GT@DC: Pathways to Policy

Applications will be accepted in Fall 2022, and program will launch in Fall of 2023.

GT@DC is a fully immersive, semester-long experience in Washington, DC available to the entire undergraduate community at Georgia Tech.

Led by a partnership between the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs (INTA) and the School of Public Policy (SPP), it will offer a “pathways to policy” program of courses, internships, research opportunities, and extra-curricular activities.

Students will enroll in a full academic course load that fulfills degree requirements, consisting of 6 academic credit hours for two classes, and 6 professional internship credit hours.

GT@DC provides an opportunity for Georgia Tech students to become connected with important networks of policy and practice in DC. Students can create a strong and enduring network outside Atlanta, gain valuable work experience, integrate scholarly and policy dimensions into their program of study, and explore public service as a possible career path.

Through their internships, students can work with government agencies, NGOs, global consulting firms, and commercial enterprises in Washington D.C. Through their courses, students will learn how politics and policy work. Students also will have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities to learn more about Washington D.C.

Proposed Courses

Each semester, course offerings will be customized to best meet the needs and interests of each student cohort. For example, GT@DC can offer courses that fulfill the humanities and ethics (Core Area C) and social science (Core Area E) requirements for GT undergraduate students. Specialty courses on international affairs or public policy can also be offered. Applicants will be surveyed for their preferences and final course offerings will be listed before non-refundable deposits are paid. The Schools of Public Policy and International Affairs will each offer one course.

For example, students might take courses such as:

Note that these courses can be used towards a minor or major in either International Affairs or Public Policy. Also, INTA 3050 can be used toward the International Plan. POL 1101 fulfills the Georgia Legislative requirements for United States and Georgia history and constitution content.

Courses will be taught by regular INTA and SPP faculty. Assignments will be designed to complement other aspects of the students’ D.C. experience (e.g., how to write professional policy briefs; using expert data sources; professional presentation and networking practices). They will feature guest lecturers who are prominent D.C.-based professionals, successful Georgia Tech alumni, and Georgia Tech professors. The students may also participate in joint classroom exercises with the home campus in Atlanta. Each course will meet once a week for three hours in the evening. The classroom is located in the same building as the student housing accommodation.

Internships

A key goal of GT@DC is to provide students an opportunity to intern full-time in Washington DC. Students will receive academic credit for their internships. Some internships may also pay a stipend.

Students may have opportunities for internships at the following organizations and more:

Note:  This is a list of organizations at which GT students have previously interned and with whom Tech currently has relationships. GT@DC will attempt to fit students to their internship preferences. However, GT cannot guarantee a student will be selected for any particular internship, as opportunities and conditions will vary from semester to semester.

If interested only in a D.C. internship, please contact the Federal Jackets program: https://gov.gatech.edu/internships/dc

Proposed Accommodations

Students will live in a housing facility in double, triple, or quadruple occupancy furnished apartments. The cost will be roughly the same as GT campus housing and would be included in the Program.

Housing will be within walking distance to the U.S. Capitol and offer 24-hour/day assistance for lockouts and emergencies.

Proposed Extra-curricular Activities

In addition to networking events with GT alumni and with other student residents, students will participate in guided field visits to government offices such as the State Department, the Pentagon, the Supreme Court, and Capitol Hill. They will also tour historic sites and museums around the Washington D.C. area, taking advantage of the knowledge and experience of INTA and SPP faculty.

Expected Cost

In state tuition + $6,300

Includes housing and some social events, but not flights, meals, transportation, or other daily expenses.

As per USG policy, all students will pay in-state tuition regardless of residency status. Students will also be eligible for financial aid, including GT Promise.

Eligibility

• Georgia Tech degree-seeking, undergraduate students only.
• At least 18 years of age by Aug. 15, 2023.
• Completed at least two full-time semesters of study at GT by Aug. 15, 2023.
• Good Academic Standing with a 3.0 (or higher) GPA at time of application.
• Able to be in Washington, D.C. for the duration of the Fall 2023 semester, INCLUDING through final exam period.
• In Good Standing with the GT Office of Student Affairs and Housing at time of application.
• U.S. citizenship is not necessary; non-U.S. citizens are welcome to apply.
• No background in INTA or SPP necessary. We are looking for a broad range of GT students.

Applications will be accepted in Fall 2022, and program will launch in Fall of 2023. For more information contact Zak Taylor at mzak@gatech or Larry Rubin at lawrence.rubin@inta.gatech.edu.