Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP)
About PPSP
The Texas A&M University System Office of Academic Affairs is proud to support a special partnership between the staff of the Public Policy Internship Program and the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University where undergraduate students from every university across the System can intern in Washington, D.C. for a semester while earning course credit.
Most notably, this partnership comes with the creation of a new D.C.-based program, the Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP), which will provide selected System university undergraduate students with invaluable hands-on internship experience in public policy, coupled with an enhanced academic experience.
The program will provide students with 6 hours of in-person coursework developed and taught by distinguished faculty from the Bush School of Government and Public Service, focusing on current issues and special topics relevant to Washington, D.C. and the American political system. Students will attend classes two days a week at the Bush School DC Teaching Site, located just blocks from the White House. Additionally, students will intern three days a week in a hosting office and earn between 0-6 hours of internship credit. The internship credit is variable, meaning students can choose to take 0-6 hours depending on what they need for their degree plan and/or to remain financial aid eligible.
Students will benefit from a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, policy analysis, and real-world application, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in public service.
Apply to PPSP
Students must submit application materials by the designated dates/times listed below.
Application
Please complete the form to gain access to the application(s).
Required Documents
- Completed PPSP application (typed)
- Professional cover letter
- Professional resume
- Policy essay
- Screenshot of current semester class schedule
- Official college transcript
- Letters of recommendation
Application & Placement Process
Things to Consider
Eligibility
As a premier professional internship experience, the Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP) establishes high standards for our scholars. Please review the eligibility requirements carefully.
Note: U.S. Citizenship is required for all PPSP locations, due to the requirements of our hosting offices. If you are not a U.S. Citizen but would like to explore opportunities similar to what PPSP offers, please email program staff at policyscholars@ag.tamu.edu for a list of options you may be eligible for.
Applicants must meet all of the following criteria to be eligible for PPSP:
- The student must be a United States citizen and at least 18 years old; permanent residents are not eligible for this program.
- The student must be classified as a degree-seeking undergraduate student at a school within the Texas A&M University System. Students cannot participate in the program post-graduation.
- The student must have a cumulative collegiate GPR of 3.0. First-semester freshmen are not eligible to apply.
- The student must be in good standing with their home institution, pursuant to their university’s Academic and Student Life rules.
- The student must obtain and carry valid health insurance for the duration of the internship semester.
- The student must be able to attend all program trainings and pre-departure events, which will be administered virtually.
Logistics to Consider
Before applying to the Public Policy Scholars Program, please review and take the information below into consideration. If you have any further questions or concerns, contact the program staff at policyscholars@ag.tamu.edu.
Meet the DC Scholars
Isaac Almeida
Office of Congressman Wesley Hunt
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 38th Congressional District
Isaac Almeida is an emerging public service professional from Killeen, Texas, and a senior business major with experience across municipal, county, state, and federal levels of government. Through these diverse roles, Isaac has developed a strong passion for public service and effective governance at the federal level. As a first generation Jamaican American, Isaac is also dedicated to advancing foreign policy in the Caribbean and around the world, with a particular focus on economic and community development initiatives.
Originally from the Miami area, Isaac settled in Killeen, Texas, as a young child and progressed through the Killeen ISD school system. He earned his associate degree through the Texas Early College High School Program and went on to attend Texas A&M University-Central Texas, where he is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a minor in political science. At TAMUCT, Isaac is a member of the inaugural cohort of the Greater Texas Foundation’s Warriors Program and serves as a Senator-at-Large in the Student Government Association, where he is dedicated to expanding access and engagement among the student body. He has also been recognized with multiple scholarships and awards for his academic and leadership achievements. He is a dedicated member of the Altrusa organization outside of his professional and academic roles.
Isaac’s interests center on entrepreneurship and small business support, which he views as foundational to a strong economy. In his role as an Economic Development Coordinator for the Killeen Economic Development Corporation, he was instrumental in major regional investment attraction and development marketing efforts that supported long-term economic growth in Central Texas. He also gained experience in logistics and public-facing service through his work with the United States Postal Service, where he built public trust by delivering essential services in dynamic environments. Isaac’s commitment to business development, leadership, and service reflects his dedication to advancing sustainable economic growth at the national level, a commitment he looks forward to bringing to the Office of Congressman Wesley Hunt (TX-38) as an intern this spring.
