This spring, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) welcomed a new cohort of highly motivated, civically engaged student leaders from across the country to the nation’s capital for the 2025 TFAS Washington Fellowship. During the semester-long program, Fellows immerse themselves in leadership development, internships and academic coursework, preparing them to make a positive impact on their communities.

INTRODUCTION TO WASHINGTON

For many students, the TFAS Washington Fellowship is their first exposure to Washington, D.C., and its fast-paced political and working environment. As Fellows intern with liberty-minded organizations, think tanks and federal agencies, they gain firsthand insight into the daily pulse of the nation’s capital and the forces shaping public policy.

Stephanie Machovina ’25, a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, who interned at the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee, shared insights on her transformative semester.

“Coming to Washington through TFAS has given me direction to where I want to go in my life,” Machovina said. “Coming from Ohio, and having never lived in Washington before, the possibility of participating in this experience has really helped me to see that this is where I want to be in my life. It’s been a life-changing experience, and I am very grateful.”

COURSES ON LIBERTY AND LEADERSHIP

In addition to working up to 35 hours a week in professional internships, Fellows earned up to 12 academic credit hours in courses such as Economic Problems and Public Policies and American Political Thought at George Mason University.

The classes, led by esteemed TFAS faculty Dr. Anne Bradley, TFAS vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Richard Boyd, associate professor of government and director of the Tocqueville Forum for Political Understanding at Georgetown University and professor Karen Czarnecki ‘88, executive director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute, challenged Fellows to think critically about the moral and practical foundations of free-market economies and apply these principles to today’s political and economic challenges.

Through their internship seminar with professor Czarnecki, students engaged with a wide range of thought leaders and policy experts on pressing contemporary issues, such as the modern administrative and regulatory state as well as American national security. Highlights included guest lectures from senior experts of the International Foundation for Electoral Systems, the Commonwealth Foundation, the Leadership Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the Institute of World Politics.

Audrey Guess ’25, a recent economics graduate of Hillsdale College who interned with Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), shared how her TFAS experience deepened her understanding of the connection between economic research and public policy.

“I wanted to work on Capitol Hill because I wanted to learn how to apply economic research into policy,” Guess said. “The TFAS fellowship connected me with an office that not only shares the same economic values but was also able to teach me how to implement the principles I care about.”

Beyond the Classroom

Outside of the classroom, Fellows visited the Embassy of Japan, explored historic sites during a day trip to Philadelphia, and participated in various lectures on law and constitution with TFAS senior scholar Dr. Donald Devine.

A major highlight of the semester was site visits to prominent think tanks and institutions in Washington. These visits showed the Fellows what it’s like to work in organizations dedicated to individual liberty and help equip them with a deep understanding of the values that underpin American society.

Notable visits included:

• American Enterprise Institute
• The Heritage Foundation
• Competitive Enterprise Institute
• Victims of Communism Museum

This spring, TFAS launched a new event series called “Mentor Mixers.” The revamped mentorship program featured three dinners where students connected with several local TFAS alumni and young professionals. These gatherings allowed them to share their experiences, gain valuable insights about life post-graduation and receive guidance on navigating their professional journey in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

The Journey Beyond D.C.

At the closing ceremony, keynote speaker Chris Maneval ’09, ’15, a two-time TFAS alumnus and vice president at Porterfield, Fettig & Sears, LLC, traced his successful career in the House of Representatives back to his TFAS experiences. Maneval encouraged students to stay curious and open to unexpected opportunities, reminding them that taking personal responsibility early in life can lead to positions of significant responsibility in their future careers.

The TFAS Washington Fellowship equips these aspiring leaders with the necessary skills and experience needed to thrive both professionally and personally. Through prestigious internships, rigorous academic courses in economic and public policy, and exclusive site briefings, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles that uphold a free society and the tools to become effective leaders in their communities around the world.