This summer, TFAS is thrilled to welcome a new cohort of 282 students to its eight-week D.C. Academic Internship Programs. During this transformative summer, these young passionate leaders representing 40 states and 17 countries will live, learn, intern and connect in the nation’s capital.

Students will examine free-market economics while earning at least three college credits taught by distinguished TFAS faculty at George Mason University. Students also have the option to take six additional credit hours through elective courses in upper-level public policy courses. These courses include “American Foreign Policy” and “American Political Thought,” as well as an interactive internship seminar that will help students establish their careers.

Additionally, students gain real-world experience, enhance their leadership skills and forge professional connections through internships at the nation’s leading think tanks, nonprofits, law firms, Congress and other government offices in Washington. By the conclusion of the program, TFAS students will leave D.C. with 250+ hours of professional experience, an expanded network of contacts, and a greater understanding of the variety of career opportunities available to them.

Throughout the summer, TFAS students will also attend numerous site briefings, networking events, guest lectures and professional development seminars for an up-close, behind-the-scenes view of Washington.

These speakers, small group hosts and tours represent the best of D.C., allowing students to visualize their future careers. Special guest speakers include:

• TFAS Welcome Ceremony:
  • Keynote Speech: “Seeing and Seizing Opportunity” by former TFAS Regent Chris Ullman, founder and president of Ullman Communications and senior advisor at Narrative Strategies  
  • Alumni Remarks: Alana Austin ’10 
• Lev Dobrianksy Lecture on Political Economy with Dr. Rachel Ferguson, director of the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago, assistant dean of the College of Business, and professor of business ethics 
• Annual Neal Freeman All Student Lecture with David Bahnsen, managing partner and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, author and commentator 
• And many more 

During the summer programs, TFAS will present honors to the following alumni who will receive 2023 alumni awards for their success and dedication to TFAS: 

• At an exclusive Capitol Hill Briefing, TFAS will present Representatives David Rouzer ’93, ’94 of North Carolina and David Kustoff ’89 of Tennessee with the Alumni Achievement Awards 
• At the TFAS Closing Ceremony, Justin Black ’18, ’19 and Alexis Black ’17, ’19, authors of “Redefining Normal,” will receive the Young Alumni Awards 

TFAS is also proud to announce that the Capitol Hill Lecture Series on “Courageous Leadership: Challenging the Status Quo” will continue in partnership with the Office of Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky. This series is open not only to TFAS students, but to all interns across the D.C. area to learn firsthand from today’s leaders in liberty.

Student attendees will have the opportunity to hear an inspiring series of discussions featuring courageous thought leaders who challenge the status quo to uncover the truth behind complex issues. These exceptional leaders have dared to question conventional wisdom, challenge long-held beliefs and break barriers. From trailblazers in journalism and politics to pioneers in science, they will challenge students’ assumptions and spark new ways of thinking.

Students will hear from a variety of notable speakers, including Sen. Paul; former United States Rep. Tulsi Gabbard; surgeon, author and medical commentator Dr. Marty Makary; and more.

Thanks to generous supporters, 86% of TFAS students received scholarship assistance to attend TFAS’s D.C. programs to gain new skills, learn new ideas and build strong networks necessary to make a difference in their communities and throughout the world.

TFAS is grateful to the countless alumni, supporters and volunteers who make these programs a success and without whom the TFAS summer experience would not be possible.