Isaac recognizes that public service can take many forms, but believes effective service is grounded in accountability, collaboration, and measurable impact. During his internship, he hopes to help bridge the gap between policy development and implementation to ensure legislation advances communities. Drawing on his background in business, government, and economic development, Isaac approaches public service with a practical, solutions-oriented mindset focused on advancing sustainable growth at all levels.
Shaelye Bowser
Family Research Council
Shaelye Bowser is a student at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi majoring in criminal justice with a minor in pre-law, with plans to attend law school following her graduation in 2026. She is deeply passionate about policies affecting children and families, an interest shaped by both her academic studies and hands-on experience working with youth. Shaelye currently serves as an America Reads tutor, where she supports students in developing reading comprehension, math skills, and confidence through individualized instruction and interactive activities, while also collaborating with teachers to monitor student progress.
At TAMU-CC, Shaelye is an active member of both the Criminal Justice Club and the Pre-Law Club, where she regularly engages with attorneys, judges, and law enforcement professionals to gain insight into legal careers and the justice system. These experiences, combined with her volunteer work supervising children in a church nursery, have reinforced her commitment to advocacy and public service. Shaelye is enthusiastic about expanding her understanding of policymaking and legislative processes through her internship in Washington, D.C. with the Family Research Council, where she looks forward to gaining meaningful policy experience and contributing to issues she cares deeply about.
Taylor deNeve
Northeast-Midwest Institute
Taylor deNeve is a junior at Texas A&M University from Belton, Texas, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Law with double minors in Philosophy and Environmental Geosciences. Her academic career is driven by her strong commitment to environmental stewardship and advocacy for vulnerable populations, which has shaped her goal of working at the intersection of environmental justice and water quality within public policy.
At Texas A&M, Taylor served two full calendar years in officer roles within the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society. In these positions, she coordinated social, formal, and philanthropic events and helped organize a student trip to the Texas State Capitol during the 89th Legislative Session. Through this leadership experience, she developed skills in organization, collaboration, and event planning while fostering community engagement among pre-law students. Taylor is also an active member of the Texas A&M Polo Club and served as Secretary in fall 2025, competing in intercollegiate tournaments and strengthening her teamwork and leadership abilities.
This spring, Taylor is interning with the Northeast-Midwest Institute in Washington, D.C. through the Public Policy Scholars Program, where she will assist with research and policy development related to water quality of the Great Lakes and its regional waterways. Through this experience, Taylor is most looking forward to gaining hands-on exposure to environmental policymaking and furthering her interest in the pursuit of a career in water and environmental advocacy.
Rayleigh Derrick
National Association of Wheat Growers
Rayleigh Derrick is a junior at Texas A&M University-Texarkana majoring in political science with a minor in sociology and is on track to graduate in December 2026. As a first-generation college student and proud member of TAMUT’s Honors College, Rayleigh is an active contributor to the Texas A&M Community and a graduate of Texarkana Junior College, where she earned an associate degree in social sciences. Her academic experiences have sparked strong interests in international affairs, environmental advocacy, and counterterrorism, particularly through researching international terrorist organizations and the operations of foreign governments.
Since January 2025, Rayleigh has served as a city management intern with the City of Texarkana, Texas, where she has gained substantial experience in local government operations. In this role, she has acted as a Texas Film Commission liaison assistant, helping promote episodic, commercial, and digital media productions in the community. She has also conducted historical and economic research, including economic impact studies utilizing the city’s Hotel Occupancy Tax, and has contributed to writing and editing city ordinances. Additionally, Rayleigh has worked as a public service intern for Texarkana’s Arts and Historic District Committee, where she researched promotional opportunities to boost tourism, scouted locations for public art, assisted with press releases for community events, and supported efforts to renovate historic landmarks.
At TAMUT, Rayleigh has worked closely with university administrators, partners, and local stakeholders to promote sporting events, e-sports tournaments, and digital media initiatives, while maintaining strong academic performance. Following graduation, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in international security and diplomacy and ultimately build a career in government as a foreign service officer, representing the United States and advancing peaceful diplomatic engagement worldwide. This spring, Rayleigh is interning with the National Association of Wheat Growers, where she is deepening her understanding of grassroots movements, agricultural advocacy, and the role of American farming in global trade.
