A-State Political Science Student Takes Part in Washington, D.C., Law Internship

10/10/2024

JONESBORO - A program that Arkansas State University students are part of is making a dream a reality.

The Washington Center (TWC) Academic Internship Program allows students to intern in Washington, D.C., giving them exposure to work in government and politics while staying up-to-date on their coursework.

"The student will complete an internship anywhere in D.C., take an academic course, and complete a professional development program. The internship and course vary based on student interests," said Dr. Jordan Butcher, assistant professor of political science at A-State.

Taylor McIntyre, a junior political science student at A-State, is enrolled in the semester-long internship. The Beebe native arrived in D.C. in September and is already immersing herself in the program.

"The program gives us opportunities to grow in our personal and career realms, from hearing speakers and getting to speak with them afterwards, to exploring the city, networking with new friends, and meeting with impressive minds from a variety of different fields and disciplines," said McIntyre.

During the week, she commutes via the Metro to her internship at a law firm in Alexandria, Va.

"I do think this internship has helped me, and at the very least has given me connections and opportunities that will help me through my professional career," according to McIntyre.

An aspiring lawyer, McIntyre says the program allows her to get a peek at her future while staying on track with her studies.

"On Tuesdays from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., I attend my class for this semester which is over U.S. foreign policy," she said. "This class has taught me a lot about the inner workings of every foreign policy decision that gets made."

TWC offers semester-long internships in the fall, spring and summer semesters.

"Taylor will be the 11th student at A-State to complete the internship program since we began in spring of 2023," said Butcher.

Recruitment for TWC Academic Internship Program is underway for the spring, summer and fall 2025.

"Currently, preference on participation is given to students in the Department of Government, Law & Policy, but it tends to be a more natural fit for those students," according to Butcher. "Our upcoming May seminar, however, can also be great for criminology students given the focus on national security."

McIntyre is one of 150 college students from higher education institutions participating in TWC program. She credits Butcher for helping pave the way for A-State students to attend TWC, creating a pipeline for those interested in government or law to get their foot in the door.

The program and university work alongside students to help alleviate financial barriers that might stand in the way of preventing a student from enrolling.

"This round everything is state-funded, but students can apply for the Berry Public Service Scholarship and have used that to fund part of their trip in the past. Arkansas residents can receive $6,000 in state scholarships toward the program fee and $1,000 off the housing fee from the state," Butcher said.

The Berry Scholarship was established by the family and associates of the late Marion Berry, who represented Arkansas' First Congressional District from 1997 to 2011.

To learn more information about TWC, one may contact Butcher at [email protected] or by phone at 870-680-8045.

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