The University of Dayton received $54,000 from the AES Ohio Foundation to help fund two programs geared toward developing future public servants. 

The foundation is providing $25,000 each to the Statehouse Civic Scholars program, an eight-week, summer residential internship opportunity in Columbus, Ohio, and DC Flyers, a similar program in the nation's capital. The foundation donated an additional $4,000 to the University's general fund.

When the Statehouse Civic Scholars program welcomes its 14th class to Columbus this summer, the program will have provided internships to 170 UD students. More than half of Statehouse Civic Scholars program alumni have remained in the public service sector, including in roles in and related to state government, associations and nonprofits. Others have been involved in public service in the Dayton region through city government, the Dayton Chamber of Commerce and the Dayton Development Coalition. Some Statehouse Civic Scholars alumni have moved to Washington, D.C. to continue their careers. 

Since the University launched DC Flyers in 2014, multiple students have chosen to do both programs, including Richard Morisette, a 2023 UD graduate who works in Columbus as a senior legislative aide for Ohio State Senator Jerry Cirino.

“The Statehouse Civic Scholars program and DC Flyers provide remarkable opportunities for students to gain an immersive experience in public service,” Morisette said. “If it wasn’t for the housing and stipend these programs offered, I wouldn’t have been able to afford these experiences.”

• More about the Statehouse Civic Scholars program: Twelve students each year intern in state government offices and with interest groups and lobbying firms, among others. Last year's scholars worked in the offices of the governor, attorney general, secretary of state, speaker of the house, budget and management, and several legislators. Students receive three credit hours, a stipend and accommodation in apartments near state offices. Watch this video with more info about the program.
• More about the DC Flyers: The program is open to University Honors students interested in civic engagement, governance, public policy, human rights, non-profit work or leadership, with preference for students engaged in the UD community and committed to a career in public service. Students receive housing in Washington, D.C., and a fellowship of up to $3,000 to cover expenses. Students work in federal government or other agencies according to their interest. DC Flyers has enrolled students like Anamaria Karrels, a 2016 UD graduate, who has served as a Foreign Service Officer in Zambia.

"We express our deep gratitude to the AES Ohio Foundation for its long standing partnership and support, which includes all 14 years of the Statehouse Civic Scholars program,” said University of Dayton Vice President for Advancement Chris Morrison. “Support from generous organizations like the AES Ohio Foundation help break down financial barriers to experiential learning, and ensure these critical programs can be available to future UD students.”

Anyone interested in supporting the programs can contribute to the Statehouse Civic Scholars endowment fund and the DC Flyers endowment fund.