The summer policy internship program, initiated in 1998 under the direction of Edith Manns, is a seven-week learning experience for undergraduate students entering their senior year. Areas of study include environmental health, economics, state and local governance, public financial management, education and education reform, health care, and other topics vital to a functioning society. Policy interns dive into research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors and participate in weekly seminars to hear from the policy center directors, present their own summer work, and explore graduate study opportunities.
All students receive a stipend for the summer, and some elect to get academic credit as well.
This year 18 rising seniors from institutions across the United States and foreign countries were selected from a pool of 60 applicants to be summer policy interns. A highlight of the summer's activities was a roundtable discussion with The Honorable Andrew Young. The interns and their mentors also enjoyed a picnic at Indian Creek Lodge.