The Capitol Scholars Program is an immersive summer internship program in Washington, D.C., for exceptional University of Alabama System students who plan to pursue a career opportunity in or around the government.
Grounded in the belief that immersive, high-impact experiential learning can shape students into civic-minded professionals, the program prepares participants to serve Alabama and contribute meaningfully in government, public policy, advocacy, and related fields.
This curated experience connects academic excellence, public service, leadership development, professional exposure, and alumni network-building through a curated summer experience in Washington, D.C. By placing students in meaningful internship settings and surrounding them with intentional learning, mentoring, and networking opportunities, the program expands students’ understanding of government while helping them imagine and pursue future careers in public service and governmental affairs.
To learn more about the Capitol Scholars Program, including details about internships, external experiences and even a sample timeline, please review this infographic created by alumni of the 2025 Capitol Scholars Program:
Class of 2026 Capitol Scholars
The University of Alabama System proudly introduces the 18 students selected for the 2026 class of Capitol Scholars.
Capitol Scholars Program Pillars
Access to Opportunity
The Capitol Scholars Program provides merit-based access to highly competitive professional experiences in Washington, D.C. For many students, entry into government, policy, advocacy, or public affairs careers depends not only on talent and interest, but also on access to networks, placements, and formative experiences.
Through the program, students gain access to:
- Congressional offices
- Committee offices
- Governmental affairs agencies
- Policy, advocacy, and public service environments
- UA System alumni and professional networks in Washington, D.C.
The program is not simply an internship placement. It is a structured opportunity pathway designed to open doors for students who demonstrate exceptional promise.
Exposure to Government and Public Affairs Careers
The program broadens students’ understanding of what it means to work “in and around government.” Many students may initially think of government careers narrowly, such as elected office or legislative staff roles. The Capitol Scholars experience helps them see the wider ecosystem of public service and governmental affairs.
Students are exposed to:
- Legislative processes
- Policy research and analysis
- Advocacy and governmental relations
- Public administration
- Constituent service
- Federal-state relationships
- Professional roles that support, influence, and implement public policy
This exposure helps students clarify their interests, understand career possibilities, and see how different roles contribute to public decision-making.
Leadership and Professional Development
The program intentionally develops students as emerging professionals and civic leaders. Through intensive internships, experiential learning, networking, and reflection, students build the skills and dispositions needed to work effectively in complex public environments.
Key developmental areas include:
- Leadership capacity
- Professional communication
- Policy research and analysis
- Advocacy and persuasion
- Ethical judgment
- Civic responsibility
- Adaptability and professionalism
- Relationship-building and networking
- Understanding institutional culture and power
The program as more than a résumé-building experience. It is a leadership development experience that helps students grow in confidence, judgment, and professional identity.
Civic Commitment and Alabama Impact
The program is designed to cultivate a long-term network of UA System alumni who are intellectual, diligent, civic-minded, and committed to serving the state of Alabama.
The program connects the D.C. experience back to Alabama. Students gain national-level exposure while developing a deeper understanding of how government, policy, and advocacy affect communities, institutions, and citizens across the state.
The desired long-term impact is a network of alumni who:
- Pursue careers in government, policy, advocacy, law, public service, or related fields
- Remain connected to Alabama and the UA System
- Serve as mentors and connectors for future students
- Contribute to civic life and public problem-solving
- Represent Alabama with excellence in national and state-level spaces
Applications and Recommendations:
Applications will be available the week of August 17.
Students will be selected through a competitive application and interview process. Interested students must submit the following items:
- Capitol Scholars Application Form
- Resume
- Recommendation from a faculty member at their university
- Recommendation from an individual of their choosing
All materials must be submitted digitally during the application period. Students who fail to complete all four components of the application will not be considered for the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to apply?
UA, UAB, and UAH students who are:
- Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program and have earned at least 60 credit hours OR enrolled in a graduate or professional degree program,
- Graduating in Spring 2027 or later,
- Interested in working in and around government, and
- Available to intern in Washington, D.C., in Summer 2027 (mid-May to June).
Students will be evaluated on merit, including academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to national, state, and local community service.
How do I submit recommendations?
All recommendations are to be submitted digitally. Applicants should share a link to the recommendation form above with the individual writing their recommendation.
What can I expect after applying?
Students will be notified if they are selected to interview, which will take place at each campus the week of October 5, 2026.
What are the dates of the program?
The Capitol Scholars Program is a seven-week program that runs from approximately mid-May through the end of June. Specific dates will be provided to selected students in spring 2027.
Is financial support available for the summer?
Capitol Scholars will be provided housing for the duration of the program as well as a stipend to defray additional cost-of-living expenses.
Is there course credit for the program?
Capitol Scholars receive transcript recognition and credentials at all three universities within the UA System by registering for OCS001 – Capitol Scholars Internship Experience. Capitol Scholars are expected to fulfill the full term of their internship placement and experiential learning opportunities and maintain active, professional engagement throughout. Weekly check-ins, assigned readings, and reflection submissions are required components of this experience.