WASHINGTON, D.C. PROGRAMS

ICPES      IPJ      IBGA       IPVS      LSI      CS & CSPJ 

The Fund for American Studies sponsors six Institutes for undergraduate students and one for law students in Washington, D.C. These Institutes prepare young people for leadership in the life of their communities and the nation by providing them with opportunities in the nation's capital for enlightenment and enrichment.

The Institutes are intense, combining lectures, coursework, internships, evening lectures and site briefings at key institutions of national government. Each Institute offers courses for academic credit. Through the internships, students gain practical experience that prepares them for their careers. Learn more about our DC Institutes at www.dcinternships.org

Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES)
Since it was established in 1970, nearly 4,000 students have attended ICPES. This Institute is intended primarily for students interested in careers in government, international affairs, public policy and academia. Students take courses which offer a thorough understanding of the American political tradition and exposure to market economics through comparative study. In addition to courses, students intern on Capitol Hill, federal agencies, think tanks, political groups or international affairs organizations. In 2008, ICPES added an international affairs track as an answer to increased student interest in U.S. forgein policy.

The Institute was named in 1994 in honor of successful entrepreneur John Engalitcheff, in recognition of his commitment to freedom and his generous bequest to TFAS. Students attending the Institute are inspired by his example to make a difference in the world. MORE

Institute on Political Journalism (IPJ)
The quality of public discourse in a free society depends heavily on the accuracy of information provided by the news media. IPJ was established in 1985 to ensure that future journalists apply basic ethical principles to their reporting and have the tools to accurately cover issues involving economic concepts.

The Institute selects many of the best undergraduate journalism students in the country to attend this Institute each summer, where they attend classes in economics and ethics and serve in internships in major news organizations. Participants also attend events at the National Press Club and regular briefings at principal news sites such as Congress, the U.S. State Department and the Federal Reserve Board. MORE

Institute on Business and Government Affairs (IBGA)
The First Amendment guarantees the right "to petition the government for redress of grievances," a right vital to a free society. IBGA exposes students to the processes by which business exercises this important right. Through academic study, internships in corporate governmental affairs offices and trade associations, and in panel discussions with leaders in the profession, students gain an appreciation for the essential interplay between business and government, and its effect on our nation's future.

The Institute was established in 1990 and was named in honor of Bryce Harlow until 2006. Harlow was a man who exemplified integrity throughout his career as one of Washington's first corporate government affairs representatives. MORE

Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service (IPVS)
The American traditions of philanthropy and volunteering are unrivaled. However, the wealth generated by our free society is oftentimes used in ways that either ignore or undermine America's core values.

The first project of IPVS educates students in ways consistent with the American traditions of philanthropy and individual responsibility. Students deepen their understanding of the history and ethics of philanthropy, while gaining valuable experience working in community organizations and foundations. MORE

Legal Studies Institute (LSI)
LSI gives first year law students direct exposure to the American legal system and constitutional principles. A ten-week summer program, LSI combines summer associate positions, academic coursework for credit, networking opportunities, and career development activities. Participants of the program have the opportunity to interact with leaders in the legal profession - enabling them to build a valuable professional network as they enter careers in the law.  MORE

Capital Semester Program (CS)
Capital Semester offers the convenient combination of internship placement, housing and coursework for credit all within one program each fall and spring semester. The Institute offers exclusive briefings and dialogues with national leaders along with numerous social events to encourage interaction among students. The result is the unparalleled "Live. Learn. Intern." experience in the nation's capital. In 2007, CS added a political journalism component for students interested in print or broadcast journalism, politics or public relations. MORE

Capital Semester on Political Journalism (CSPJ)
Experience counts in the competitive field of journalism, and there is no better place to gain valuable reporting, writing and editing skills than the number one news town in the world. CSPJ is a 15-week program designed for students looking for professional, hands-on training in print or broadcast journalism, politics or public relations. Students enrolled in the program earn credit at Georgetown University and attend exclusive site briefings with journalists, politicians and policy makers. MORE