Correction: A previous version of this article said the Scripps Semester in D.C. Program was only open to journalism students. It has been corrected to say was previously open to all students enrolled in the Scripps College of Communication.
The Scripps Semester in D.C. Program, once only open to students in the Scripps College of Communication, is now open to political science students.
The program allows students to network, gain professional experience and pursue internships in Washington, D.C., opportunities less accessible from Athens.
Directed by Hebah Abdalla Lehmann, the expansion raises questions about how the change may affect journalism majors.
“We recognized that Political Science majors, who study the very institutions and processes based in Washington, would gain just as much,” Lehmann said in an email. “Expanding Scripps in D.C. to POLS students helps fill that gap and ensures more students have access to these high-impact opportunities.”
Lehmann added the program often serves as a professional launchpad, with students gaining experience in newsrooms, policy shops, government offices and advocacy organizations.
“They leave with not only professional skills but also a network of mentors and contacts that can help guide their careers,” Lehmann wrote in an email. “Many alumni connect their internships directly to full-time job opportunities after graduation, and we want every student to feel that same momentum.”
Savannah Swanson, a junior studying communication studies with a minor in political science, said she thinks the expansion benefits political science students without detracting from the program’s journalism focus.
Swanson is spending the semester in Washington interning with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s office.
“I feel like I would actually want a little bit more diversity in terms of the course load, and I also feel like this program just has a lot of good opportunities for political science stuff,” Swanson said. “The internship I have right now, working on (Capitol Hill), that would be amazing for someone who is in political science.”
Although the program has a wider variety of applicable majors, Swanson said she thinks the program is not necessarily for everyone.
“I would say maybe not (open the program) to anyone because then it kind of takes away,” Swanson said. “You do have those classes, and you don't get to pick what classes you have, so you have to be somewhat tailored.”
Addy Gerbick, a freshman studying political science, said she thinks the expansion is a natural step.
“I think that when we look at D.C., we think of government and politics, and having that available to people who are studying that full time is important,” Gerbick said.
Leah Nutter, a sophomore studying political science, agreed with Gerbick.
“The career path of a lot of people in political science is to become like a senator or congressman,” Nutter said.
Lehmann said application numbers have been lower in the fall and spring semesters than in the summer. Swanson said her cohort currently in D.C. is the smallest one since 2021, with five students.
Nutter speculated the political climate may deter students.
“I think in the current culture, we seek a lot of pushback against bureaucracy, and the White House is just the ultimate symbol of that, or why would you want to go and see gridlock in action or glorified people in these positions of power, which aren’t responsive to its citizens,” Nutter said.
Gerbick said the cost of the program may also discourage participation.
“I think they probably wouldn't know about the opportunity, and how the current political climate is living in D.C. can present some scary ways, but also living in D.C. is incredibly expensive,” Gerbick said.
Swanson said she thinks students are hesitant to leave Athens during the school year.
“I think that's why it's so popular in the summer because they don't have to sacrifice their school experience, and they can also do the internship in the summer,” Swanson said.
Lehmann said the program is still a transformative experience regardless of major.
“By expanding the program and making it more accessible, we’re carrying forward Scripps’ commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers that shape public life,” Lehmann said in an email.
