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Rockefeller Leadership Fellows Winterim Trip to Washington, D.C.

  • The RLF students stand outside at night. The US Capitol building is in the background and they are standing next to a large lit up Christmas tree.
  • Several students and a speaker sit around a conference table talking.
  • A group of Dartmouth students stand in front of the US Capitol building at dusk. They are wearing winter coats.

During Dartmouth's Winterim break, the 2025 Rockefeller Leadership Fellows embarked on a transformative public leadership practicum in Washington, D.C. Over the course of three days, they engaged with Dartmouth alumni working across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, gaining valuable insights from experienced policy leaders shaping the nation's capital.

Visiting Washington, D.C. in the post-election, pre-holiday season, students experienced the city's dynamic atmosphere ahead of a presidential administration transition. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget generously hosted the Fellows at their downtown headquarters, providing a base for their explorations. Staying near Nationals Park, the students navigated the city via the Metro, immersing themselves in its fast-paced environment.

A key component of the trip was a day-and-a-half-long networking assignment, during which Fellows connected with public policy leaders relevant to their Rockefeller Leadership Fellows public policy projects (3P). These conversations provided firsthand insights, validated research findings, and helped prepare students for their final policy briefs and presentations.

In addition to professional engagements, the Fellows toured the U.S. Capitol and the Capitol Visitor Center. Thanks to New Hampshire U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, they had the unique opportunity to sit in the Senate Gallery, where they listened to Senator Joe Manchin deliver his farewell address to his colleagues.

The experience culminated with a Dartmouth RLF alumni panel, featuring discussions about working and living in Washington, D.C. The trip concluded with a reception at Bluejacket Brewery, where Fellows connected with Rocky alumni and friends, further strengthening their professional networks.

For many participants, this Winterim trip marked their first visit to Washington, D.C. It offered an invaluable, hands-on perspective into the workings of national politics and policy, leaving them with lasting insights and connections to carry forward in their careers.