The Henry Clay
Internship in Public Policy
The Henry Clay Internship in Public Policy offers an exceptional opportunity for up to three highly accomplished students from Kentucky’s colleges and universities to be placed and serve in an internship in Washington, DC. Internships can range from non-profits to think tanks to congressional offices. Interns have the opportunity to attend events in DC, engage with Kentucky Society members, and enjoy the magic of living and working in our nation's capital.
This six week summer program is designed to provide valuable mentorship opportunities, unique networking events, and access to a myriad of successful political and business leaders who live on and around Capitol Hill. Clay Interns are given the opportunity to attend distinguished speaker presentations, hosted dinners and receptions, and even significant theatre and sports events. They often participate in and receive recognition at the Kentucky Society’s Biennial Henry Clay Distinguished Kentuckian Award Dinner Gala, a black tie event typically attended by Governors, Members of Congress, Supreme Court Justices, entertainment celebrities, and other notables at the historic Willard Intercontinental Hotel. Among the program’s hallmarks are a strong fellowship between past and current interns and the development of close personal relationships that so often prove very helpful to career planning.
Henry Clay Interns will receive a cash stipend, which may be used to assist with transportation and living expenses during the internship.
Who is Eligible?
The program is open to all students who are residents of Kentucky, enrolled and in good standing at a Kentucky college or university, and who will be a rising junior or senior at the time of the internship.
Students must have and demonstrate a serious interest in pursuing a career in public service.
The Kentucky Society seeks applicants who demonstrate superior academic and intellectual achievements; strong emotional IQ; uncommon maturity; peerless motivation to succeed in personal and public life; effective oral and written communication skills; the ability to work well independently and with others; outstanding trustworthiness and sound judgment; and strong self-initiative.