FROM CAMPUS TO CAPITOL HILL
For 33 years, ASP has invited students to live in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood in Washington, DC and grapple with what it means to connect biblical faith to public life and vocation. We ask what is required of today's young leaders as they take their place among the established leaders of previous generations. It's experiential learning, it's definitely an adventure, and this is how we do it.
There are three primary components to the ASP experience:
INTERNSHIP
ASP has been placing its students in high-intensity internships for over 30 years. Federal agencies, legislative offices and committees, international businesses, law firms, think tanks, and global relief-and-development organizations. For a list of recent placements-our internship report card, if you will - click here.
COMMUNITY LIFE
Escape dorm life and enjoy the opportunities of apartment living in the historic Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C. You are joined by 35-45 Christian students from all over the country, providing for a vibrant community marked by ethnic, political, racial, and theological diversity. You live just 8 blocks from the U.S. Capitol. Your building has a rooftop deck with an undisturbed view of the U.S. Capitol building and other city landmarks. Your apartment is fully furnished, with a washer and dryer in each unit. For a full tour, click here.
Community life is also marked by our commitment to service learning. ASP is intentional about challenging students to engage both the powers of federal Washington and the poverties that confront neighborhoods in the District of Columbia. Students serve together throughout the semester in a variety of work contexts.
COURSEWORK
Students earn 15 or 16 academic credit hours for their work at ASP.
All students enroll in ASP's Internship course (6 credits) and Topics in Leadership and Vocation course (3 credits). Students also have the option of enrolling in ASP's Professional Mentorship course (1 credit).
Each student chooses to participate in one of two project-based tracks: Public Policy Initiatives or Global Humanitarian Enterprise. Each track offers two courses for a total of 6 credits.
The Public Policy Initiatives track equips and supports students in their investigation of a pressing public policy issue. Students produce original research by engaging area experts and practitioners off-site and in the classroom in order to investigate the local, national, and global factors that influence policy-making in Washington, D.C. Students with a major or minor in political science, pre-law, public policy, history, or international relations should strongly consider enrolling in this track. Go here for more details.
Leaders in commercial, governmental, and non-governmental organizations are collaborating to address issues of sustainable development worldwide. The new Global Humanitarian Enterprise track focuses on partnership initiatives taken by these actors for the purpose of generating strong and positive economic, environmental, and social results. Students with academic or extracurricular interests in social causes and campaigns, business management and development, corporate social responsibility, intercultural studies, social entrepreneurship, social work, or sociology should strongly consider enrolling in this track. Go here for more details.
WHY ASP?
The ASP semester is designed with you in mind. This is your experiential learning adventure. Where else can you find a program in Washington DC that:
- Prioritizes a commitment to connecting biblical faith with public life and vocation
- Places you in such a diverse community of committed believers
- Provides such regular and unmediated engagement with expert scholars and practitioners leading in their respective fields
- Complements your internship experience with the opportunity to be mentored by established Christian professionals-often ASP alumni-in your field of interest
- Ensures you finish with an original piece of public policy or international development research supported by DC-based field research
- Invites you to join a vibrant alumni community of 2,500 strong, and as a program will continue to serve you through ASP alumni initiatives in the areas of professional networking and vocational encouragement
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or ideas on how we can start preparing to make a semester at ASP your best semester.
