There are many ways to be publicly engaged and foster democratic norms in communities here on campus and your pursuits after Kenyon. Whatever your field of study or work, human rights, freedoms and dignity are central. You can critically assess media and evidence. You can strive for equality and justice. You can contribute to the public good.
Fall Break in D.C.
Travel to Washington, D.C., to meet Kenyon alumni and others working in government and civil society. The three-day excursion in October 2026 includes stops at museums and other landmarks. Organized by the Center for the Study of American Democracy, the trip is open to students of any major or class year.Fast-track Your Internship
Every year, Kenyon alumni, parents and partner organizations turn to the College for talented interns. In addition to sourcing opportunities, Kenyon offers funding to supplement wages or offset expenses for internships that would otherwise be out of financial reach. Here is a sample of opportunities offered exclusively to Kenyon students in recent years.
The CSAD Student Associates Program is a high-impact paid internship for outstanding students to contribute to the work of the Center for the Study of American Democracy. Associates interact with distinguished speakers and learn and practice professional skills useful in political and civic life — from publicity and promotions to event planning, research and multiple forms of communication. CSAD Associates constitute the student advisory committee for the center, helping our programs reach a broad range of Kenyon students. They also serve as ambassadors to the student community, promoting and encouraging participation in the center’s programs. CSAD selects associates in a competitive application and interview process. Thanks to generous funding from the Thomas W. Smith Foundation, CSAD Associates have been paid positions since 2021.
The Columbus Dispatch offers paid summer internships in journalism. Interns gain experience in covering breaking news and other stories; writing headlines, creating social media content and multimedia storytelling; and reporting skills such as interviewing, writing on deadline, ethics and source development.
Managed by the Partnership for Public Service, the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program places students with critically needed skills into paid internships at federal agencies and helps bring a diverse young talent to government.
Dig Deep with Paid Research
Research takes center stage during the summer months at Kenyon, with funding for mentored research projects in every division of the College. Here are a few.
The Adams Summer Legal Scholars Program in Socio-Legal Studies supports the design and execution of original law-related research. Students selected for this program receive stipends, summer housing allowances and funds for research materials and supplies. Research is paired with a four-day, fully funded trip to connect with the broader legal community; in recent years, scholars traveled to New York City and San Francisco. This program was established in 2008 by the Foundation for Law, Justice and Society in honor of John W. Adams, father of Michael W. Adams ’93.
The CSAD Democracy Scholars Program provides opportunities for students to work in close collaboration with faculty members as full participants on a fundamental question, text or theme of American liberal democracy. Scholars up to 10 weeks in the summer to delve into the research projects. The program is supported by the Class of 1978 Summer Research Fund and the Pamela K. Jensen Faculty Research Fund endowments for the Center for the Study of American Democracy.
Kenyon Keys Student Research Grants provide support for students to conduct site-specific research related to one or more of the Kenyon Keys. Keys grants support projects at various stages of development and provide funding for travel, accommodations, meals or other expenses necessary to conduct research and develop projects in a sustained way at archives, libraries, institutes, centers or other sites off campus.
The Thomas W. Smith Future of Freedom Scholars Program provides opportunities for students to work in close collaboration with faculty members as full participants to explore issues related to the classical liberal freedoms — including rights enumerated in the Bill of Rights, the rule of law and the free market — and their implications for liberal democracy in the United States or other societies. Scholars spend up to 10 weeks in the summer to delve into the research projects. The program is supported by a grant from the Thomas W. Smith Foundation to the Center for the Study of American Democracy.
Center for the Study of American Democracy
Kenyon’s Center for the Study of American Democracy explores the issues of the day through deliberative inquiry and civil, probing discourse. This nonpartisan center supports research opportunities, offers paid internships on campus, and promotes internships in Washington, D.C.Gain Experience Abroad
Interested in studying away? Take your studies to an international center of public policy. Here are several programs to consider.
AU’s Washington Semester Program is distinguished by its signature internships and seminar series. The traditional schedule includes two seminars, one internship course, and a three-day-per-week internship. Seminars feature site visits and guest speaker sessions, connecting students with influential leaders, key decision-makers, and experts from global, national, and local organizations.
Arcadia University's Parliamentary Program enables you to immerse yourself in the culture, history and politics of Ireland or Scotland through engaging academic courses and the opportunity to intern with or complete significant research under the direction of a member of the Irish or Scottish Parliament.
DIS's program in politics and security introduces you to Scandinavian experts and decision-makers to better understand how the European Union functions, examine the key issues they face and explore the challenges of policy making in today’s Europe.
This build-your-own program allows you to choose from a variety of classes taught by IFSA faculty or offered at three Buenos Aires universities, including courses in political science and international studies.
With a picturesque seaside campus, National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU) is the host institution for Middlebury in Taiwan and provides an ideal environment for students eager to continue their study of Chinese. Courses are conducted entirely in Chinese and explore a range of topics, including international and cultural affairs.
Syracuse University has a long-standing presence in Strasbourg, a city known as the Capital of Europe, which makes it a vibrant place to study international politics.
Taking the Lead
Get a head start on discovering the many leadership opportunities available throughout your Kenyon experience. This pre-orientation program for incoming students offers space to explore and build your leadership skills alongside others who are interested in getting involved on campus. Meet students already active on campus and the Kenyon staff who mentor student leaders.Clubs & Organizations
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Student Council
Student Council expresses student views concerning college affairs, supervises student organizations and activities funds, and collaborates with other campus leaders to improve student life.
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Model United Nations
Model United Nations provides a place for students to explore international relations and improve speech and debate skills. No previous experience is required.
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First-Year Class Committee
The First Year Class Committee provides a representative voice for the first year class. It creates opportunities to interact socially and academically as a class.
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Campus Senate
Campus Senate includes faculty, staff and elected student representatives. It is a forum in which students, faculty and staff communicate and consider matters of general concern to the College.