Back to search

CSUMB student selected for internship program

Sept. 15, 2009

Jonathan Aseltine has been selected to participate in the Congressional Internship Program.

The program, sponsored by the Panetta Institute for Public Policy, gives students an opportunity to learn about government by providing them with a two-and-a-half-month internship in Washington, D.C.

The 25 program participants represent campuses in the CSU system as well as Santa Clara University and Dominican University of California. They were chosen by their campus presidents for their exemplary academic achievements and their interest in politics and service.

The program started Sept. 14 with a two-week orientation at the CSUMB-based Panetta Institute before students travel to Washington, where they will be assigned to the office of a member of Congress from California.

The on-campus orientation provides classes on the legislative and administrative structures of a Congressional office, key California issues, the House leadership and committee roles, the budget and appropriations processes and White House relations with Congress, among other topics.

While in Washington, they will attend regular seminars with government leaders on aspects of policy including economics, the environment, foreign affairs and defense resources.

Aseltine was selected by a campus committee after a "very intense process," said Rebecca Nestor, associate director of student activities and chair of the selection committee.

A senior majoring in Social and Behavioral Sciences, Aseltine noted in his application essay that he spent nine years as a military analyst and linguist but realized that his technical job-related training needed to be supplemented with the broad knowledge base gained from a university education.

He worked in Bosnia, Germany and Iraq. "Each of these experiences is part of who I am, but I realize the need for our nation to conduct informed diplomatic and other civilian action before the recourse to military solutions. This is the reason I am pursuing my higher education," he wrote in his application essay.

The goal of the Congressional Internship program ". . . is to provide our young people with the education and inspiration to become the leaders of tomorrow," Sylvia Panetta said in a written statement.

The Panetta Institute covers all costs. Students earn 20 academic credits.