Students
Strengthening Idaho's future leaders and policymakers
The McClure Center’s student programs inspire innovative problem solvers and informed civic leaders with a passion for discovering and using knowledge. Programs offer high-level, applied learning and research experiences that focus on local, state, national and international policy, as well as connections with journalism, history and communications.
McClure Center student programs range from mentoring high school students to providing undergraduate, graduate and professional students with engagement in public policy research.
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Undergraduate students
A cornerstone of the McClure Center is to engage the next generation of civic and community leaders. We offer robust, high-level, applied learning programs for University of Idaho undergraduates. These programs create opportunities for students to use the academic skills they have honed through coursework and apply these skills in real world experiences.
Connecting studies with policy strengthens students’ resumes and allows Vandals to explore a variety of career paths.
Contact us to learn more about our undergraduate programs.
Vandals in D.C. Scholarship
The McClure Center supports University of Idaho undergraduate students with scholarships to spend a summer semester in the nation’s capital, in partnership with The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program (TWC). Students earn a full semester of credit while in Washington, D.C.
The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program provides students with hundreds of internship opportunities based on the student’s interests and goals, housing, academic credit, career readiness programming designed to develop professional skills and expertise, mentorship and participation in an academic course of the student’s choosing.
Scholarship application deadlines
- Ongoing recruitment: Announcements are sent around 60 days prior to McClure Center scholarship application and TWC application early deadline.
- 14 days prior to TWC’s early deadline: Scholarship application due to McClure Center by 11:59 p.m.
- 7 days prior to TWC’s application early deadline: Scholarship decision made and offered extended.
- Applicant must apply before the early application deadline for TWC.
Learn how to apply (PDF)
JAMM-McClure Legislative Internship
The Journalism and Mass Media (JAMM)-McClure legislative interns report to Boise for a semester of professional development, serving as JAMM News Service correspondents to cover the Idaho legislative session and State Capitol events. Legislative interns join the Idaho Press Club and receive press credentials to use while reporting from the Idaho State Capitol.
Legislative interns learn while they are on assignment. Whether it is pulling long hours watching a bill become law, attending contentious committee meetings or interviewing experts and constituents, they gain valuable experience and publish articles in Idaho newspapers and produce stories for University of Idaho’s Idaho Public Radio. The McClure Center works in partnership with rural newspapers across the state for which legislative interns provide timely legislative updates for rural newspapers — a valuable service that keeps communities connected to lawmaking during the legislative session.
To apply
- Send a statement of interest and a resume to mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu.
- Deadline: Wednesday before class registration opens for Spring semester.
Neuenschwander Communications Endowed Scholarship
The Neuenschwander Communications Endowed Scholarship supports a University of Idaho undergraduate student who is eager to combine journalism experience with public policy and nonpartisan research in Boise or Washington, D.C.
The endowment was created in honor and memory of Tod Neuenschwander, who served for many years as a dedicated communications director and chief of staff for U.S. Senator James A. McClure.
Contact the McClure Center to learn more about this opportunity.
Martin-McClure Student Ambassadorship
The Martin-McClure Student Ambassadorship is a partnership with the University of Idaho Martin Institute and is available every summer. Undergraduates majoring in international studies receive a research award to explore a topic at the intersection of international affairs and policy. This high-level, applied learning experience offers an opportunity for students to spend part of the summer in Boise, using resources in the capital city to conduct research.
Every Martin-McClure Student Ambassadorship is unique. Research topics and final products are guided by contemporary social issues, students’ personal interests and McClure Center staff expertise.
To apply
- Send a statement of interest and a resume to mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu.
- Deadline: Wednesday before class registration opens for Summer semester.
Water Policy Internship
The Water Policy Internship is an opportunity for a University of Idaho undergraduate student to explore scientific and public policy research related to water resources management.
The McClure Center partners with the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI), the Rangeland Center, University of Idaho Coeur d’Alene and other university units to create a meaningful summer undergraduate internship that centers on water science and policy in Idaho. This internship is offered every other summer.
To apply
- Send a statement of interest and a resume to mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu.
- Deadline: Wednesday before class registration opens for Summer semester.
U of I McClure Center and Office of Governmental Relations Legislative Session Internship
Undergraduate students report to Boise for a semester of professional development. Government relations interns are legislative research aides, covering the Idaho legislative session and other Idaho Capitol events for the University of Idaho Office of Governmental Relations.
Government relations interns learn in real time. Students produce research memos on current Idaho legislation by watching Idaho bills become law. Daily, interns attend Idaho legislative committee meetings, attend floor sessions and track draft legislation through the legislative session. Government relations interns experience the workings of each Idaho legislative session and see firsthand how Idaho policy is made.
To apply
- Send a statement of interest and a resume to mcclurecenter@uidaho.edu.
- Deadline: Priority deadline is Friday after spring break.
Other opportunities for undergraduates
- Office of Undergraduate Research: Learn about research resources available for students interested in working with the McClure Center.
- Conference travel, presentations and attendance: The McClure Center offers support, in addition to internships. This includes funding for conferences and policy events, research presentations and more.
Contact the McClure Center to learn more about these opportunities.
4-H Know Your Government Conference
Idaho high school students engage through 4-H, in partnership with the McClure Center, to interact directly with current public policy makers, as well as take on roles of the state legislature, state judicial courts and press corps to learn by doing.
Learn more about Know Your Government
Graduate and professional students
The McClure Center provides opportunities for graduate and professional students. Research and other immersive endeavors are constructed to help students conduct nonpartisan research, inform public dialogue and policy and learn about public policy making.
Graduate students
Designed for doctoral students to engage in public policy-related research, ranging from focused to broad, interdisciplinary topics. Students can participate in Boise or remotely. Possible outcomes from the semester or year-long experience include publications, presentations, dissertation chapters and more. Interested students and faculty members are encouraged to contact the McClure Center director.
Professional students
The McClure Center partners with the University of Idaho College of Law on pro bono work, law review articles and externships. Interested students and faculty are encouraged to contact the McClure Center director.
Future Leaders
The McClure Center is committed to engaging students in the public policy process. That journey can begin in high school or even earlier. We partner with existing youth development programs to offer applied learning experiences in public policy and civic engagement.
Contact the McClure Center to learn more about high school opportunities.