 About
The Interns
The
IPA Washington interns are chosen from throughout the United States by a
professional and lay committee. Congressmen, Senators and executives of
Jewish political organizations have contacted us to let us know how pleased
they are with the caliber and performance of OU interns. OU interns have
served in many Congressional offices, including those of Senators
Tim Hutchinson,
Chuck Schumer, Joseph Lieberman and Barbara Mikulski, and Congressmen
Eric Cantor, Peter
Deutsch, Jerrold Nadler and many others. They have also served
in Jewish political organizations including AIPAC, the
Anti-Defamation League, the National Jewish Democratic Council, and the
Republican Jewish Coalition, as well as in the Hebraics Section of the Library of Congress.
We hope that our student interns will
act as informed catalysts for the political involvement of other young Jewish students at
their colleges and universities.
The Program
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"I
enjoyed the Program for both the Washington experience and the supportive network that
accompanied it. I worked on Capitol Hill four years ago, and this was a much more
fulfilling experience."
"I performed
challenging assignments I had never before attempted. I had the chance to write press
releases and speeches. I was also given the freedom to explore issues at hearings and
press conferences."
"The program was
terrific. It met--and perhaps even surpassed--my expectations...
thank you for giving me this wonderful experience"
2001 IPA Intern
"I am truly indebted to the OU program
for a tremendous summer. The opportunity to work on Capitol Hill,
among the nation's most influential figures, has been
incredible."
2001 IPA Intern
"Each summer I look forward to welcoming
another student from the OU and am always impressed with their
capabilities and work ethic."
Rep. Charles Rangel, D-NY |
The IPA interns work in their
office of placement on a full time basis over an 8 week period in June and
July. Interns work in an array of tasks which may include research,
constituent services, speech writing, and attending hearings of interest.
IPA Interns have a unique, and what we hope will be an ongoing relationship with the OU.
For this reason, the OU provides
programming to make the weeks spent in Washington educational and meaningful. Speakers
have included the White House liaison to the Jewish community, the Executive Director of AIPAC,
the Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council,
the legislative assistants of the House International Relations Committee among
other Washington leaders.
Housing, Food and
Expenses
Housing
Students are housed at the George Washington
University. The rooms are double
occupancy with a kitchenette, which allows for easy access to and preparation
of kosher food. GWU is located a few short blocks from Kesher
Israel-The Georgetown Synagogue where the warm Kesher community welcomes
the students for the summer. GWU is Metro accessible and convenient
to Washington landmarks and Capitol Hill.
Expenses
Interns should expect to spend roughly $2,500 to $3,000 on housing, food,
transportation in Washington and entertainment. This is partially
offset by a $500 stipend provided by the OU. There is additional
financial aid available on a limited basis. Please contact our office
if you feel this is appropriate for you.
Food
As mentioned above, students are housed in a facility with a kitchenette
(sink, oven, refrigerator, microwave) in each room. There are three
Kosher markets and a number of Kosher restaurants accessible by public
transportation. In addition, dinner is provided one evening a week in
conjunction with our lecture series.
Shabbos
With the exception of 2 Shabbatonim sponsored by the OU, Shabbos
arrangements are the responsibility of the individual intern. Kesher Israel
offers home hospitality to those who request it and many interns have
traditionally cooked for themselves and had small group meals on many Shabbatot.
How to
Apply and Receive Credit |
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