College to Congress Internship: Madison Piel ’20
Madison Piel ‘20, a political science major from Marlborough, CT, was selected for a prestigious internship with College to Congress on Capitol Hill this summer. Of 1,000 applicants, only 19 were selected for the 2019 program.
College to Congress is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and empowers college students to make meaningful contributions to the legislative process. Interns collaborate with a bipartisan ally and a senior-level staffer of the opposite party to address pressing policy issues facing the nation. The organization emphasizes the importance of creating a more inclusive and effective government and welcomes students of all political ideologies.
Piel aspires to work on Capitol Hill after graduation. “I strive to do everything I can to advocate and provide support to those without the means to succeed, and College to Congress has provided me with the means to do so,” said Piel. “My long-term goal is to return to school and obtain a doctorate in American government. I hope to help shape young minds while also providing them with the resources and support that is necessary to pursue a career in public service. My goal is to become a role model for those students in a similar way as certain professors at Assumption have become for me.”
Gregory Weiner, Ph.D., has had the pleasure of teaching Piel in a number of classes. “In the Department of Political Science, we strive to model rigorous inquiry into enduring questions,” Weiner stated. “Madison undertakes this activity with seriousness, and her capacity to grapple with complicated issues that endure in political life will prepare her for this internship, other endeavors in public service, and her lifelong vocation of being a citizen. Her work ethic is relentless, she is always curious, and her attitude is relentlessly positive. I have every confidence in her success.”
According to College to Congress, typical duties include answering calls from constituents, writing responses to constituent inquiries, attending hearings or briefings, giving tours of the Capitol building, among other tasks. College to Congress also requires interns to participate in a weekly leadership training, attend various events, submit frequent journal entries, and complete other reports.
Many students who applied for the internship opportunity possess few political connections – usually key to securing an internship on Capitol Hill – and some endure financial challenges. Each student who applies to the program must be eligible for the Pell Grant, have DACA status, or receive financial aid as a student with disabilities. The program covers all of the costs associated with the internship and connects students with individuals on Capitol Hill.
After the internship, several students continue their career in public service by becoming congressional staffers or policy influencers; some are inspired to run for office.
College to Congress only accepts applications from college juniors, seniors, and recent graduates.