Go inside the world of politics and policy.
Inside Washington is a semester-long program that provides a first-hand look at the people, institutions, and processes that drive politics and policymaking 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, and advocacy groups.
This semester’s program will focus on the theme “Governing in a Time of Polarization.” Students will explore how deepening partisan divides shape governance across institutions, from Congress to the courts to the executive branch. Topics may include congressional gridlock and potential reforms, the confirmation process and public perceptions of the judiciary, how federal agencies navigate competing political pressures when implementing policy, and partisan provisions added to bills—sometimes called ‘poison pills’—that can hinder a bill’s passage.
Participants will engage with guest speakers and recent alumni who work across various branches of government. Through these conversations, students will gain a deeper understanding of how heightened partisan rhetoric affects the government’s ability to negotiate, pass laws, implement policies, and respond effectively to national challenges.
While exploring Washington, D.C., participants will meet policy experts and visit key landmarks in our nation's capital. These experiences will deepen their understanding of how polarization affects policymaking, shaping the language of legislation, the coalitions that form around it, and the prospects for its passage or implementation.
Students can expect:
- Gettysburg alumni insights from their program leaders who are Washington insiders.
- Four immersive full-day visits 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 culminating project that will provide each student the opportunity to develop a better understanding of the legislative process.
- Networking opportunities that will help participants learn more about career paths and 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 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).
Spring 2026 Schedule
Regular sessions will take place on Fridays in Washington, D.C. The final session will be on a Wednesday and include a networking reception. 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 Fridays when deciding to apply.
Session 1 in D.C.:
- Friday, January 23rd, 8am-8pm
Session 2 in D.C.:
- Friday, February 27th, 8am-8pm
Session 3 in D.C.:
- Friday, March 27th, 8am-8pm
Session 4 in D.C. (including Networking Reception):
- Wednesday, April 15th, 10am-10pm
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.