A comprehensive leadership development initiative that immerses participants in the core concepts of free enterprise, personal liberty and the principles on which America was founded.
Held each spring semester, the TFAS Washington Fellowship consists of a curated curriculum centered around freedom-based principles, delivered in collaboration with George Mason University. Additionally, it provides valuable internship placements with organizations devoted to advancing liberty. Participants are also offered comfortable, fully furnished housing situated in the dynamic heart of Washington, D.C., and a $1,000 living stipend.
A selective group of fellows partake in a range of exclusive guest lectures, site briefings, and engaging professional development and networking events to further enrich their experience. This intensive program equips future leaders with a deep understanding of the values that underpin American society and empower them to make a positive impact on their communities.
INTERNSHIPS
GAINING REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Washington Fellowship program guarantees an internship placement. Dedicated staff work to match students with an internship that fits their interests, skills and career goals. Through their internships, students test themselves in their chosen professional fields, gain work experience, develop skills and make professional contacts. For decades, TFAS has forged relationships with leading organizations in public policy, journalism, government relations, business and philanthropy, ensuring students have access to the most challenging and fulfilling internships in Washington, D.C.
Internship positions exist within various fields and institutions, including think tanks, policy groups, non-governmental organizations, and media outlets.
ACADEMICS + GUEST LECTURES
CRITICALLY EXAMINING AMERICA’S FOUNDING AND FREE ENTERPRISE SYSTEM.
Students earn 12 credits from George Mason University. The courses are designed to complement the D.C. internship experience by offering a thorough examination of our free enterprise system and the economic way of thinking.
In-person class meetings are held in George Mason University’s state-of-the-art facilities, conveniently accessible via Metro train in nearby Arlington, Virginia. GMU has been named one of the top 100 research universities in the U.S. by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education and was recently ranked Number 1 Young University by Times Higher Ed.
A GMU transcript with a grade may be requested from the registrar’s office upon completion of the program.
LIBERTY FOCUSED LECTURES
Weekly guest lectures allow students to engage with some of the best public policy experts and political minds in D.C. Past speakers include:
- Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, The Cato Institute
- Rachel Ferguson, Director of the Center for Free Enterprise, Concordia University Chicago
- Steve Hanke, Professor of Economics, Johns Hopkins University
- Lindsay Hayes, President, Free the Facts
- Greg Lukianoff, President of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
- Judge Andrew Napolitano, Senior Judicial Analyst, Fox News
- U.S. Senator Rand Paul
Exclusive Briefings + Connection Building
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
TFAS hosts policy briefings and networking opportunities where students learn from experts, build professional networks and gain insider job-seeking tips through small group discussions.
Sample Site Briefings:
TFAS will bring you inside the walls of the city’s most influential institutions and organizations through exclusive tours and briefings with officials at:
- American Enterprise Institute
- Cato Institute
- CIA + FBI
- Embassies
- Federal Reserve
- Heritage Foundation
- National Press Club
- U.S. Congress
- U.S. Department of State
- U.S. Securities + Exchange Commission
- World Bank
Networking + Career Exploration
Students have a backstage pass to Washington institutions that most are only able to read about.
Students develop networking skills and explore a variety of career paths through organized events with TFAS alumni and other D.C. professionals.
Top lobbyists, nonprofit executives, journalists, Capitol Hill staffers, Foreign Service officers and policymakers share invaluable insights, allowing students to leverage their D.C. experience into a promising future internship or full-time job after graduation.
Mentor Program
The Professional Mentor Program gives students a personal connection to a professional in Washington, D.C.
Students have weekly virtual meetings with mentors on topics such as getting a job in D.C., resume help, advice on graduate school and much more.
Washington, D.C., – area professionals volunteer to be matched as mentors with TFAS program participants.
To learn more about the program including student life, housing, social events, as well as application details, please visit DCinternships.org/TFAS-Washington-Fellowship.