Internships Send A&M–Central Texas Students to Washington D.C.
By Jonathan Petty,
Director of Marketing and Communications –
Two Texas A&M University–Central Texas students are getting firsthand experience in national public policy this spring as participants in the Texas A&M University System’s Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP) in Washington D.C. The competitive program provides hands-on internships and public policy education for select students.
Isaac Almeida and Chris Landry, business majors at A&M–Central Texas, were among 12 students selected participating A&M System universities. Almeida is getting firsthand knowledge of the political realm, interning in the office of U.S. Representative Wesley Hunt in Washington.
Isaac Almeida
Already putting his education and passion for public service to work, Almeida is not only a student, but also an Economic Development Coordinator for the Killeen Economic Development Corporation.
A graduate of Killeen Early College High School, he is among the first group of students to attend A&M–Central Texas as a member of the Greater Texas Foundation Warrior Scholars Program. GTF Warrior Scholars receive scholarships funded by the Greater Texas Foundation, to pursue and complete their bachelor’s degree at A&M–Central Texas after graduating from a recognized Early College High School.
Focusing on economic growth, Almeida views entrepreneurship and small business support as foundational to a strong economy. His interests include public service and policy with a particular focus on economic and community development.
Chris Landry
Landry is serving at the National War College in Washington. A former combat medic in the U.S. Army, and a bull rider and rodeo enthusiast, Landry has 10 years of experience in leadership and management roles. He is attending A&M–Central Texas as a member the Army’s Green to Gold program and an active participant in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
When he graduates in May, Landry will be commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army serving in the Medical Services Branch. Upon retiring from active duty, his goal is to work as a VA hospital manager and as a stock contractor for the rodeo industry.
The PPSP program is a partnership between the Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University and the TAMUS Public Policy Internship Program. Students earn six credit hours of in-person coursework, attending classes two days a week at the Bush School DC Teaching Site located just blocks from the White House. They spend three days a week working in their host offices, earning up to six hours of internship credit. Students interested in the program can apply through the Texas A&M University System website.
