is an immersive 10-week residential experience in that nation’s capital that prepares students for leadership and service. This program helps motivated individuals secure internships in the Washington, D.C. area while learning how the government operates, how policy is formed, and who influences decision-making at local and national levels. Through weekly roundtables, skill-building workshops and field visits, fellows gain a deep understanding of the institutions, relationships, and leadership skills necessary for public service and policymaking.
This program is interdisciplinary - students of all majors are welcome to apply. Interested candidates must be willing to apply their skills and academic interests in political, and/or policy- making spaces such as local and federal government offices, nonprofits, industry and advocacy organizations, media, and DC-based businesses.
The Fellowship Experience
All fellowship activities and meetings are required. Expert roundtables occur in the evening. Immersive Experience dates are provided in advance so students can coordinate time off with employers.
Orientation: Virtual orientation takes place in early January during winter break. In March, students visit Washington for one full Saturday for orientation and interview practice at the Eisenhower Institute office. Students will visit summer housing and tour cultural, historical or other sites of significance in the city.
Internship Advising: Students are assigned to a staff member or alumni partner to monitor and support the internship search (see more below). Mandatory weekly check-in meetings take place throughout the Spring semester.
Expert Roundtables: Weekly dinner and discussion with professionals working in a variety of fields, such as law, economics, foreign policy, defense, trade, labor, national security, technology, crime, health care, civil rights, education, and social issues. Fellows learn about their work and gain important insights on building successful careers in the nation's capital.
Immersive Experiences
Hill Day: Fellows spend a full day at the seat of government learning how decisions are made, how Congressional offices are organized and serve constituents, and how to prepare for and obtain internships and entry-level positions in member and committee offices, and Hill-adjacent organizations.
Community Day: Fellows spend a full day in a neighborhood exploring its history and culture. You will meet residents, community leaders, and small business owners. You will visit places of significance in the community, including organizations and institutions that contribute to the richness of D.C. culture.
Professional Development Workshop: Experts in professional/policy writing, communications, data analysis and other areas provide hands-on instruction in an interactive, full-day workshop.
Housing: Fellows live in residential housing managed by the Lutheran College Washington Consortium. The Eisenhower Institute arranges and covers the cost of these accommodations.
Fellows share a room with a roommate and an apartment with other college students.
If a student’s internship extends beyond the fellowship dates, LCWS offers the option to extend housing at a discounted rate, well below typical costs for the area. Students must coordinate any extended housing directly with LCWS and cover the associated costs themselves.
Internships
Placement: Internship placement is a collaborative process. Each student will be assigned an Eisenhower Institute staff advisor to guide them in their search and provide access to professional and alumni networks. The Institute staff will also connect students to our partners with open internship positions. Students are expected to demonstrate that they are a strong fit for these internships, highlighting how their experience aligns with the role and presenting themselves with professionalism and engagement.
Applications: Students must take ownership of the application process—independently identifying opportunities, following up with potential employers, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that their internship meets the fellowship requirements. Institute staff provide guidance, advice, and interview preparation to support students throughout the process.
Requirement for Participation: To participate in the fellowship, students must secure an in- person or hybrid full-time internship (or combination of part-time internships) of 30+ hours a week. Fully remote and academic/institutional research opportunities do not fulfill this requirement. Confirmation of placement is due to the Institute by May 1.
Costs
Fellows will be required to submit a $300 housing deposit to LCWS by April 30. Deposits are fully refundable, pending acceptable condition of housing at move-out.
Students are responsible for transportation to Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the program. Fellows are encouraged to coordinate carpool/group travel.
During the fellowship, students are responsible for personal expenses such as groceries, local transportation, and toiletries. Stipends may be available to help offset living expenses for students with unpaid internships.
Students facing financial hardships should contact the Eisenhower Institute to discuss options. Financial concerns should NOT prevent students from applying to the program.
Expectations
Fellows are required to attend ALL roundtables, field visits, and professional development sessions. Requests for exceptions must be submitted no later than May 21. Exceptions due to emergencies and verified work conflicts unknown before May 21 will be considered. Fellows are also required to meet with their Eisenhower Institute staff advisor weekly throughout the internship search process. Failure to meet program expectations may result in a requirement to reimburse the Institute for housing costs and any other expenses incurred on the student’s behalf.
Eligibility
Current Gettysburg College sophomores, juniors, and seniors who will be returning for the Fall 2027 semester are eligible for the fellowship. Students of all majors are eligible. For Summer 2027, applications open October 19 and close November 2, with decisions announced before Winter break.
International students selected for the Fellowship will work with EI and International Student Services to ensure that the latest CPT and OPT guidelines are met. Currently, only Public Policy and Public Health Policy students are eligible to use CPT work authorization for the Washington Summer Fellowship. Students enrolled in other majors must use pre-completion OPT for summer internships. Details and individualized guidance will be provided at and following the required WSF information session for international applicants.
