Frequently Asked Questions

Does the WilDCats at the Capitol internship favor students from a particular college or major?

No. All students from all colleges and majors are eligible. If a student is accepted for the internship program, the steering committee will work the student and their academic advisor to determine how the classes will fit within their program coursework. Students are encouraged to speak with their academic advisors prior to applying.

Can I set up my own internship?

Yes. Each internship must meet program standards/guidelines to ensure that students have substantive internship experience. The program reserves the option to deny a student's participation if their independently obtained internship does not meet program standards. However, we will work with your Member of Congress, federal agency, private sector agency, or non-profit organization to see if they can meet the standards before making a final decision. 

How are internships arranged?

Upon selection into the WilDCats at the Capitol program, each participant will work with the steering committee to determine placement(s) of interest. The steering committee will reach out to the office/agency/organization to determine if there is an open internship position. Upon confirmation, the steering committee will work with the office/agency/organization and the selected participant to determine a date and time for an interview. This interview will be between the student and office/agency/organization. Once the interview is completed, the steering committee will reach out to the selected participant to inform the candidate if office/agency/organization has determined that they will be a good fit. 

Are out-of-state students eligible for the program?

Yes. Out-of-state students are encouraged to apply and are eligible for all scholarship opportunities. 

What classes will I take in DC?

Participants must enroll in courses totaling up to 12 credit hours. Our program has the following courses available for our students to enroll in to meet that requirement: (1) PS 391: Special Topics In Political Science (the course offerings will vary from semester to semester depending on the expertise of the lead instructor (3 hours), and (2) PS 351: Professional Development in Washington, DC (3 hours), and (3) PS 399: Political Science Internship in Government or Politics (6 hours). Students may also arrange additional or related coursework or internship credit with their individual department. Students may take advantage of online and distance learning options in consultation with their academic advisor and the Internship Director. If a student is planning to graduate immediately following their Washington, DC semester and needs more than the 12 hours of credit offered through the program to graduate, we encourage them to work with their advisor and/or the Internship Director to make appropriate plans.

How much does it cost to participate in the program?

Participants will pay the same UK tuition, fees rates, and mandatory housing cost. Since fall and spring students will have a full-time course load, they will be able to use their financial aid and scholarships. Accepted students will receive automatic consideration for additional financial need-based scholarships from the Office of the President, Department of Political Science, and Student Government Association. These scholarship opportunities may be used for tuition, housing, and other costs associated with the program, such as groceries and business apparel. The Student Financial Wellness Center is available to help students prepare a budget and plan for the semester.

Can I use my financial aid and scholarships to pay for the program cost? 

Yes, participants registered as full-time students in the fall and spring semesters can utilize their financial aid and scholarships.

Will I be a full-time student and will it delay my graduation?

Since the fall and spring students will be enrolled in 12 credit hours, they will still be considered a full-time student. It will not delay graduation.

When should the student enroll in classes?

The student will enroll in the classes after they have been selected into the program. Otherwise, they should register for classes like they will be here on campus for the semester. This is to avoid the student not being able to attend a class on campus because it is full. Once they have been selected for the internship and they will register them for the necessary classes.

Is housing provided? 

The university goes through the procurement process to secure housing for students. This is done on an annual basis through a purchasing contract. Accepted students into the WATC program will be housed with other UK students, along with potential other undergraduate students from other simliar-like university programs in the US. Housing is similar setup to campus residence life living. Each student's housing rate will be directly applied to their student account, mirroring the tuition cost application. 

Should I bring a car?

No. Students are strongly discouraged from bringing vehicles. There is limited street parking available. Parking garages are expensive, and there is no parking at provider housing. Washington's array of public transportation options will allow students to travel to all areas of the city. Our internship also includes a unique benefit, a student Metro pass, in the tuition cost. 

Do I have to be a United States citizen to participate in the program?

No. If the participant is not a United States citizen, they are able to receive an internship with many non-profit organizations. Members of Congress have broad discretion to determine who works in their offices, but different laws, rules, and considerations may apply to a noncitizen's potential service, based on the individuals status, particularly if the individual receives pay. For more information, click here. 

Is there a FAQ document for interning with Members of Congress?

Yes. Click here for FAQs when interning with a Member of Congress. 

If I have other questions, who should I contact?

Please contact wildcatsintern@uky.edu.