Joshua A. Gonzalez
Office of Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 24th Congressional District
Joshua A. Gonzalez is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in History with minors in Healthcare Humanities and Technical and Professional Writing, as well as a certificate in legal history. Originally from Huffman, Texas, Joshua is excited to professionally develop in his interests of law, public service and healthcare policy research as a representative of Texas A&M on Capitol Hill!
Throughout his studies, Joshua strived to maintain his strong commitment to research, education, and civic engagement. As a transfer student, Joshua worked to complete an additional minor of criminal justice alongside his associate studies. At Texas A&M, Joshua has also sought to be as involved as possible in his and others’ educations, promoting others through various organizations. Joshua maintains memberships in organizations such as Phi Alpha Theta (PAT), a national historical society, and the Texas A&M Pre-Law Society (PLS). He has also served within two developing academic organizations within Texas A&M: as a committee member for the Glasscock Center’s Undergraduate Humanities Research Symposium (UHRS), and as a Public Affairs and Outreach Director for the Undergraduate Journal of Law & Society (UJLS).
Joshua’s studies and commitment to service reflect his dedication to understanding the interdisciplinary intersection of history, policy, and justice. He plans to pursue a law degree with the goal of becoming an attorney specializing in immigration legislation and healthcare cases, aiming to contribute to policy reform and expand equitable access to legal representation. This spring, Joshua is interning in Washington, D.C. with the Office of Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, where he is gaining a deeper understanding of the congressional system and healthcare and energy legislation. Joshua is deeply excited to apply these lessons in a future career in immigration and healthcare law.
Christopher Landry
National War College
Christopher Landry was born and raised in the small town of Groves, Texas. Chris is currently a student at Texas A&M University-Central Texas, pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management with a minor in Military Science and Political Science, and is on track to graduate in May 2026. He is currently interning with the National War College for the spring 2026 semester in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his academic pursuits, Christopher is also deeply connected within the rodeo community as a bull rider, which led him to found and serve as the first president of the TAMUCT Rodeo and Western Club. The organization engages students in rodeo, ranching, and sustaining western traditions while promoting leadership and community involvement. He also brings extensive leadership and management experience from his 10 years of service as a combat medic in the U.S. Army, where he held roles ranging from clinic manager to medical advisor for foreign military forces and completed multiple deployments to the Middle East. These experiences have equipped him with strong leadership, organization, and problem-solving skills that he applies to both his studies and extracurricular activities.
Christopher was accepted into the Army’s Green to Gold Program in 2024 to complete his bachelor’s degree, further challenge himself, expand his leadership abilities, and prepare for future opportunities in both the military and civilian sectors. He is projected to commission as a Second Lieutenant and return to the Army to serve in the Medical Services Branch after graduation. His long-term goal is to retire from the U.S. Army and pick up a second career as a VA Hospital Manager. Christopher hopes to continue his involvement in the rodeo industry and one day provide bucking stock as a stock contractor. Through his studies and experiences, he hopes to continue making meaningful contributions to his community and professional organizations.
Eleanor Sebastian
U.S. Department of Transportation
Office of the Inspector General, Chief Counsel’s Office
Eleanor Sebastian is a junior at Texas A&M University pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Spanish from Euless, Texas, and is fluent in English and Spanish. Her passion for equality and social equity sparked her interest in pursuing public policy and law.
Eleanor has seen how policy decisions can impact people in meaningful ways. She is passionate about being involved in and helping to facilitate meaningful discussions about politics. She is particularly interested in the sociological foundations of systemic inequality, and the ways in which government policy can combat them and better the lives of its citizens.
During her time at Texas A&M, Eleanor has engaged in service-based organizations like Bush School Ambassador’s Council, MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA), and MSC Town Hall. In the Bush School Ambassador’s council, Eleanor has had the honor of acting as a student representative for the Bush School, serving as a student host of distinguished guests, and supporting fellow students. As a member of MSC SCONA’s research subcommittee, Eleanor has been able to engage with peers who share strong interest in national affairs, while crafting strong policy papers and building her professional skills.
