Inaugural cohort of OHIO students selected to participate in Capital Internship Program in Washington, DC this spring

Photo courtesy of: University Communications and MarketingPresident M. Duane Nellis

Ohio University President M. Duane Nellis, today, announced the four students who comprise the inaugural cohort of Ohio University’s Capital Internship Program.

This spring, these four students will intern with members of Ohio’s Congressional delegation to explore public service:

• Max Annable, a senior triple major student in the College of Arts and Sciences and the Center for International Studies from Oberlin, Ohio, is interning in Senator Sherrod Brown’s office;
• Blair Egan, a senior in the College of Arts and Sciences from Libertyville, Illinois, will intern in Congressman Brad Wenstrup’s office;
• Krissy Wahlers, a sophomore in the Honors Tutorial College from Dublin, Ohio, is interning in Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s office; and
• Alex Wainwright, a junior in the Honors Tutorial College from Akron, Ohio, will intern in Congressman Tim Ryan’s office.

The Capital Internship program provides students who have an interest in government and public policy with the opportunity to participate in public service by observing and contributing to the legislative process.

“I am extremely honored to have been selected,” said Blair Egan. “I feel as if Ohio University is placing its trust in me and the other students going, knowing that we will do all we can to be the best representatives of Ohio University that we can be. I’m hoping that this is only the beginning of a fulfilling career in government and public service. I knew in high school that wherever I ended up, I wanted it to be in a position where I could help as many people as I could. I finally feel that that dream is coming true. It is truly surreal.”

The pilot program this spring will provide this small cohort of students with an opportunity to intern full-time in Washington, DC, taking on a range of roles depending on the particular needs of the placement host. DC Interns will live in a common location, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and co-curricular opportunities.

“I am so proud of the cohort that has been selected to participate in this new internship program for students who have an interest in the workings of our government,” President Nellis said. “This coming spring, they will pave the way for their peers to follow as the inaugural cohort selected for this experiential learning opportunity. We hope this opportunity helps them to better understand the challenges and rewards of public service while developing strong leadership skills.”
 
In addition to committing 40 hours per week to their internship, during their semester in Washington, students will take a minimum of 12 credit hours, which feature the Political Science Public Affairs Internship class and other course options.

“I am excited and honored to represent Ohio University and President Nellis as an intern in Sherrod Brown’s Office,” said Max Annable. “I hope this internship leads to a better understanding about the role of Congress in our everyday lives. It is my goal to make meaningful connections that could lead to further opportunities in government or public service. I am thankful to Ohio University for this opportunity to advance my education through experiential learning.”

The students will also engage through additional enrichment opportunities, organized specifically for them, including the opportunity to attend events with distinguished alumni, participate in sessions with OHIO faculty and staff visiting DC, and of course opportunities to tour significant area institutions.

More information about Ohio University Capital Internship Program can be found online at https://www.ohio.edu/president/initiatives/capital-internship-program.cfm.