Explore Endless Opportunities In Our Nation's Capital

Imagine spending a semester in Washington, D.C., walking the halls of Congress, attending committee hearings, and spending the semester surrounded by monuments and memorials representing people and events that have shaped our nation's history. The D.C. Owls scholarship program assists students with living and other expenses as they pursue prestigious internships in our nation's capital.

This competitive scholarship program provides a stipend to selected students who secure internships with federal government offices or agencies in the capital. Whether you're interested in public policy, law, communications, or international affairs, the D.C. Owls scholarship provides financial support so you can gain hands-on experience at the heart of national decision-making.

United States Capitol building in Washington D.C.

Scholarship Requirements

The D.C. Owls Scholarship is available to students of all majors, provided they meet the criteria below:

  • The student must be enrolled at Kennesaw State University during the internship semester
  • The student must have a minimum 2.5 GPA
  • The student must secure an internship with a congressional office, federal agency, or approved organizaiton in Washington, D.C.
  • The student must commit to living in D.C. for the duration of the internship

Finding Internships in Washington, D.C.

Internships in D.C. are competitive and diverse. Each congressional office establishes its own internal deadlines and requirements for applications. Opportunities are generally available in the summer, fall, and spring, with summer internships in the highest demand.

While internship experiences vary by office, common intern responsibilities include:

  • Tracking and researching legislation
  • Constituent services
  • Attending committee hearings
  • Conducting tours of the U.S. Capitol
  • Drafting and editing speeches
  • Other administrative tasks

For more information on specific offices and deadlines for the Georgia congressional delegation, please visit their internship webpages below. Congressional offices regularly update their webpages for fall, spring, and summer internships. Please check back frequently to ensure you are aware of and meet the deadlines.

Application Information

The scholarship application submitted to the Office of External Affairs is separate from all applications submitted for internship positions. Applications for internships are typically submitted directly to the office, committee, agency, or department of interest. Only students completing internships with federal government offices or agencies are eligible to receive the scholarship. Students are welcome to apply for the stipend before securing an official internship offer. However, the stipend will only be distributed once the position has been obtained. For more information, contact External Affairs.

Suppose you are interested in participating in a federal internship in D.C., but do not plan to apply for the D.C. Owls scholarship. In that case, we recommend that you still contact us to discuss how the Office of External Affairs and the Department of Career Planning and Development can support you throughout the application process. 

  • Semester Important Dates
    Spring Semester (January – April)
    • Recommended Internship Application Window: August – October
      • Most Georgia offices in the House and Senate close applications between mid-September and late October.
    • D.C. Owls Deadline: October 15
      • Students should have applied to internships by this point and be awaiting decisions or in the final stages of securing placement.
    Summer Semester (May – August)
    • Recommended Internship Application Window: November – February
      • Many Georgia offces close summer applications between early January and mid-February.
    • D.C. Owls Deadline: February 15
      • Students should have applied to internships by this point and be awaiting decisions or in the final stages of securing placement.
    Fall Semester (September – December)
    • Recommended Internship Application Window: May – July
      • Fall deadlines for Congressional internships usually fall between late June and mid-July.
    • D.C. Owls Deadline: July 15
      • Students should have applied to internships by this point and be awaiting decisions or in the final stages of securing placement.

  • You will be asked to submit the following materials as part of the application process:

    • Resume
    • Cover letter