Over the past two decades, more than 650 Cal State Fullerton students have studied and interned in the nation’s capital through the Cal State DC Scholars program.
“The program has always been dedicated to creating a pipeline of diverse, engaged and effective leaders,” said Stephen Stambough, professor emeritus of political science and founding director of the program. “What began over 20 years ago as a visionary effort to connect students with real-world experience in Washington, D.C., has grown into a transformative, inclusive program.”
Open to students from all majors, the program provides participants with the tools, experiences and networks they need to become leaders in their fields. Throughout the program’s history, students have interned with such organizations as the U.S. House of Representatives, The Smithsonian Museum and National Geographic.
Equipped with professional experience and network connections, scholar alumni have gone to work in the White House, leadership offices in the U.S. Congress, and federal agencies, including the Department of Interior, Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
“The skills I gained as a DC scholar have been very useful and transferable. Additionally, the mentors in the professional workspaces helped me dive deeper into my interests and advocate for policy important both to myself and the district I work in,” said Karla Cardenas ’23 (B.A. political science), who interned with the U.S. House of Representatives and landed a role with the Association of California Water Agencies.
Since its inception, the Cal State DC Scholars program has expanded to partner with 15 other California State University campuses. Each year, approximately 40 CSU students participate in the program. In addition to an internship, they complete coursework that is taught by faculty experts who provide guidance while ensuring academic progress and professional growth.
“By providing students, many of whom are first-generation college students, with opportunities to earn academic credit, build networks, connect with alumni mentors and prepare for a variety of careers while interning in our nation’s capital, they develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to launch meaningful careers and help develop solutions to critical challenges,” said Stambough.
A Monumental Impact
The 20th anniversary celebrates the program’s success and the impact that it has had on students’ lives.
“When a program reaches 20 years old, you get to see the long-term impact it has had. Every alum of the program I meet says, unequivocally, ‘I would not have the career success I have if not for this program,’” said Jessica Stern, dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
“The program serves as a critical bridge for our students; it provides them firsthand experience in their respective fields, and gives them the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom,” said Meriem Hodge Doucette, associate professor of public administration and interim director of the program. “It also provides them the opportunity to try out a potential career path, learn about other professional pathways they may have never considered and expand their network.”