Indiana University’s presence in Washington, D.C., spans nearly half a century due to its academic leadership in public policy and international affairs. Now, with the advent of the new Capital Campus, IU not only anchors its history but paves the way for future scholarship and experiential learning.
Multiple schools across the university currently provide opportunities for students to earn course credit while interning with representatives, federal agencies and nongovernmental organizations.
For over 40 years, the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs has connected undergraduates to the nation’s capital through the Washington Leadership Program. More recently, the O’Neill School created a similar opportunity for those earning its top-ranked Master of Public Affairs degree via the D.C. Accelerator Program.
The College of Arts and Sciences sends undergrads across academic disciplines to D.C. through the Internship in Politics, Opportunity, Leadership, Social Entrepreneurship program. The Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Affairs launched the D.C. Global Policy Program for undergraduate, master’s and Ph.D. students who are interested in areas like international affairs and global business.
The O’Neill pipeline: From theory to practice
Monesmith grew up in Indianapolis and attended IU Bloomington, choosing O’Neill after a class sparked an interest in federal government, international relations and national defense. He interned for U.S. Sen. Todd Young, assisting constituents and supporting office staff while researching cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and autonomous research laboratories. The latter two were key focuses of a bill sponsored by the senator, the Cloud LAB Act of 2025, which would create a national online network of biotechnology research labs.
“You learn about the federal government process in class, but through the internship, I get to be a part of it,” Monesmith said.
Elliott grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana. His family’s experiences relying on food banks during the Great Recession inspired him to serve others. He chose IU Indianapolis since it is in “Indiana’s epicenter of public policy.”
After working for local campaigns, he served as a national delegate for Indiana at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. While in D.C., he interned with U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar, who represents California’s 33rd District.
“The Washington Leadership Program was the perfect fit for my passion and ambition,” Elliott said.
Undergraduate Bailey Rubinstein and graduate student Jayvee Del Rosario are both pursuing careers in public finance and sought internship placements at nongovernmental organizations.
Through the Washington Leadership Program, Rubinstein worked as a public policy intern for the Child Welfare League of America, updating the organization’s legislative agenda and attending congressional hearings. Rubinstein said the ability to connect with IU’s large alumni base in D.C. creates the “best opportunity in the world to meet and talk to people while setting yourself up for a great career.”
Del Rosario already had a successful banking career in the Philippines, but he wanted to use his financial expertise to “empower people in the margins, especially in the Global South.” Through the D.C. Accelerator Program, he worked for the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative.
As an implementation guidance intern, Del Rosario helped roll out Principles for Responsible Banking to more than 350 member banks around the world. He also assisted with the launch of the Healthy and Inclusive Economies Community of Practice, where 65 banks and institutional experts build resilient and inclusive economic systems with equitable access to finance.
“Navigating a career change, and doing so in a new country, can be a challenge, but O’Neill helps steady the process,” Del Rosario said. “Being in D.C. pushed me beyond my comfort zone, but there are supportive staff, faculty and alumni who help you thrive.”
Enhancing and expanding student experiences
“On Monday nights, everyone had to flock from their workplace to the classroom building then travel back to our apartments afterwards,” Rubinstein said.
The new building, located in Dupont Circle, includes dedicated classrooms, conference rooms, event spaces and on-site student housing with residential services. The centrality will ease students’ transit burdens and build community across various cohorts.
IU schools that were unable to host more events, enrich current programs or create new ones due to limited venues now have an option exclusive to them. As a result, the IU Capital Campus is more than just a building; it’s an open door of opportunity for students with a passion for public service.
