LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2024) — Since its inception in 2016, the WilDCats on the Capitol internship program on the College of Kentucky has been paving the best way for college students to embark on transformative experiences in Washington, D.C.
Developed by means of a partnership between the Workplace of Federal Relations, the Division of Political Science within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Pupil Authorities Affiliation, this system has turn out to be a cornerstone of experiential studying for UK college students.
Gavin Cooper is at the moment a junior at UK finding out group and management improvement. In the course of the Spring 2024 semester, he’s been a part of WilDCats within the Capitol interning within the workplace of Senator Joe Manchin (WV).
“My favourite a part of this program is having the chance to get hands-on expertise at a excessive degree,” mentioned Cooper. “Each piece of labor right here in D.C. impacts our lives in intricate methods and this is a chance to see how every little thing occurs.”
At its core, this system provides college students a semester-long immersive expertise within the nation’s capital. Contributors reside collectively, take lessons and intern full-time, all whereas staying on observe to finish their levels. This distinctive mix of educational {and professional} improvement allows college students to use classroom information in real-world settings, getting ready them for profitable careers upon commencement.
“This program is actually particular as a result of it has allowed me to realize spectacular internship expertise with out interfering with my commencement timeline,” mentioned Cooper.
Over time, WilDCats on the Capitol has expanded its attain due to collaborations with varied departments and workplaces inside the college. Final yr, the Workplace of Federal Relations joined forces with the Workplace for Pupil Success to advertise this system throughout all tutorial schools and departments, making certain that college students from each self-discipline have the chance to take part.
Amelia Iliohan is a UK graduate who participated in WilDCats on the Capitol in 2018. She grew up in a small city in Western Kentucky and says this program was the one possible method for her to expertise profession alternatives in Washington. She now works because the affiliate director of occasions and member engagement on the Nationwide Affiliation of States Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
“This program created a gateway for me to search out my ardour for worldwide agriculture,” mentioned Iliohan. “WilDCats on the Capital is a complete program that educationally, financially, socially and personally helps UK college students from all schools and all socioeconomic backgrounds. I might not be in Washington, D.C., at present in a profession I really like with out my expertise in this system.”
Government Director of Federal Relations Eric King expressed the college’s dedication to prioritizing college students’ wants by saying Matthew Jackson as assistant director of federal relations, who will handle and promote the WilDCats on the Capitol program. This strategic transfer underscores the college’s dedication to increasing its attain in Washington, making certain that college students have unparalleled alternatives for progress and success.
The WilDCats on the Capitol internship program is not nearly gaining skilled expertise and making a distinction. From working with Members of Congress to collaborating with top-tier organizations like NASA and UPS, college students can discover various profession pathways and make significant contributions to society.
This system invitations all college students to hitch them in Washington and turn out to be a part of the WilDCats on the Capitol group. Their objective is to proceed empowering the subsequent era of leaders whereas persevering with schooling.
For extra info on this system, together with easy methods to apply, go to www.uky.edu/wildcatsatthecapitol.