Following graduation, Eleanor hopes to attend law school and pursue a career as a prosecutor. She hopes to make a positive impact on her community through her engagement in criminal justice reform throughout her career. This spring, she is a law intern for the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Inspector General, Chief Counsel’s Office.
Emily Siuta
Federal Agency
Emily Siuta is a first-generation Texas A&M student from Dallas, Texas, majoring in political science with a minor in business. She has a deep-rooted interest in law, government, and international affairs and is eager to immerse herself in real-world policy work. Emily aspires to pursue a career in Washington, D.C., working at the intersection of law and international relations to advance virtuous policymaking. This spring, she will be interning with a federal agency, where she looks forward to gaining firsthand insight into federal policymaking and contributing to meaningful public service initiatives.
At Texas A&M, Emily was deeply involved in campus and community life. She served as a peer mentor for the Bush School’s political science program, where she taught a class of first-year students, developed curriculum on university resources, and facilitated one-on-one mentoring to support their academic and personal growth. She was also an active member of the Pre-Law Society and volunteered with Turning Point USA, reflecting her commitment to civic engagement and leadership.
Beyond academics, Emily is a dedicated member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, where she serves as Sisterhood Programs Specialist. In this leadership role, she coordinates events for nearly 300 members, manages budgets, and fosters community through social and academic programming. She has also held a recruitment leadership position, directing a team to manage outreach and event coordination for over 100 prospective members. Through these experiences, Emily has strengthened her communication, organization, and leadership skills- qualities she hopes to bring to her future career in law and public policy. Passionate about connecting with others, Emily is committed to making a positive impact on every community she serves.
Ammileigh Smith
Office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX)
United States Senate
Ammileigh Smith is a junior at West Texas A&M University pursuing a degree in agricultural business and economics. A proud native of Robert Lee, Texas, Ammileigh has cultivated a strong passion for rural development, agricultural policy, and economic sustainability. Her upbringing in a small West Texas community has shaped her commitment to advocating for rural voices and bridging the gap between agriculture and public policy, particularly as it relates to underserved and often overlooked communities across the state.
On campus, Ammileigh is an active and engaged student leader. She is heavily involved in the Department of Agricultural Sciences, the Student Government Association, and Greek life. She also holds an on-campus job in the Academic Technology Department of IT. During the 2024–2025 academic year, she served as a student senator and currently serves on the president’s advisory council as the secretary of Greek life. These leadership roles have allowed her to advocate for student needs, contribute to university-wide initiatives, and develop strong communication, time management, and organizational skills.
After graduation, Ammileigh plans to attend law school with the long-term goal of entering the field of public policy, aspiring to one day become a lobbyist or serve in public office. Her passion for civic engagement is rooted in her agricultural background and a deep belief in the importance of elevating rural perspectives in government. She is especially interested in shaping policies that impact rural economies, land use, and agricultural education. Through this internship, Ammileigh hopes to gain meaningful exposure to policymaking, legislative processes, and the inner workings of public service at the national level. This spring, she is interning in the Office of Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), where she is excited to contribute, learn from experienced professionals, and further develop the skills that will support her future career in law and policy.
Seera Sohal
Office of Federal Relations
Texas A&M University System
Seera Sohal is a senior international studies major at Texas A&M University, from Dallas, Texas. Having moved eight times within the United States and wider world, she is passionate about the intersection of energy policy, geopolitics, and international security.
On campus, she volunteered with TAMU United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), participated in the annual MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA), and established Aggies in Foreign Affairs (AIFA). Through AIFA, Seera organized annual Global Student Dialogues to connect Aggies with youth from Europe and the Middle East, launched the student-run Aggie Journal of Foreign Affairs, planned public service and law career panels, and guided a mentorship program.
Meanwhile, Seera has interned twice at the Arab Center Washington, D.C. (ACW), where she supported the think tank’s research productions and event-planning efforts. As a content writer for Al Fusaic, a D.C.-based educational platform, Seera has written two multimedia analyses on Europe-Middle East energy development and five short-form cultural pieces. She has also been published at ACW, Irregular Warfare, and the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs. Seera has studied abroad twice through Russian-language programs—first as a Critical Language Scholar in Georgia, and then in Latvia. She is now interning with the Texas A&M University System’s Office of Federal Relations, hoping to bridge her experiences with key Congressional engagement, legislative analysis, and advocacy skills.
