June 1, 2026
A record 41 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, students will spend the summer in Washington, D.C., gaining hands-on experience in public policy, government, and public service through internships supported by the Howard H. Baker, Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs and the Institute of American Civics (IAC).
Students who are accepted into the Washington Internship Program receive career coaching from the Baker School’s student success team. In addition to career and professional development, students are offered housing at George Washington University. By providing housing assistance in GWU residence halls, the Baker School, and IAC help remove one of the most significant financial barriers facing students pursuing internships in the nation’s capital. Since 2022, participation in the program has grown from nine students to 41.
While housed within the Baker School, the Washington Internship Program reflects the IAC’s broader commitment to expanding civic learning opportunities across the university. In addition to the Baker School, the cohort includes students from the Herbert College of Agriculture, Haslam College of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences, Tickle College of Engineering and the College of Communication and Information, underscoring growing interest in public service and public policy experiences among students beyond traditional policy pathways.
“What makes this year’s cohort especially exciting is the breadth of opportunities students secured,” said Jordan Smith-Porter, coordinator of the Washington Internship Program. “They will spend the summer working in congressional offices, federal agencies, policy organizations, advocacy groups, consulting firms, and nonprofit organizations. That range reflects both the strength of the Baker network and the diverse interests of our students.”
The students secured placements across government, policy, nonprofit, and private sector organizations. Opportunities include internships with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, Personal Office of President Barack Obama, the Ingram Group, Bipartisan Policy Center, Niskanen Center, National Immigration Forum, National Security Institute, EFI Foundation, FTI Consulting, GE Verona, and offices led by members of Congress from Tennessee, Florida, Maryland, and Nebraska, as well as Senate offices led by Senators Marsha Blackburn, Bill Hagerty, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
“One question we hear frequently from prospective students and their families is, ‘What can you do with a public affairs degree?’ This year’s internship cohort demonstrates the breadth of outcomes public affairs students might expect,” said Dean Marianne Wanamaker. “Whether our students pursue careers in government, business, nonprofit leadership, law, or public policy, these experiences help them become the thoughtful problem-solvers our communities and institutions need.”
The Washington Internship Program runs through July 31, 2026. The largest cohort in program history, this year’s interns represent a growing pipeline of future leaders gaining firsthand experience with the institutions, organizations and policy challenges that shape public life. They will return to Tennessee with new professional skills, expanded networks, and a deeper understanding of public service.