This summer, The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) is buzzing with excitement as a dynamic new group of 275 students join its eight-week D.C. Academic Internship Programs in Washington, D.C. It’s a season of transformation, as these eager young leaders from 37 states and 15 countries converge in the heart of the nation’s capital to live, learn, intern and forge meaningful connections.
Living and Interning in Nation’s Capital
At TFAS, students immerse themselves in real-world experiences, enhance their leadership skills, and build valuable professional networks through internships at prestigious think tanks, nonprofits, law firms, Congress and government offices in Washington, D.C. By the program’s conclusion, participants gain over 250 hours of practical experience, expand their professional networks and gain insights into diverse career paths.
Beyond the classroom, TFAS students explore Washington life through exclusive site briefings, dynamic networking events, informative guest lectures, and practical professional development sessions.
Leading figures from across Washington, D.C., including renowned speakers, share their expertise and inspire students. This summer’s 2024 TFAS programs are off to a great start, with the following events already kicking off an exciting season of learning and growth:
- TFAS Welcome Ceremony:
- Keynote Speech: “Be on the Frontfoot” by TFAS Trustee Chris Ullman, founder and president of Ullman, Communications and senior advisor at Narrative Strategies
- Alumni Remarks: LeeAnna Pachter ’14, PPF ’15, director of Human Resources at Business Roundtable
- Lev Dobrianksy Lecture on Political Economy with Dr. Veronique de Rugy, the George Gibbs Chair in Political Economy and Senior Research Fellow at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University and nationally syndicated columnist
- Annual Neal B. Freeman All Student Lecture with Mitch Daniels, senior adviser to the Liberty Fund, president emeritus of Purdue University and a former governor of Indiana.
- Annual Capitol Hill Lecture Series co-hosted with the Office of Sen. Rand Paul:
- Alex Berenson, Author and Report on “Big Tech, Big Censorship, and the Threats to the 1st Amendment”
- Vivek Ramaswamy on “Who Are We”
- and many more site visits, lectures and small groups.
Learning Economic Principles
In the TFAS classroom, students are learning the principles of free-market economics with esteemed TFAS economics faculty at George Mason University and courses including:
- Dr. Donald Boudreaux, “Economics for the Citizen”
- Dr. Chris Coyne, “Economic Problems and Public Policies”
- Dr. Anne Bradley, “Economic Problems and Public Policies” and “Economics Boot Camps”
- Dr. Rosolino Candela, “Economies in Transition”
Mentors Provide Practical Advice
This summer, 150 mentor volunteers and more than 150 students are taking part in the TFAS Mentor Program. During the second week of TFAS summer programs, TFAS hosted three “Meet Your Mentor” breakfasts. The breakfasts are the kick off to their summer-long mentoring relationship and a connection that will last after they leave D.C. This year, TFAS welcomed:
- 83 TFAS alumni mentors
- 85 returning mentors
- 34 new mentors
Overall, the TFAS program provides a once-in-life-time, all-encompassing unique Washington experience for these courageous young leaders.
Thanks to generous supporters, 82% 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.
Thanks to the dedication of our incredible alumni, supporters, and volunteers, this summer’s 2024 TFAS programs are off to a fantastic start!