Go inside the world of politics and policy.
Inside Washington is a semester-long seminar that provides participants with a deeper understanding of how politics and policy drive decision-making in Washington, D.C. Through immersive, full-day sessions in the nation’s capital, students will develop an understanding of how elected officials, government leaders, political parties, lobbyists, advocacy groups, and others the political arena influence policymaking in one of the world’s most powerful cities.
What's at Stake
This fall students will spend five immersive days in Washington, DC during the critical national midterm election season. Control of Congress is at stake: all 435 seats in the House of Representatives, and a third of the Senate is up for grabs. This election will determine which political party gains, or retains, power in Washington. Midterms also typically serve as a referendum on the President’s agenda and performance, creating momentum heading into the next Presidential election.
Power and leadership may also shift across the country in battleground states. This year, 36 states will elect governors in seats now equally split among Democrats and Republicans. More than half of these states will elect someone new to their highest office. Depending on the issues voters deem important – taxes, jobs, health care, immigration, schools, climate, trade and others - the executive and legislative balance of political power in state capitals, now slightly favoring Republicans, could also shift.
What to Expect
Our students have the exciting opportunity to watch all of this from the nation’s highest perch, guided by a bipartisan team of seasoned politicos with a combined 25+ years of experience working behind the scenes on Capitol Hill. They’ll learn how voting works; why polling matters; how campaigns are financed; and the critical role of the Electoral College. During five full-day trips to Washington, D.C. students will hear from the people who count and validate votes; run elections; manage Congressional offices, raise money, and determine how the nation moves forward the day after votes are cast. Participants in this program will be exposed to the inner workings of the nation’s capital through private discussions and site visits, such as:
- Political party headquarters
- Candidate or issue campaign offices
- Congressional offices
- State/local board of elections
- Election protection agencies
- Newsrooms
- Polling operations
Individual Project
Throughout the semester, each student will track a toss-up Congressional campaign. By monitoring these races participants will gain an understanding of factors that influence elections including fundraising, polling, media, incumbency and grassroots support.
Networking
In addition to learning about elections, this seminar is designed to help participants create their own path from academics to professional public service careers in politics, advocacy, lobbying, diplomacy, and related fields. Students will begin to build a professional network and learn how to communicate effectively one-on-one in professional settings. The semester ends with a private networking event to put those skills into practice.
About the Seminar
Inside Washington is the Eisenhower Institute’s foundational experiential learning seminar, preparing students to participate in future EI programs. Students of all majors and class years are welcome to apply. The seminar is led by two Gettysburg College alumni: Ryan Woodward ’12, Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and Tony McComiskey '14, Senior Advisor to U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Fall 2026 Schedule
Most sessions will take place on Fridays in Washington, D.C., with the exception of one virtual session and Tuesday, November 3 – Election Day. Transportation will be provided, and travel time is included in the schedule below. Due to fast-changing developments in Washington beyond the Institute’s control, it is possible on occasion that dates could change to alternate Fridays. Please consider your regular availability on Fridays when deciding to apply.
Students are expected to attend all sessions. It is each student's responsibility to ensure that class schedules do not conflict, or to make arrangements with professors to make up work.
Scheduled Session Dates:
- Friday, September 11, 7am-8pm – Washington, D.C.
- Wednesday, September 30, 12-1pm – Virtual Check-in
- Friday, October 9, 7am-8pm – Washington, D.C.
- Friday, October 23, 7am-8pm – Washington, D.C.
- Tuesday, November 3, 7am-8pm – Washington, D.C. (Election Day)
- Thursday, November 12, 10am-10pm – Washington D.C. (Alumni/Networking Event)
Attendance at ALL sessions is required.
It is each student's responsibility to ensure that class schedules do not conflict, or to make arrangements with professors to make up work or assessments.