The 2025 D.C. Academic Internship Programs closed with a captivating ceremony, celebrating the graduation of 286 students from their transformative eight-week experience in Washington, D.C. Each summer, TFAS provides hundreds of outstanding undergraduate students from across the United States and around the world with an unforgettable experience in the nation’s capital. Students embark on internships, attend guest lectures and site briefings, and connect with TFAS alumni and supporters across D.C.

Courses on Economics and Politics at George Mason University

As a champion of free markets and principled leadership, TFAS partners with George Mason University to offer students the opportunity to earn academic credit through rigorous courses in economics and political science. These courses provide students with a deep understanding of the free enterprise system and the economic way of thinking. Through this educational experience, TFAS addresses the growing need to cultivate economically literate and informed leaders for the future of the United States.

This summer’s courses included Economics for the Citizen, Economic Problems and Public Policies, and Economies in Transition. Additionally, students had the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective courses, such as U.S. Foreign Policy and American Political Thought.

This year’s esteemed faculty included:

• Dr. Anne Bradley, TFAS Vice President of Academic Affairs
• Dr. Ekaterina Brancato, George Mason University
• Dr. Rosolino Candela, Mercatus Center at George Mason University
• Dr. Christopher Coyne, George Mason University
• Karen M. Czarnecki, Charlotte Lozier Institute
• Dr. Samuel Goldman, George Washington University
• Dr. Milorad Lazic, U.S. Naval Academy

Aryan Prasad ’25, a rising senior at Skidmore College, highlighted how the academic component of the program helped shape his goals and deepen his interest in policy analysis.

“One of the most impactful parts of the program was taking the course Public Policy and Economic Problems with Professor Christopher Coyne,” Prasad said. “This class was foundational to my experience as an aspiring policy analyst. It not only introduced me to economic thinking in a practical, policy-focused context but also equipped me with the tools and questions necessary to critically evaluate real-world government challenges.”

Inspiring Site Visits and Guest Lectures

Each summer, TFAS provides students with a dynamic and immersive introduction to Washington, D.C. To kick off the experience, students take part in guided tours of the city’s most iconic monuments and memorials. They also attend exclusive site visits and briefings at prominent institutions, such as the U.S. Department of State, the Pentagon, the Organization of American States, the National Press Club, and several foreign embassies.

Featured Lectures

At this year’s annual Lev Dobriansky Lecture on Political Economy, Marian L. Tupy of the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity delivered thought-provoking insights on economic development and prosperity.

Lord Daniel Hannan, founding president of the Institute for Free Trade and member of the House of Lords, served as the keynote speaker for the annual Neal B. Freeman Lecture. He delivered a compelling address on the historical and constitutional foundations of the United States, highlighting key differences with the European Union.

Reflecting on her summer in Washington, D.C., Alexis Lyndsay ’25, a student at Kennesaw State University shared how the program profoundly shaped her personal and professional growth.

“Participating in TFAS has been a life-changing experience,” Lyndsay said. “From the rigorous academic coursework and thought-provoking guest lectures to my internship and professional development events, I have gained both practical skills and a deeper understanding of public policy, leadership and civic engagement.”

The annual Capitol Hill Lecture Series, a summer highlight, was hosted in partnership with the office of Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky. This year’s speakers included Sen. Rand Paul, Jonathan Turley, Jeffrey Rosen and Marty Makary. Their talks focused on foundational principles of American democracy, including the U.S. Constitution, the First Amendment, free-market economics, and priorities of the FDA.

The Power of Mentoring and Networking

Students explored a wide range of public and private sector professions through more than 35 career-focused small group discussions. These sessions featured representatives from leading nonprofits, think tanks, media organizations, international institutions and government agencies. To further prepare students, professional leadership workshops covered essential topics such as professional etiquette, networking and personal branding.

This summer marked the launch of the new Mentor Mixers program, which connected students with accomplished TFAS alumni and supporters. The program gave students the opportunity to engage with multiple professionals through structured networking mixers and many continued the conversation afterward in one-on-one mentoring sessions.These intimate settings allow students to hear personal career stories, receive tailored guidance and begin building lasting professional relationships.

Close to 40 alumni gathered at George Mason University for the annual Alumni Roundtable Networking Dinner, reconnecting with one another and offering guidance to current students. Throughout the evening, alumni and TFAS supporters shared insights from their personal and professional journeys. Conversations focused on maximizing their TFAS experience in Washington, D.C., navigating the transition from college to career and offering advice after graduation.

Closing Ceremony

Students gathered one final time at George Mason University for the Closing Ceremony on July 25. The class reflected on their time in the nation’s capital, expressing appreciation to the staff, faculty and mentors whose dedication made the experience possible. During the ceremony’s “Student Summer Snapshots” segment, one representative from each program track shared key takeaways from the summer, highlighting the program’s motto: Live, Learn, Intern and Connect.

TFAS is thankful to the dedicated supporters whose generosity brings the TFAS student experience to life. Your contributions help provide life-changing opportunities for future TFAS students. Support the next generation of courageous leaders here.

Watch the full Closing Ceremony below.