Washington Program in National Issues

Check out the WPNI video: http://youtu.be/vtG3A9u2D6w to learn more about the program! Check out our website at http://www.kent.edu/wpni/index.cfm.

The Washington Program in National Issues (WPNI) is a full 15-week academic program offered each spring semester. A select group of juniors and seniors from various academic disciplines study the U.S. political process and national and international policy issues firsthand in the most dynamic and stimulating political atmosphere in the world:
Washington,D.C.

Photos from Washington Program in National Issues's post

05/31/2025

Our final WPNI featured scholar, Kelsie Lang, reflects on her experience in the WPNI program and internship this spring with the Southeastern Lumber Manufacturers Association in Washington, D.C.

Kelsie is a junior student pursuing dual degrees in Political Science and Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography at Kent State University. She plans to continue pursuing opportunities through her numerous involvements on and off campus, contributing to her passion for environmental policy driven by conservation and sustainability.

Thank you for tuning in to support the study-away experiences of WPNI 2025 Scholars in Washington, D.C., as they move forward to create change within their communities and fields!

05/30/2025

WPNI scholar Sarah Mogorovic shares highlights of her experience in the WPNI program and internship this spring with the United States Marshals Service as an Intern with the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) and the Behavioral Analyst Unit (BAU).

Sarah recently graduated with dual B.A. degrees in Criminology & Justice Studies and Psychology with concentrations in Criminology and Deviance at Kent State University and is continuing her internship with the U.S. Marshals in the DMV area this summer.

Stay tuned to meet our final few featured scholars and learn more about the program!

05/30/2025

WPNI scholar Noah Melhem shares insight from his experience in the WPNI program and internship this spring with Internet Works as the Federal Policy Committee Staff Assistant in Washington, D.C.

Our impressively youngest scholar of the 2025 cohort, Noah, is a junior pursuing dual B.A. degrees in Political Science and Peace & Conflict Studies, with a minor in Pre-Law at Kent State University. He is excited to continue diversifying his skill set this summer, as he intends to pursue law school after graduation.

Stay tuned to meet our final featured scholars from the WPNI 2025 cohort!

05/27/2025

WPNI scholar Nanan Diop shares insight into her experience in the WPNI program and her internship this past spring with the Peace Corps Office of Health Services as a Student Trainee in the Medical Support Unit in Washington, D.C.

Nanan recently graduated with her B.S. of Public Health Degree with a minor in Health Services at Kent State University and is excited to pursue her next opportunity in the Health Policy or Public Health field this summer.

Stay tuned to meet our final few featured scholars and learn more about the program!

05/10/2025

WPNI scholar Autumn Julio discusses her experience in the WPNI program and her internship with Essential Minerals Association this spring!

Autumn is a senior at Kent State University at Stark studying History. Autumn contributed to EMA over the semester as an Intern & Legal Assistant and plans to continue as a Consultant with the organization in Washington, DC this summer.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

Kent State University

05/09/2025

This week, WPNI scholar Hayden Thompson discusses his experience in the WPNI program and his internship with Indigo LLC this spring!

Hayden is a senior at Kent State University, studying Political Science with a concentration in International Affairs. Hayden contributed to Indigo LLC over the semester as an Associate/Consultant on the Brand Management Team, working with non-profit client HIPS.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

05/07/2025

WPNI scholar Kalista Cook discusses her experience in the WPNI program and her internship with Angerholzer Broz Consulting this spring!

Kalista is currently a senior at Kent State University, studying Political Science with a Pre-Law minor. Kalista contributed to AB Consulting over the semester as a Political Fundraising Intern.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

05/07/2025

WPNI scholar Ryan Kowalski discusses his experience in the WPNI program and his internship with the City of Alexandria Police Department!

Ryan is currently a senior at Kent State University studying Psychology. Ryan contributed to the Alexandria Pokice Department over the semester as an Intern, continuing his experience working with law enforcement.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

05/01/2025

WPNI scholar & our social media manager, Kellie Rose Kordinak discusses her experience in the WPNI program and given an overview of her internship with the International Rescue Committee!

Kellie Rose is a recent graduate of Kent State University, having studied History & Applied Communication and completed her undergrad thesis in human trafficking history research.

Kellie Rose contributed to the IRC's Anti-Trafficking team over the semester as an Anti-Trafficking Intern and has plans to continue serving victims and children in advocacy and case management work in the future.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

04/30/2025

WPNI'S 52nd CLOSING CEREMONY🌟

Congratulations to all the WPNI 2025 Scholars from Kent State University who successfully completed a semester studying in Washington, D.C.

Many students plan to either graduate or pursue internships or jobs in the area. However, ALL students gained valuable insight from their experience while living in the nation's capital.

The 2025 Scholars persevered through their internships and the course, despite the changing political climate and recent public policy debates this year. Their strong voices and unwavering dedication to their career fields are a testament to their character, work ethic, and integrity.

Stay tuned for the final student highlights from our Meet the 2025 WPNI Scholar series to hear about student internships and reflections on life in D.C.!

Thank you to Sarah Schmidt, Ph.D., Dr. Mark Cassell, Dr. Anthony Molina, and KSU WPNI Alumni for supporting the students this semester through insight, knowledge, mentorship, networking, creating opportunities, and fostering student curiosity!🔹

Kent State University, National Capital Alumni Chapter
The Kent State College Democrats
Kent State College Republicans
Kent State University Alumni
Kent State Political Science Department

04/29/2025

WPNI scholar Tim Sekerak discusses his experience in the WPNI program and his internship with The Daily Caller!

Tim is currently a senior preparing for graduation at Kent State University, studying Political Science & Government. Tim contributed to The Daily Caller team over the semester as an Editorial Contributor and will be continuing his position as a freelance writer over the summer.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program!

04/24/2025

Featured scholar Lauren Bischof discusses her experience in the WPNI program and her internship with 7News DC as we wrap up the final week of WPNI programming this week!

Lauren is currently a junior at Kent State University, studying Journalism with a Communication Studies minor. Lauren contributed to the 7News DC team over the semester as a Desk & Digital Intern.

Stay tuned to meet our next featured WPNI scholar and learn more about the program as students wrap up their experience living in DC!

Claim ownership or report listing

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Kent?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.