The 2024 TFAS Academic Internship Programs closed on a high note last month, with nearly 300 courageous young leaders graduating from the transformative eight-week adventure. Students from across the United States and around the world came together to live, learn, intern and connect in the heart of the nation’s capital for an unforgettable summer.

From briefings on the floor of the House from TFAS alumni and U.S. Representatives David Rouzer ’93, ’94 of North Carolina and David Kustoff ’89 of Tennessee, to learning from ambassadors and leaders across Washington, students gained a rich understanding of what Washington, D.C., has to offer. This summer, TFAS hosted more than 100 small group sessions with alumni and supporters from leading think tanks, government offices, law firms, news outlets and other top organizations in the area. All this while taking courses in economics, government and American foreign policy.

Economic Insights: Academic Courses and Faculty Highlights

Additionally, the cohort earned college credit through economics courses at George Mason University. These courses are designed to enhance their internship experience by providing an in-depth understanding of the free enterprise system and the economic way of thinking. This summer’s courses included Economics for the Citizen, Economic Problems and Public Policies, Economies in Transition, as well as elective courses.

This year’s esteemed faculty were:

• Dr. Donald Boudreaux, George Mason University
• Dr. Richard Boyd, Georgetown University
• Dr. Anne Bradley, TFAS Vice President of Academic Affairs 
• Dr. Rosolino Candela, Mercatus Center at George Mason
• Dr. Christopher Coyne, George Mason University
• Dr. Karen Czarnecki, Charlotte Lozier Institute
• Dr. Milorad Lazic, George Washington University

Isaac Oh ’24, a rising sophomore at Amherst College expressed his appreciation for TFAS professor Dr. Christopher Coyne who taught him a new perspective when understanding economic policies.

“Professor Coyne’s class further inspired me to pursue policies that harness – rather than fight – market creativity,” Oh said.

Guest Lectures

Beyond the classroom, students examined free-market economics during the annual Capitol Hill Lecture Series in partnership with the Office of Senator Rand Paul. This year’s speakers included Alex Berenson, Vivek Ramaswamy, Senator Rand Paul and Jonathan Turley. These bold thought leaders challenge the status quo to reveal the truth behind complex issues, encouraging students to stand up for their beliefs, even when it defies the norm.

Through a guest lecture series, students heard from notable leaders including Dr. Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center who spoke on women and economics during the annual Lev Dobriansky Lecture on Political Economy. Former Indiana Governor and TFAS Trustee Emeritus Mitch Daniels also challenged students on how to maintain our republic during the annual Neal B. Freeman Lecture.

Along the way, students connected with a D.C. mentor who provided guidance and support on their TFAS journeys. The TFAS Mentor Program pairs students with TFAS alumni and volunteers who share common interests such as professional goals, hometowns or alma maters.

We’re in a really important time right now with an opportunity to restore the trust in the media.” – AnaBelle Elliot ’24

Alumni Roundtable Networking Dinner

TFAS alumni reunited at George Washington University to attend the annual Alumni Roundtable Networking Dinner. During the evening, TFAS alumni and supporters shared personal and professional words of wisdom to students. They discussed how to make the most of their time in Washington, D.C., navigating life post-graduation and career advice.

TFAS alumnus and senior consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton, Harper Stiles ’16 highlighted the importance of TFAS connections as students begin applying for their first jobs in D.C.

“The people in this room are the foundation of your D.C. network,” Stiles said. “The mentors, the friends, the relationships you cultivate in this room will be how you build your career. And speaking from personal experience and the friendships I still have, almost a decade later, it’s true.”

Students took Stiles words to heart as they formed meaningful and lasting connections with each other during weekend excursions. These outings kicked off with a student BBQ, a trip to a Nationals baseball game, exploring Mount Vernon and ended with canoeing on the Potomac River.

Closing Ceremony

During the Closing Ceremony on July 25, students reflected on their time in D.C., expressing their gratitude to the staff, faculty and mentors who made this summer possible. One student from each program track shared their biggest take away from the summer through “Student Snapshots.”

Texas State University student AnaBelle Elliot ’24, emphasized the importance of restoring faith in the media after interning as a journalist for Matt Laslo on Capitol Hill.

“In this job, I learned that the moments I locked in and fully focused on what was right in front of me, those moments have paid off more than anything and led to my biggest accomplishments,” Elliott said. “We’re in a really important time right now with an opportunity to restore the trust in the media.”

TFAS is deeply grateful to the generous supporters who make our programs possible. To contribute to a transformative TFAS experience for future students, please visit TFAS.org/support.

Watch the full Closing Ceremony below.