Students explore opportunities in Washington through WilDCats at the Capitol

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 24, 2024) — Since its inception in 2016, the WilDCats on the Capitol internship program on the College of Kentucky has been paving the way in which for college students to embark on transformative experiences in Washington, D.C.

Developed via a partnership between the Workplace of Federal Relations, the Division of Political Science within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and the Scholar Authorities Affiliation, this system has turn into a cornerstone of experiential studying for UK college students.

Gavin Cooper is at the moment a junior at UK learning neighborhood and management improvement. Throughout the Spring 2024 semester, he’s been a part of WilDCats within the Capitol interning within the workplace of Senator Joe Manchin (WV).

“My favourite a part of this program is having the chance to get hands-on expertise at a excessive stage,” mentioned Cooper. “Every bit of labor right here in D.C. impacts our lives in intricate methods and this is a chance to see how all the pieces occurs.”

At its core, this system provides college students a semester-long immersive expertise within the nation’s capital. Members reside collectively, take lessons and intern full-time, all whereas staying on monitor to finish their levels. This distinctive mix of educational {and professional} improvement permits college students to use classroom information in real-world settings, getting ready them for profitable careers upon commencement.

“This program is de facto particular as a result of it has allowed me to realize spectacular internship expertise with out interfering with my commencement timeline,” mentioned Cooper.

Through the years, WilDCats on the Capitol has expanded its attain because of collaborations with numerous departments and workplaces throughout the college. Final 12 months, the Workplace of Federal Relations joined forces with the Workplace for Scholar Success to advertise this system throughout all educational faculties and departments, making certain that college students from each self-discipline have the chance to take part.

Amelia Iliohan is a UK graduate who participated in WilDCats on the Capitol in 2018. She grew up in a small city in Western Kentucky and says this program was the one possible method for her to expertise profession alternatives in Washington. She now works because the affiliate director of occasions and member engagement on the Nationwide Affiliation of States Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

“This program created a gateway for me to search out my ardour for worldwide agriculture,” mentioned Iliohan. “WilDCats on the Capital is a complete program that educationally, financially, socially and personally helps UK college students from all faculties and all socioeconomic backgrounds. I’d not be in Washington, D.C., immediately in a profession I like with out my expertise in this system.”

Government Director of Federal Relations Eric King expressed the college’s dedication to prioritizing college students’ wants by saying Matthew Jackson as assistant director of federal relations, who will handle and promote the WilDCats on the Capitol program. This strategic transfer underscores the college’s dedication to increasing its attain in Washington, making certain that college students have unparalleled alternatives for development and success.

The WilDCats on the Capitol internship program is not nearly gaining skilled expertise and making a distinction. From working with Members of Congress to collaborating with top-tier organizations like NASA and UPS, college students can discover various profession pathways and make significant contributions to society.

This system invitations all college students to affix them in Washington and turn into a part of the WilDCats on the Capitol neighborhood. Their aim is to proceed empowering the subsequent era of leaders whereas persevering with schooling.

For extra info on this system, together with find out how to apply, go to www.uky.edu/wildcatsatthecapitol.