Students in the Washington Program spend either the fall or spring semester in the capital of the United States working at a full-time internship, taking two seminar courses, and conducting an Independent Research Project. Outside of work and academics, the Program Director organizes guest lectures from prominent political figures, excursions both in and outside of Washington, private tours of locations such as the Supreme Court or the Pentagon, and learning opportunities through visits to think tanks or the National Library. Past students have worked at a diverse array of organizations, such as the Sierra Club, the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, CNN, the Smithsonian, the Senate Budget Committee, and Amnesty International.
There is no better way to learn about the intricacies of U.S. government and politics and their impact on the world than to spend a semester in Washington, D.C. While the U.S.’s capital is known for politics, it is also a leading hub for international exchange, political economy, arts, culture, history, and news media.

Academic program:
Students enroll in two core seminar courses (1 Pomona credit each), the Washington Research Project course (1 Pomona credit), and an internship (1 Pomona credit) through Claremont McKenna College for a total of four Pomona College credits. Pomona College Politics students may count the two seminars towards the major. Credit in other majors may also be possible; this requires advance planning with and approval from the applicable department or program.  

Grades earned in the program will be calculated into the Pomona College GPA.

There is no CR/NC option on this program.

Living Arrangements:
Students will be placed into apartments leased by CMC and live with other 5C students participating in the program. More information will be provided to students accepted into the program.

Number of Students:
The program enrolls a maximum of 22 students from the undergraduate Claremont Colleges.

Host Institution:
Claremont McKenna College

Faculty Liaison:
David Menefee-Libey 

Eligibility:
Prerequisite: Must have completed one of the following courses before the semester of application: Introduction to American Politics (GOV20 CM or POLI003 PO), Introduction to U.S. Politics (POLI120 SC), or Introduction to Public Policy Analysis (PPA001 PO).

Program Cost:
Pomona College Tuition + Room and Board

Pomona College covers standard room (double room) and board. If a student selects single room accommodation that includes a supplemental fee, the supplemental housing fee will be billed to the student.

Students receiving financial aid may also be eligible for financial assistance with the following costs, if needed:

• a travel allowance, which is a contribution towards the cost of round-trip flight, train, or bus transportation from the student's home city to the program site. 
• a local transportation allowance if specified by the program as necessary for commuting for class and academic purposes. 

Other estimated costs