Why do students choose the SUNY Washington Internship Program? Because they want more than a classroom—they want to lead, to serve, and to do. Each semester, SUNY students from across the state come to Washington, D.C. to immerse themselves in the nation’s capital, driven by a passion for the issues that matter most to them. Whether advocating for public health, diving into diplomacy, or championing social justice, these students don’t just learn about change—they live it. This testimonial library captures the voices of recent alumni who turned a semester in D.C. into a launchpad for their futures. Their stories reflect the power of experiential learning and what happens when purpose meets opportunity.
Hear From Your Peers
“My time in the SUNY Washington Internship Program has given me valuable skills that I can use in my future career endeavors. It also created a welcoming environment that made learning easy, made the classes fun and helped me create life-long friendships.”
Bethany Ferguson, SUNY Brockport
“This program offers so many connections and friendships that will last a long time as I am still in contact with many people from my DC experience. I would say as someone who was quiet and unsure of themselves this program has made me more confident, and I think I am a better person for having done it.”
Ryan McLarney, University at Buffalo (UB)
“With the guidance of Robert and Casey, our class not only thrived in our work experience but also got to submerge ourselves as DC residents. We spent our Fridays visiting major sites such as the White House, the Supreme Court, the FBI , the Pentagon and CNN. Our visits gave me confidence and the inspiration to believe that I could one day work in one of those places.”
Shekinah Olatunde, SUNY New Paltz
“Working at the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and traveling around DC with my cohort has been a life changing experience for me. We had the opportunity to meet prominent individuals in organizations ranging from the Library of Congress to the FBI. My professional skills and connections have grown exponentially after my time in DC with Robert and Casey’s guidance.”
Linda Gherardi, Hofstra University
“Taking the leap of faith and enrolling in the SUNY Washington Internship Program, I can confidently say it was a worthwhile decision. The staff advocated for me, provided wise advice, and gave me the confidence to excel in my internship. I left this program with meaningful connections, hands-on experiences, and life-changing moments that now set me apart from other job applicants.”
Delaney Kennedy, Hofstra University
“The program directors, Robert Powell and Casey Cappelletti, are entirely dedicated to helping their students succeed. Thanks to their continuous support, the program offers an environment where each student has the chance not only to gain invaluable internship experience but also to have unique opportunities to explore the city.”
Isabella Peracchi, St. John Fisher University
“The SUNY Washington Internship Program has been one of the best and most formative experiences of my academic pursuits. I had the opportunity to intern in Senator Schumer’s press office where I learned a tremendous amount about communications in politics, which helped frame my future aspirations. However, it was the invaluable mentorship, Friday classes exploring D.C., while building life-long friendships that made this a truly memorable semester.”
Leah Schutz, Binghamton University
“My experiences this summer have not only forced me to step out of my comfort zone but also increased my overall knowledge and confidence and changed my outlook not only on my future career but life itself. The world is truly so much bigger and brighter than my small little town in upstate, New York.”
Annalisa Alicea, SUNY Cortland Class of ’25
“I left the program more confident, more informed, and more inspired to continue pursuing a career in public service. I would highly recommend this experience to any student looking to challenge themselves and grow both personally and professionally.”
Brandon Cirincione, SUNY Oneonta
“The SUNY Washington Internship Program allowed me to gain invaluable experience at the heart of U.S. democracy while also experiencing all that DC has to offer! I am grateful for all the program did for me so I can continue to carry the perspectives and knowledge I’ve gained into my next steps in life!”
Cole Wager, SUNY Binghamton
“My time in the program opened my eyes to the many opportunities within the political field and gave me a deeper understanding of the inner workings of Washington, D.C. Most importantly, it helped me realize that this is where I want to live and build my future.”
Andrew Casab, SUNY Brockport
“My time in the SUNY Washington program was truly an eye-opening and invaluable experience. It provided me with countless opportunities to learn more about both my future career path and myself. I am grateful for the incredible experiences I had, which have helped shape my personal and professional growth.”
Sushila Johal, SUNY Oswego
“I loved the SUNY Washington experience. It allowed me to develop an in-depth understanding of not only the field in which my internship took place, but many other fields I am interested in as well.”
Gavin Miller, SUNY Brockport
“The Washington, DC area is truly an amazing city, filled with so much history and culture. On top of all of that, it also offers a rich sports network which was a bonus for me as a Sports Management Major at SUNY Brockport. The program was a great opportunity for me to achieve my academic goals and start laying the groundwork for my career. I had a great time with the SUNY Washington Internship Program and absolutely recommend it for other students.”
Ryan Judd, SUNY Brockport
“The SUNY Washington Internship Program was an incredible opportunity which allowed me to explore potential career paths while gaining hands-on experience in my field of interest. The program provided me with practical skills and meaningful connections that will absolutely shape my future career. It was an unforgettable experience that I highly recommend to anyone regardless of major or career path.”
Mia DeGeorges, SUNY Binghamton
“Working in the office of a member of Congress will forever be a high point when looking back upon my life.”
Jubal Samuelson, SUNY Binghamton
“The SUNY Washington Internship Program is an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your interests, while spending time exploring a new place with new people. It is truly an experience that could change your life, as it did mine. I loved getting to learn new things every day, meet new people, make new memories, and explore new places.”
Sophia Cook, SUNY Brockport Class of ’25
“There are no doubts in my mind that choosing to apply for and participate in this program was absolutely the correct decision and a more than productive way to spend the summer prior to beginning my final year of undergraduate education. I am incredibly grateful to have had this opportunity and feel more prepared for not just a future career in government, potentially meaning a return to Washington, D.C., but my future in general.”
Kieran Grundfast, SUNY Binghamton
“I am incredibly grateful that I took this opportunity and would recommend the program to any student!”
Leah Siegmann, SUNY Brockport Class of ’25
These testimonials are just a glimpse into the transformative journeys our students experience each semester in Washington, D.C. Their stories show what’s possible when passion, purpose, and real-world experience come together. If you’re ready to take the next step toward your own future—and make an impact while doing it—we invite you to explore what’s possible with the SUNY Washington Internship Program. Your story starts here.
