Undergraduate Students

One of the cornerstones of the McClure Center is engaging the next generation of civic and community leaders. We are proud to offer robust, high-level, applied learning programs for University of Idaho students. 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 them to explore a variety of career paths.  

To learn more about the McClure Center’s Undergraduate Students programs, please contact us.

Vandals in D.C. Scholarship 

The McClure Center supports University of Idaho undergraduate students with scholarships to spend a semester — spring, summer or fall — in the nation’s capital, in partnership with The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program. 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.

FALL 2025 Scholarship Application Deadlines:

• March 5, 2025: Scholarship application due to McClure Center by 11:59 p.m.
• March 12, 2025: Scholarship recipient decision made and offered extended.
• March 19, 2025: TWC application due. 

How to apply.

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 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. 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 Scholarship

The Neuenschwander Communications Endowed Scholarship 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.  

The endowment 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.

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 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.

University of Idaho 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 State Capitol events for the University of Idaho Office of Governmental Relations. 

Government Relations Interns learn while they are on assignment. Whether it is pulling long hours watching a bill become law, attending contentious state committee meetings or tracking bills through the legislative session, they provide a valuable accounting of 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: Wednesday before class registration opens for Spring Semester.

Other Opportunities 

• McClure Legislative Research Scholars: This program is being revised. A reconfigured experience will be available soon. 
• University of Idaho Office of Undergraduate Research: Contact this office to learn about research resources available for students interested in working the McClure Center.   
• Conference travel, presentations and attendance: The McClure Center also offers support, in addition to internships. This includes funding for conference and policy events, research presentations and more.