This past summer, 13 Honors students had the opportunity to live and work in our nation’s capital through the DC Flyers program, an initiative of the University Honors Program. Each year, this exciting experiential learning opportunity connects students with internships in Washington, DC ranging from Capitol Hill to federal agencies to nonprofit organizations. This experience is made possible in part thanks to generous support from the AES Ohio Foundation.
Established in 2014, the DC Flyers program has enabled 148 students to gain hands-on experience in public service, policy, and advocacy. Through an endowment, the UD Honors Program is able to provide students with housing in Washington, DC and a stipend to cover personal expenses such as food, transportation, and even dry cleaning expenses.
When asked why someone should participate in the DC Flyers program, Julia Redder, a Political Science major and DC Flyer from 2025 who interned with FDD Action stated, “The DC Flyers program is an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in Washington, DC for a summer. The ten weeks of this program are packed with experiences of personal and professional growth. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live, work, and explore DC, and discern the direction of one's future career. I concluded my DC Flyers experience with more confidence, more friendships, more opportunities, more knowledge, and a greater understanding of the world and my role in it.” Emily Derouin, a sociology major from the same DC Flyers cohort said, “Interning in DC was one of the best experiences I've ever had and I simply could not have done it without the DC Flyers program. I am beyond grateful that I got to have this opportunity and if there's anyone out there who's even a little bit curious about doing it, they should 100% apply.” Derouin interned with Representative Joyce Beatty’s office.
The DC Flyers program would not be possible without the generous support of organizations like AES Ohio Foundation. We extend our deepest appreciation to this organization, as well as our other donors, such as Former Governor Bob Taft and Don and Peggy Hambrick.
If you are interested in learning more about the DC Flyers Program, please contact program manager Dr. Laura Cotten Howell, lcottenhowell1@udayton.edu. For Honors students interested in participating in the program, please join us for our information sessions held at the end of September. Applications for 2026 are due on October 31st, 2025.