Applications for the Study USA D.C. summer 2027 program open Sept. 1.
Local Washington, D.C. alumni came out to meet the Study USA DC summer students at a June 11 event at Andy’s Pizza.
Thirteen students are taking part in the inaugural Elon faculty-led program. Alumni networking is an important component of this cohort experience. In addition to meeting alumni, students take a core seminar course called Capital Connections: Power, People, and Place in Washington, D.C. taught by Joel Shelton, associate professor of political science and public policy.
þ also live in an apartment complex in the vibrant NoMa neighborhood, complete an internship, and participate in enrichment activities to get to know the city better. þ will tour the US Capitol, learn the history of the city through walking tours, attend a Nationals game, see a play at the Shakespeare Theatre Company and more.
“It is always special to connect with former students and to see them thriving in the lives they lead after graduation, but it’s especially meaningful that our alumni take the time to connect with and to mentor current students,” Shelton said. “This is especially important in Washington, D.C., where relationships make all the difference in an increasingly competitive internship and employment environment. I’m very grateful to our alumni for the enthusiasm with which they have supported the launch of Elon’s “Capital Connections” program in the district.
D.C. Alumni Chapter President Gabby Vance ’18, organized the event with fellow chapter members.
“The Pizza Party remains one of my favorite events organized by the D.C. chapter because it brings together two important parts of the Elon community,” Vance said. “Alumni have the opportunity to share their experiences and insights about life after graduation, while students gain a first-hand look at what it’s like to live and work in Washington, D.C., while building valuable professional connections. It’s always rewarding to see these relationships take shape, and I look forward to continuing this tradition for many years to come.”
Molly Bauer ’19, a former Communications Fellow, spent the fall of her junior year studying in D.C.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” said Bauer, who moved to D.C. when she graduated and says she has experienced how strong the alumni network is in the city, and has enjoyed maintaining relationships with her peers.
“Now that Elon has its own program in D.C., I’m excited to stay even more connected to Elon by fostering connections with current students, faculty and staff as well,” Bauer said. “The Study USA program in D.C. will make our already-strong Elon network in D.C. even stronger. At the event, it was great getting to chat with current students, something I haven’t done since I graduated, and it was awesome reconnecting with faculty and staff after several years!”
Are you an alumnus living in D.C.? Join us for the next student/alumni networking night on
Applications for the Study USA D.C. summer 2027 program open Sept. 1. Contact the director of Study USA, Anna Smith asmith273@elon.edu, if you’d like to learn more.