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The LUC in DC program at ºÚÁÏÃÅUniversity Chicago, a collaboration between the Department of Political Science in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Communication, is a semester-long immersive experience that allows students to live, study, and intern in Washington, D.C.  

This semester, 13 ºÚÁÏÃÅstudents are participating in the program, interning with a range of prestigious representatives and organizations–from Senate and House offices to national advocacy campaigns.  

"Loyola’s LUC in DC program provides students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the political heart of the nation,” said Peter J. Schraeder, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, “This immersive program is an invaluable resource for students looking to make a meaningful impact in public service, government, and advocacy. It exemplifies how our faculty and programs prepare students for successful careers.” 

The program is led by Susan Dimock, a full-time lecturer in the Department of Political Science, who serves as Resident Director.  

“LUC in DC gives students an opportunity to fully immerse themselves in a new city and a new job surrounded by people who share their interests and passions,” Dimock shared. “Students are able to see and experience first-hand politics and policymaking. They learn what it takes to follow policy issues and communicate key information.” 

Dimock is joined by Allison Steve and ºÚÁÏÃÅalumnus Saat Aletz, who teach courses on political communication, public policy and information technology, and political advocacy–ensuring students receive both real-world experience and academic guidance. 

“I am fortunate to work with bright and engaging young people during their first professional experience,” Dimock expressed. “When my students finish their time in DC, they know how to apply for a job and be successful in a new position, and they have a better sense of themselves and what they see for their future,” 

For senior Sabrina Cunningham, an English and philosophy double major with a political science minor, the program had been a goal since her freshman year. During her junior year, she brought that goal to life–interning on federal campaigns and discovering both excitement and clarity about her future. 

“Learning about the process of campaigns and functioning of political action committees really showed me how deeply I care about politics,” Cunningham shared. “Specifically, I found a passion in ensuring constituents are being represented properly by their representatives and finding the right candidate to support.” 

This semester’s cohort includes students interning in a variety of impactful positions: 

Junior Esmerelda Valerio, a political science major, is serving as a legislative intern in Representative Danny Davis’s office, from Illinois’ 7th congressional district.  

In a recent , Valerio reflected, “A cool moment in the office was when I was able to hold a stakeholder meeting, regarding immigration, on my own.” 

Ronan Valera, a junior majoring in political science and double minoring in Law & Politics and Criminal Justice & Criminology, is working in the Office of Congresswoman Robin Kelly from Illinois’ 2nd congressional district. 

“The lessons I am learning and the experiences I have been able to partake in have been moments of a lifetime,” Valera shared in a blog. “This program has reignited my love for government and politics, and I cannot wait to come back here someday.” 

As students like Valera look ahead to their future careers, Dimock encourages current students to not be afraid to take the first step.  

“For students interested in a career in national-level politics and policy, come to DC,” Dimock advised. “Once you land an internship, fellowship, or job, have confidence in yourself, don’t be afraid to ask questions, be willing to take on any task, be flexible, write concisely, and be upbeat.  You will contribute to your office, and they will value you.” 

Learn more about the LUC in DC program, the Department of Political Science, and the School of Communication. 

ºÚÁÏÃÅ the College of Arts and Sciences

The College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest of ºÚÁÏÃÅUniversity Chicago’s 13 schools and colleges. More than 150 years since its founding, the College is home to 20 academic departments, 31 interdisciplinary programs, and 7 interdisciplinary centers, more than 450 full-time faculty, and nearly 8,000 students. The 2,000+ classes that we offer each semester span an array of intellectual pursuits, ranging from the natural sciences and computational sciences to the humanities, the social sciences, and the fine and performing arts. Our students and faculty are engaged internationally at our campus in Rome, Italy, as well as at dozens of university-sponsored study abroad and research sites around the world. Home to the departments that anchor the university’s Core Curriculum, the College seeks to prepare all of Loyola’s students to think critically, to engage the world of the 21^st century at ever deepening levels, and to become caring and compassionate individuals. Our faculty, staff, and students view service to others not just as one option among many, but as a constitutive dimension of their very being. In the truest sense of the Jesuit ideal, our graduates strive to be “individuals for others.”