Program Dates
Students accepted into the program are required to attend a virtual orientation on January 7th from 12pm- 1:30pm EST and a full-day in-person orientation in Washington, D.C. on March 20. The Eisenhower Institute will provide transportation to and from Gettysburg for the in-person orientation in Washington.
The fellowship runs May 22–July 30, 2027.
I want to do this Fellowship, but I also have a vacation planned in July. Am I allowed to take a vacation in the middle of the program?
Generally, no. Fellows are expected to attend all program sessions and maintain their internship commitments throughout the summer. In limited cases, such as serious personal circumstances or unforeseen events, students may discuss potential conflicts with both their internship supervisor and Eisenhower Institute staff.
If you anticipate major scheduling conflicts, such as a study abroad program that overlaps with the start of the Fellowship or another unavoidable commitment, please note them in your application. The Institute will review these situations on a case-by-case basis to determine if accommodation can be made. If a major conflict is NOT noted in your application, accommodations cannot be guaranteed and you may be held responsible for any nonrefundable costs incurred by the Eisenhower Institute on your behalf.
When should I start applying for an internship?
Ideally, BEFORE you apply for the Washington Summer Fellowship. The fellowship application will ask for a list of internships that you’ve applied for, or intend to, with their deadlines. You don't have to have an internship confirmed to apply for EI’s summer fellowship, but we do want to see that you are independently and proactively seeking opportunities – not just counting on the Eisenhower Institute to find one for you.
What resources are there on campus to get feedback on my resume?
If you would like feedback on your resume or guidance on internships prior to submitting your application, please contact the Center for Career Engagement, which provides individualized advising for all Gettysburg students.
Why do I need to submit a writing sample?
Strong writing is essential to nearly every career path in Washington, whether in policy, business, finance, communications, or technology. The writing sample helps us ensure that applicants can clearly express ideas and prepare strong professional materials. Also, many internship employers request writing samples as part of the application process.
While academic work (essays, research papers, etc.) is acceptable, professional writing such as memos, policy briefs, or press releases provides a clearer sense of how applicants might communicate in a workplace context. If you have these materials from prior internships or a class assignment, please consider submitting them as your writing sample.
I don’t know where to start. Will EI help me find an internship?
Internship placement is a collaborative process. Each fellow is paired with an Eisenhower Institute advisor who provides individualized guidance, interview preparation, and connections to alumni, partner networks, and open opportunities. Fellows are responsible for taking ownership of their search by identifying potential roles, submitting applications, and following up with employers. Demonstrating initiative, by applying to internships in advance or developing a clear search plan, strengthens an applicant’s candidacy. If you would like guidance on your resume or on how to begin your internship search before applying to the Fellowship, please consult the Center for Career Engagement.
What happens if I can’t secure an internship by the deadline?
To participate in the Washington Summer Fellowship, students must secure a D.C.-based internship by May 1. Those who actively engage in advising meetings and make a genuine effort to find a placement but do not meet the deadline will receive additional support from Eisenhower Institute staff to identify suitable opportunities. While placement cannot be guaranteed, the Institute will work closely with committed fellows to provide reasonable flexibility and help them secure an internship that meets program requirements.
Where have Fellows interned in the past?
Our Fellows have interned at:
- Accountability Council
- American Humanist Association
- American Muslim & Multifaith Womens Empowerment Council
- American Task Force on Lebanon
- Arlington County Office of the Independent Policing Auditor
- ASTRO America
- Baltimore-Washington Financial Advisors
- Beacon Global Strategies LLC
- Becky's Fund
- Campaign Legal Center
- Carahsoft
- CASA Virginia
- Cheniere Energy, Inc.
- Cornerstone Government Affairs
- Council on Foreign Relations
- D.C. PAVE (Parents Amplifying Voices in Education)
- D.C. Department of Transportation
- Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
- Eisenhower School for National Security and Resource Strategy
- Eisenhower Institute
- Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
- Freedom House
- Friendship Place
- George Mason Public Leadership Academy
- Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
- Halcyon
- Institute of World Politics
- Investigative Group International
- Johns Hopkins Climate Water Initiative
- Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies
- Learning Life
- Lockton Insurance Co.
- Lutheran College Washington Semester
- Lynk Global
- Middle East Institute
- Montgomery County Office of Legislative Oversight
- National Association for the Practice of Anthropology
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Persons
- National Immigration Law Center
- National Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
- National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
- Normandy Group
- Planned Parenthood
- Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
- Running Start
- Stars and Stripes
- Tax Foundation
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- United States Geological Survey (USGS)
- United States House of Representatives
- United States Senate
- Viatris, Inc.
- Velocity Government Relations
- Vital Voices
- Voice of America
Will EI help me navigate changes to CPT and OPT for international students?
Can I talk with someone about whether the program is a good fit for me before applying?
Yes. Prospective applicants are welcome to email the D.C. Program Manager, Lizzie Dixon, at ldixon@gettysburg.edu to ask questions and discuss whether this fellowship aligns with their goals.