WilDCats at the Capitol is designed to develop future leaders who supplement their education at the University of Kentucky with an experience that will kickstart their careers and further develop skills that translate to any industry for work.
About the Internship
The WilDCats at the Capitol internship program provides students with a dynamic opportunity to gain real-world experience and apply classroom learning in a fast-paced, professional environment. Students spend 40 hours per week interning in selected office settings learning firsthand about career opportunities in politics, communications, issue advocacy, research and more. Internship responsibilities vary depending on the needs and opportunities available with individual positions. Interns are responsible for collaborating with their onsite supervisor to identify and define their scope of responsibilities.
WilDCats at the Capitol is open to students of all majors. Participants in this program will remain full-time students earning 12 academic credit hours through their internship and classes taught by UK faculty in Washington, DC. By remaining a full-time student, students can use the scholarships and financial aid they have earned and continue on a timely path towards graduation.
History
Since its inception in 2016, the WilDCats at the Capitol internship program at the University of Kentucky has been paving the way for students to embark on transformative experiences in Washington, D.C. 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.
Over the years, WilDCats at the Capitol has expanded its reach thanks to collaborations with various departments and offices within the university. Most recently, the Office of Federal Relations joined forces with the Office for Student Success to promote the program across all academic colleges and departments, ensuring that students from every discipline have the opportunity to participate. This partnership marks a significant milestone in the University of Kentucky's efforts to create new opportunities for studnets and develop the next generation of leaders.