Frequently Asked Questions

WAIP is designed for junior or senior undergraduate students. Individuals must have completed 60 hours of college credit, including a minimum of two semesters of enrollment on an Ohio State campus, by the term in which they plan to participate in the program. Note: Applicants must be at least 18 years old at the time of application. 

Candidates are required to submit an application and two letters of recommendation by the deadline of the term they wish to participate. A completed application includes the online form, personal statement, resume, writing sample and two letters of recommendation. Learn more on our How to Apply Page.

At least one should be from a faculty member, instructor or teaching assistant who can evaluate your college-level work and academic preparation for this program. At least one should come from someone who can speak to your professionalism, work ethic and readiness for an internship in Washington; anyone who supervised your work and/or volunteerism would be appropriate. Letters should be on letterhead when possible, signed and addressed to the Selection Committee, Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP). Letters should come from individuals who can speak to your collegiate academic or professional experience and skills. Recommenders can submit their letters using this online form.

You will receive an email from WAIP program staff shortly after the deadline to inform you if you have been selected for an interview. If you have been selected for an interview, you will be notified of the date and time by email. Interviews typically last approximately 20 to 30 minutes with WAIP program staff.

Candidates will be assessed for the following:

• Academic ability: Can the candidate succeed in class? This criterion is assessed based on GPA, performance in certain classes, writing sample and time management.
• Internship placement potential: Can we place this student at a quality internship site? Staff will assess relevant experience, candidate’s expectations, and recommendation letters and personal statement.
• Requisite levels of maturity and professionalism: How will this candidate represent themselves, the Glenn College and The Ohio State University? WAIP program staff will conduct a holistic review to determine if the candidate possesses the necessary levels of maturity and professionalism to succeed in Washington, while representing Ohio State.

WAIP is a competitive program. In the event that you are not accepted, we strongly encourage candidates to reapply for a future term.

Scholarships are offered to help offset the cost of housing, which can range from $500 to the full cost of housing, which is approximately $4,800. The average WAIP scholarship award is $2,000-2,500. All WAIP fellows are eligible to apply for the scholarship once admitted into the program, regardless of major.

Although paid internships in Washington have been increasing in recent years, they are not always available for all policy interest areas. WAIP staff work individually with each John Glenn Fellow to determine the importance of finding a paid internship opportunity, and work diligently to help find paid opportunities for those that need them in order attend the semester in D.C. While staff cannot guarantee a paid internship, they make every effort to connect students to a paid opportunity when necessary.

Other awards and scholarships at The Ohio State University are available for WAIP fellows. Some of these include the Second-year Transformational Experience Program (STEP) funds, the Career Accelerator Fund, and the Honors and Scholars Enrichment Grants. Students are also able to submit a cost of appeal through Financial Aid for any existing aid to account for the increased cost of living in DC. WAIP staff make these campus-wide opportunities available by organizing and updating them in a resources module on a pre-departure Carmen page.

While final approval to utilize STEP funding for WAIP must come from STEP program administrators, WAIP students have successfully used their STEP grant to subsidize the costs of WAIP. WAIP program staff will assist STEP students with documentation and other necessary items in order to get approval to use STEP grant for WAIP. Learn more: step.osu.edu.

We are committed to making every effort to ensure that no student will be denied the opportunity to participate due to financial constraints. If you feel that this is a problem for you, we urge you to set up an appointment to discuss options with us. You may contact Manager of Washington Programs Sarah Holbert to talk through your options.

Students participate in a course on policymaking and public service in the Washington community, and develop a policy paper that serves as a capstone to the program. Each student will write a research paper exploring a particular aspect of public policy that is drawn from their intellectual interests, academic preparation, and ideas and experiences gleaned from the Washington field placement.

Students meet one evening a week for seminar, taught by a local adjunct professor employed by Ohio State. Class meetings consist of discussion, common readings and guest speakers. Its purpose is to expose students to the field of public policy and invite them to reflect on the connection between public service and public policy. Reading and writing assignments will be required for the class, just as they would be for any class taken on campus.

Students will be enrolled in the following courses by WAIP staff after acceptance:

• 4191.02: Student Internship in Politics and Public Policy
• 4020: Contemporary Issues in Governance
• 4021: Policy Analysis Research Paper

Students will receive 12 hours of Ohio State credit for successful completion of the program. Students will receive three credit hours each for the class and policy paper, and six credit hours for completion of the internship.

In many cases, the credits you earn from our program are able to be applied to your major or minor. Consultation with your academic advisor is necessary in order to ensure how credits are applied. All WAIP credits will fulfill degree requirements for students majoring in public affairs.

As long as you have completed all of your requirements for graduation, participating in the program will not affect your graduation. You should meet with your academic advisor well in advance in order to ensure that all requirements are met (or will be met after completion of the program) before leaving for Washington. Because the program ends before finals week, students will have plenty of time to get back for commencement.

Students are able to count nine hours of WAIP credit towards the Glenn College’s Public Policy minor. Upon returning from Washington, a student can complete the policy minor with as few as two additional courses. Students can also potentially count the internship and/or policy paper credit towards the nonprofit studies, civic engagement, or science, engineering, and public policy minors with advisor approval. Please contact Steve Fink for more information.