The Marquette Les Aspin Center for Government works to develop responsible, well-informed leaders who are steeped in Marquette University’s mission of faith, leadership, excellence, and service. The Les Aspin Center’s Washington, D.C. internship program integrates a curriculum that examines various aspects of the American political process with an internship in an office suited to a student’s interests, whether it is a congressional office, federal agency, nonprofit organization or private sector firm. The Les Aspin Center Scholars Program is open to students in all colleges and majors.
The Les Aspin Center Scholars Program will select up to 10 high school seniors who have demonstrated high academic achievement and an interest in public affairs. These 10 Les Aspin Scholars are guaranteed the opportunity to participate in the Washington, D.C. internship program during the fall or spring semester of their junior year at Marquette (or during a year that works with their academic program of study). Pending availability, Les Aspin Scholars may receive an additional stipend award for the semester they are in Washington, D.C.
To participate in the Washington, D.C. program, students are required to remain in good academic standing and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.2. Les Aspin Scholars are required to take two introductory political science courses (POSC 2201, American Politics and either POSC 2401, Comparative Politics or POSC 2601, International Politics) their freshman or sophomore year. There will also be regular symposia each semester exclusively for Les Aspin Center Scholar featuring Les Aspin Center alumni and community leaders.
Scholars Program Information