Boilers Go to D.C. Maymester is an experiential learning program to study up close the historic interconnections of political communication, government, civics, news media, non-profits, and other influential organizations. During this course, participants meet and interact with Washington decision-makers and communicators and visit historic sites that changed the course of our nation.
LEARNING IN D.C.
Boilers Go to D.C. (BGDC) is an experiential learning program to study up close the historic interconnections of political communication, government, news media, non-profits, and other influential organizations. During this course, participants meet and interact with Washington decision-makers and communicators and visit historic sites that changed the course of our nation. Students will learn about politics, and political communication, and develop fundamental media literacy including finding reliable news sources and deciphering media biases and motivations.
This course will include foundational career readiness and an innovative mentorship component in which students will be matched with a mentor from the Washington, D.C region to learn about career paths in a variety of fields and learn about living and working in DC. Students will also meet and connect with other Purdue alumni including C-SPAN Founder Brian Lamb.
LIVING IN D.C.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Students will stay in fully furnished apartments. Apartments are primarily two-bedroom, two-bath units with a shared common space of living room, kitchen and dining area. Cost of accommodations is covered by the course fee.
FINANCIAL NEEDS SCHOLARSHIPS
To ensure more Purdue University students have the chance to experience the Boilers Go to D.C. program, the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship & Engagement helps provide Boilermakers in need with scholarship opportunities.
Please contact Cara Keyes smit4800@purdue.edu for more information
Student Stories
Check out our Full Playlist to Learn about the tremendous impact of our Boilers Go to D.C. Programs:
https://bit.ly/BGDC_StudentStories
REQUIREMENTS
Boilers Go To D.C.
Politics and Communication Then and Now
Course Registration Information: Washington DC Practicum – COM 491 / POL 429 / HIST 302
Credits: 3.0 hours
Eligibility:
- Program is open to Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors who have not graduate prior to the start of the course.
- Full Time undergraduate student
- All majors welcome to apply
Admission Requirements
- A cumulative GPA of at least 2.3 and good standing (no probation) with the University
- Must currently be enrolled as an undergraduate student and not have graduated prior to the start of the course
- Applicant Interview
Must submit all of the following by the application deadline:
- Application
- Resume
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from a current Purdue University faculty member
- Cover letter
- Explain your reasons and interest in participating in the course
- List three goals you have for this course
MENTOR A BOILER
The Boilers Go to D.C. Alumni Mentorship creates opportunities for Purdue University alumni in the Washington, D.C. region and students attending the Boilers Go to D.C. course to develop professional relationships that can help students find internships, learn about career paths, get professional advice, and prepare for a successful career in our nation’s capitol after graduation. This mentorship program is designed to be flexible yet impactful for both alumni and students.
If you would like to volunteer for the next Boilers Go to DC Alumni Mentorship, click the Mentor Form link below.
Questions? Contact Cara Keyes, Interim Managing Director at smit4800@purdue.edu
SEND A BOILER TO D.C.
The BGDC program gives Boilermakers the chance to tour our country’s most historic monuments, connect with alumni, and take a political communication course taught by C-SPAN founder and Purdue alumnus Brian Lamb.
Due to financial barriers, not every student who qualifies for this once-in-a-lifetime experience is able to participate.
By making a gift to the BGDC program, you can join the Center for C-SPAN Scholarship and Engagement in encouraging students to participate in the political process and learn about the role government plays in their lives.
2027 APPLICATION
The 2027 Boilers Go to DC Maymester Application will open in Spring 2027.
Questions? Contact Cara Keyes, Interim Managing Director at smit4800@purdue.edu