Students explore opportunities in Washington through WilDCats at the Capitol

Since 2016, the University of Kentucky's WilDCats at the Capitol internship initiative has been providing students with the opportunity to embark on life-changing experiences in Washington, D.C.

Created by a collaboration between the Office of Federal Relations, the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Student Government Association, this initiative has become a fundamental aspect of hands-on education for students at UK.

At the moment, Gavin Cooper is a third-year student at a university in the United Kingdom who is pursuing a degree in community and leadership development. This semester, which takes place in the spring of 2024, he has been participating in an internship program called WilDCats in the Capitol. As part of this program, he is working in the office of Senator Joe Manchin, who represents the state of West Virginia.

Cooper expressed that the aspect of the program that he enjoys the most is the chance to gain practical experience at an advanced level. He mentioned that each task carried out in Washington D.C. has a profound impact on our daily existence, and this program creates an avenue to observe the processes involved in the task execution.

The program essentially provides a full semester experience for students in the capital city of the country. They get to reside together, attend lectures, and work as interns on a full-time basis, all while progressing towards completing their degree. This program is exceptional in that it offers a fusion of academic and professional growth, allowing scholars to use what they learn in the classroom and applying them in practical situations. This prepares them for a fulfilling career once they graduate.

Cooper expressed that this program holds immense significance as it has enabled him to acquire an astonishing internship experience without causing any disruption in his scheduled graduation.

Throughout time, WilDCats at the Capitol has broadened its scope by working together with diverse departments and offices inside the university. Recently, the Office of Federal Relations united with the Office for Student Success to boost the program's visibility across all academic colleges and departments, so that students from any field can partake in the program.

Amelia Iliohan, who obtained a degree in the United Kingdom, took part in WilDCats at the Capitol in 2018. She was raised in a little town in Western Kentucky and believes that this program was her only realistic chance to explore career paths in Washington. Currently, she serves as the associate director of events and member engagement at the National Association of States Departments of Agriculture (NASDA).

Iliohan expressed that this program enabled them to uncover their enthusiasm for international agriculture. They credited WilDCats at the Capital, an extensive program that provides educational, financial, social, and personal assistance to UK students of all backgrounds and colleges, for their success. Without their participation in the program, they would not have been able to pursue the career they love while residing in Washington, D.C.

Eric King, the person in charge of making connections with the government for the university, has let everyone know that the university cares a lot about helping its students. To prove this, he assigned Matthew Jackson to help out with getting the WilDCats at the Capitol program going strong. This important decision shows that the university is serious about helping its students succeed in Washington DC.

The Capitol internship program called WilDCats is more than merely obtaining work skills and having an impact. You get to work alongside congressional representatives and partner with esteemed institutions like NASA and UPS, giving you a chance to explore various employment options and contribute to society's cause.

The invitation is open to all students who wish to join the WilDCats at the Capitol community in Washington. The main aim is to empower and educate the upcoming leaders.

To obtain additional details about the program and its application process, please go to www.uky.edu/wildcatsatthecapitol.

The University of Kentucky is the main educational institution in the state, and it is devoted to enhancing Kentucky as a whole. The focus is centered on training the upcoming leaders, and ensuring that students are the priority in everything that is done. The goal is to change the lives of Kentucky residents by means of education, research, health care, and community service. The university prides itself on generating new ideas and being a source of healing. It can accomplish this through the hard work of its visionary and pioneering staff members, who provide 200 different academic programs, a research department that costs $476.5 million, and a world-class hospital, all situated on one campus.

Forbes has recognized the UK in 2022 as one of the top choices for new graduates to work for. Additionally, INSIGHT into Diversity has hailed us as an advocate for diversity. This shows that we are dedicated to promoting progress in Kentucky and building an inclusive environment for everyone. Even though our goals have evolved since 1865, we still keep our sights set on serving our community and beyond. At the end of the day, we are proud to be the go-to university for the people of Kentucky.

The University of Kentucky believes that students are the most important part of the college. The Office for Student Success is here to help you throughout your journey as a Wildcat, not just until you graduate. They have five areas and 25 units that all strive to help you find success. The ultimate goal is for students to have a meaningful life. The Office of Student Success believes in treating everyone fairly and inclusively. They provide excellent services to help students reach their fullest potential. This is who they are and what they do. If you have further questions or need more information, their website has plenty of resources for you. Or, if you prefer, you can contact a team member at 859-218-YouK (9685).