Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program
WHIP: Education in Action, Putting Principle into Practice
The Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program (WHIP) provides Hillsdale College undergraduates the opportunity to participate in academically intensive, semester-long internships or teaching apprenticeships in Washington, D.C., while continuing their Hillsdale education. WHIP is open to Hillsdale sophomores, juniors, and seniors of all majors. All WHIP students must have completed Politics 101, “The U.S. Constitution,” prior to leaving for D.C. as well as participated in “Pathway to Professionalism” with Career Services.
Apply to WHIP
Early Decision Applications for Fall 2023 are open between December 11 and January 6. Regular Decision Applications are due by March 3.
If you plan to attend WHIP in the Fall, we recommend applying Early Decision, so your application is done before classes even begin. If you need more time to decide whether or not you would like to participate in WHIP, you may apply by the Regular Decision deadline.
With questions or for more information, please contact Mary Greco, Undergraduate Program Coordinator.
Internships
Work On The Hill
WHIP students have the opportunity to intern for the White House, Congressional offices and committees, various think-tanks, media and news outlets, national security agencies, museums, lobbying firms, international trade organizations, charter and private schools in the D.C. area, or private sector companies.
Classes
Continue Your Education
In addition to their internships or apprenticeships, WHIP students select two or three academic courses. Offerings might include “American National Security Studies,” “The US and the World Since 1945,” and “Statesmanship and Public Policy.”
Living Arrangements
Live With Fellow Students
Students live in either the Hillsdale House (a renovated townhouse on Capitol Hill) or in other College-arranged housing on Capitol Hill.
Activities
Explore The Area
WHIP students also participate in a variety of activities sponsored by the Kirby Center. Opportunities might include visits to the Civil War battlefield at Antietam and George Washington’s historic estate at Mount Vernon or tours of the Pentagon and the FBI Headquarters.
Networking
Build Your Network
Being part of WHIP offers undergraduates the opportunity to build their professional and networking skills by connecting with Hillsdale alumni in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
Living in D.C.
Experience D.C.
Living in Washington, D.C. gives Hillsdale students the chance to live on their own, explore the capitol’s rich history and culture, and pursue personal and professional growth in a challenging environment.
"My Hillsdale experience was a terrific blend of personal growth and the discovery of my unique place in an ever-changing marketplace of ideas and skills. In addition, my participation in WHIP proved invaluable as lessons from campus gained real-world clarity in the capital. Blessed to work with both the Heritage Foundation and Republican Study Committee, I was greatly enriched by the internship program."
— Alex Miller, '19