In her free time, Seera enjoys creative writing, reading gothic literature, and listening to all kinds of music. After graduating in May, she plans to attend graduate school and then contribute to the international energy development field.
Alvia Sreeny
Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez
U.S. Representative for Texas’s 34th Congressional District
Alvia Sreeny is a senior at Texas A&M University-Kingsville pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering with a minor in Mathematics, with plans to graduate in May 2027. Originally from Edinburg, Texas, she started her environmental education at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Mathematics and Science Academy, transferring to TAMUK in fall 2024.
She is passionate about environmental policy and was able to be involved in clubs such as American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists and Society of Women Engineers that enhanced her passion for environmental topics and engineering. She uses her problem-solving skills and her communication skills as a mathematics tutor for the Center for Student Success. Working in a group environment helps her work with different groups of students with different learning styles as well as different perspectives. She recently had the chance to do research with U.S. Department of Agriculture and Center for Sustainable Water Use. She worked on Occurrence of Microplastics in Fruits and Vegetables over a nine-week period in the summer. She was able to learn valuable information about microplastics and was able to present her research at the end of the summer.
After she graduates with her undergraduate degree, she plans on pursuing a master’s degree in either environmental engineering or civil engineering where she will be working and publishing her thesis. This spring, she is interning with the Office of Congressman Vicente Gonzalez in Washington, D.C., where she is excited to learn about policies concerning education and the environment.
Da’Mya Walker
Volunteer Legal Advocates
Da’Mya Walker is an undergraduate student from Dallas, Texas, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Psychology at East Texas A&M University. As an undergraduate, Da’Mya was involved in a service-learning project where she raised awareness about the economic impact of refugees in the United States through social media. She also wrote a 2500-word NSC memo on the Israeli Palestinian conflict and its importance in U.S. foreign policy. Her interest in equality and humanitarian issues prompted her to pursue these topics.
Passionate about law and public service, Da’Mya has gained a strong foundation through her academic career. She has a clear ambition to become the first criminal lawyer in her family and aims to empower and advocate for underrepresented communities through dedicated public service. She also has a strong interest in economic, national security, and criminal justice public policy issues.
Outside of academics, Da’Mya has a small florist business in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She enjoys adventurous activities, hiking trails, and spending time with her dog. This spring, she is interning with Volunteer Legal Advocates, where she is excited to learn about how laws are enforced and interpreted through federal agencies and legal departments.
System University Contacts
The collaboration between the Texas A&M University Policy Internship Programs and the ten schools within the Texas A&M University System showcases a well-organized and synergistic approach to policy education and practical experience. Texas A&M University oversees the program, but each affiliated institution has appointed a liaison to provide targeted support and guidance at their own campus. Students can find their campus liaison from the list below, which facilitates personalized assistance and ensures effective engagement with the internship opportunities. This cooperative framework not only streamlines the process for participants but also enhances the program’s overall impact across the Texas A&M University System, fostering a richer educational experience for all involved.
Our Team
Stephanie Webb
Program Director
Public Policy Internship Program
Stephanie.webb@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Erin Fisk
Program Manager
Public Policy Internship Program
Erin.Fisk@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
James B. Palacios
Program Manager
Public Policy Internship Program
James.Palacios@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Hollie Galluzzo
Program Coordinator
Public Policy Internship Program
hollie.galluzzo@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Chelsea DeMasters
Program Manager
Public Policy Internship Program
Chelsea.demasters@ag.tamu.edu
Mikayla Wrenn
Graduate Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
Mikayla.Wrenn@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Sarah Beth Brittain
Graduate Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
sarahbeth.brittain@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Reagan Crick
Student Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
Reagan.Crick@ag.tamu.edu
979-845-3712
Madison Iversen
Graduate Assistant
Public Policy Internship Program
madison.iversen@ag.tamu.edu
Dr. Anneliese Reinemeyer
Instructional Associate Professor
Public Policy Scholars Program
areinemeyer@tamu.edu