Go inside the world of politics and policy.
Inside Washington is a semester-long experience that provides participants with a deeper understanding of how politics and policy shape initiatives in the nation’s capital. Through in-person sessions in Washington, D.C., students will develop an understanding of the relationships between elected officials, government leaders, political parties, lobbyists, advocacy groups, and others tasked with getting things done in Washington.
This semester's program will specifically focus on the critical role of checks and balances in maintaining accountability within political institutions. This immersive experience will allow students to explore how the current political climate is challenging established norms and reshaping governance, with a particular emphasis on the evolving interactions between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Students will gain insight into how these shifts impact the balance of power and the functioning of democratic systems.
Participants will engage with guest speakers and recent alumni who have worked across various branches of government, offering insights into the essential role of checks and balances in the political system. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how the executive, legislative, and judicial branches interact to uphold accountability and ensure the proper functioning of government.
While exploring Washington, D.C., participants will meet media and policy experts and visit key landmarks in our nation's capital. This experience will deepen their understanding of the political processes at work and highlight how accountability mechanisms—such as oversight committees, media scrutiny, and public engagement—play a key role in ensuring that government institutions operate effectively and transparently.
Students can expect:
- Biweekly sessions in Washington, D.C., with Gettysburg alumni who are Washington insiders.
- An Immersive Spring Break trip to Washington, D.C., that will expose students to government institutions, and the breadth of public service careers in politics, advocacy, lobbying, and other fields.
- A project that will provide each student the opportunity to develop an understanding of the legislative process.
- Networking opportunities that will help participants learn more about careers and think through how their academic work can translate to professional environments in politics, advocacy, lobbying, diplomacy, and other public service fields.
This program will highlight skills and experiences that prepare students for involvement in other Eisenhower Institute programs, and possible careers in Washington including civic engagement and networking.
Inside Washington is led by a bipartisan team of Gettysburg College alumni: Ryan Woodward ’12, the Chief of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), and Tony McComiskey '14, the Director of Scheduling for Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ).
Fall 2025 Schedule
Regular sessions will take place on Friday afternoons in Washington, D.C. There are two additional sessions in Washington — a full-day on October 24th and an evening networking event on November 5th. Transportation will be provided, and travel time is included in the schedule below.
This list is tentative and dates may be updated; please consider your availability on Friday afternoons when deciding to apply.
Session 1 in D.C.:
- Friday, September 5, 1pm-8pm
Session 2 in D.C.:
- Friday, September 19, 1pm-8pm
Session 3 in D.C.:
- Friday, October 3, 1pm-8pm
Day-Long Visit to D.C.:
- Friday, October 24, 7am-8pm
- Please note that this visit coincides with the first day of Family Weekend and, if you take part in this program, you will not return to campus until 8pm that day.
Alumni Panel and Networking Reception in D.C.
- Wednesday, November 5, 3pm-10pm
Session 4 in D.C.:
- Friday, November 21, 1pm-8pm
Students are expected to attend all sessions. It is each students' responsibility to ensure that class schedules do not conflict, or to make arrangements with professors to make up work.