Goldstein Program in Public Affairs

The Louis L. Goldstein Program in Public Affairs was established in 1990 to encourage students to enter public service by introducing them to exemplary leaders.

Over the years, journalists, political activists, foreign policy analysts, diplomats, military commanders and government officials of both national and international stature have been guests of the Goldstein Program.

In addition to lectures, symposia, and visiting fellows, the program also supports student participation in models, conferences, field trips, and other projects that bring students and faculty together with leaders experienced in developing public policy, including our own alumni. Past field trips include visits to the World Bank, the U.S. Department of State, the United States Institute of Peace, the National Portrait Gallery, C-SPAN, the Capitol building, foreign embassies, and many more. 

The Goldstein Program also proudly supports classroom innovation and service learning. Since 2009, the program has provided funding for various student-designed and implemented human rights campaigns in connection with the Human Rights and Social Justice class.

Experiential Learning Grants

The Goldstein Program in Public Affairs offers a limited number of Experiential Learning Grants (ELGs) to offset the cost of summer experiential learning activities for political science and international studies majors. The selection process is competitive. Grant awards range from $250 to $2,000 for experiential learning activities that directly relate to public affairs. Grants may be used for reimbursable expenses related to experiential learning (transportation, food, housing, etc). Please note, this program does not pay tuition or fees, or cover lost wages. Grants will not be awarded for language study or study abroad.

EligibilityClick to Open

1. Applicants must be currently enrolled students at Washington College and rising sophomores, juniors or seniors in International Studies or Political Science. Recently graduates are not eligible to apply.
2. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good social and academic standing at the College.
3. Students must have been accepted to an internship, voluntary position or approved credit-bearing activity at the time of application. 

RequirementsClick to Open

1. Interested students should submit a one-page, single-spaced essay about their experiential learning activity to Dr. Christine Wade. The essay should include a description of the activity and the organization, the learning goals of the activity, and a detailed explanation of how this activity supports the Goldstein mission of promoting awareness in public affairs.
2. Students may apply for up to $2,000 in reimbursable expenses. A detailed budget must accompany the essay.
3. Students must provide a letter or email confirming their acceptance to their experiential learning activity.
4. Students who receive other sources of funding available for summer internships (such as Cater Society grants or internship scholarships) must disclose the amount and source of funding in their applications.
5. Awardees agree to share their experience with students at an event during the following academic year.