This spring, TFAS welcomed a group of student leaders from around the country to the newly launched TFAS Washington Fellowship. TFAS has hosted students in Washington, D.C., each fall and spring for more than 20 years in the Capital Semester program, part of the D.C. Academic Internship Programs.
The Washington Fellowship is a redesigned semester program providing each student with a fully funded fellowship due to generous donor support. The semester program is now even more competitive and provides top students with dynamic leadership development initiatives and classroom instruction focused on key American principles.
Florida Atlantic University student Ignacia Jadue ’24, who interned at the State Government Affairs Council, shared how her TFAS experience had a lasting impact on her professional career.
“My internship experience, part of TFAS’s Washington Fellowship, has significantly enhanced my communication skills and propelled my career development,” Jadue said. “I’ve been constantly exposed to a highly professional environment and have had the opportunity to attend multiple networking events with influential political figures.”
The program features internships with liberty-focused organizations and exclusive events including guest lectures, site briefings and networking opportunities. This Fellowship aims to equip future leaders with a profound understanding of the values that underpin American society, empowering them to make a positive impact on their communities.
Throughout the semester, students took courses with esteemed TFAS faculty members including Dr. Anne Bradley, TFAS vice president of academic affairs, Dr. Samuel Goldman, associate professor of political science of George Washington University and Karen Czarnecki ’88, executive director of the Charlotte Lozier Institute. Students earned up to 12 credit hours through courses such as Economic Problems and Public Policies, American Political Thought and an internship seminar.
The select group of 16 students also attended exclusive site briefings and connected with some of the best public policy experts and political minds in the Washington, D.C., area. Among these notable organizations include the Cato Institute, the Embassy of Japan, Competitive Enterprise Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the Victims of Communism Museum.
Chloe Binford ’24, a junior at the University of Mississippi interning at ClearPath this semester, highlighted how the Fellowship connected her with TFAS alumni who offered mentorship and guidance that positively impacted her future career trajectory.
Notably, Jeremy Harrell ‘07, the chief executive officer at ClearPath, is among one of these influential alumni who shaped her TFAS journey.
“I have grown my network and community bigger and deeper than I thought possible,” Binford said. “We have several TFAS alumni at my internship, and my relationship with them is beyond coworkers, but they are life-changing mentors that I will always be grateful for.”
Each student was also paired with a mentor through TFAS’s Professional Mentor Program, which gives students a personal connection to a professional in Washington. Mentors connect with students weekly on topics such as resume help, career guidance and advice on graduate school. Additionally, a panel of local TFAS alumni connected with students to share their journey after completing a TFAS program and how to navigate life in Washington, D.C.
Along the way, students made lifelong friendships and connections while they explored renowned historical sites at the National Archives, the Monuments and Memorials, the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress and a day trip to Philadelphia.
TFAS was proud to have this outstanding group of students for the redesigned TFAS Washington Fellowship.