Lexington, Ky. (April 24, 2024) – Since its inception in 2016, the Wildcats at the Capital Internship Program at the University of Kentucky has been paving the way for students to embark on transformative experiences in Washington, DC.
Developed through a partnership between the Office of Federal Relations, the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Student Government Association, the program has become a cornerstone of experiential learning for UK students.
Gavin Cooper is a junior currently studying Community and Leadership Development at UK. During the Spring 2024 semester, he has been part of the Wildcats at the Capitol interning in the office of Senator Joe Manchin (WV).
“My favorite part of this program is the opportunity to get practical experience at a high level,” Cooper said. “Every job here in DC affects our lives in complex ways and it’s an opportunity to see how everything happens.”
At its core, the program provides students with a semester-long intensive experience in the nation’s capital. Participants live together, take classes and intern full-time, while staying on track to complete their degree. This unique blend of academic and professional development enables students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, preparing them for successful careers upon graduation.
“This program is really special because it has allowed me to gain impactful internship experience without interfering with my graduation timeline,” Cooper said.
Over the past few years, WildCats at the Capitol has expanded its reach thanks to collaborations with various departments and offices across the university. Last year, the Office of Federal Relations teamed up with the Office of Student Success to promote the program across all academic colleges and departments, ensuring that students from every discipline have the opportunity to participate.
Amelia Iliohan is a UK graduate who attended the Wildcats at Capital in 2018. She grew up in a small town in western Kentucky and says this program was the only possible way for her to experience career opportunities in Washington. She now works as the Associate Director of Events and Member Engagement at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).
“This program created a gateway for me to discover my passion for international agriculture,” Iliohan said. “WilDCats at the Capital is a comprehensive program that supports UK students from all colleges and from all socioeconomic backgrounds academically, financially, socially and personally. “Without my experience in the program, I would not be in Washington, DC today in the career I love.”
Executive Director of Federal Relations Eric King expressed the University’s commitment to prioritizing the needs of students by announcing Matthew Jackson as Assistant Director of Federal Relations, who will manage and promote the Wildcats at the Capitol program. This strategic move underscores the university’s dedication to expanding its reach in Washington, ensuring students have unparalleled opportunities for growth and success.
The Wildcats at the Capital internship program is not just about gaining professional experience and making a difference. From working with members of Congress to collaborating with top-tier organizations like NASA and UPS, students can explore diverse career paths and make meaningful contributions to society.
The program invites all students to attend Washington and be a part of the Wildcats at the Capitol community. Their goal is to empower the next generation of leaders through continuing education.
For more information about the program, including how to apply, visit www.uky.edu/wildcatsatthecapitol.
