This summer, Oglethorpe University politics major Mason Hill ’28 spent six weeks in Washington, D.C. as part of the highly competitive Hudson Political Studies Summer Fellowship. The program, which has an acceptance rate of just 2.6%, is known for its rigorous academic seminars, policy-focused workshops, and unmatched opportunities to engage with Washington’s leaders and institutions.
“I actually applied to this program sort of on a whim after finding out that Professor Knippenberg nominated me and had no real expectations of getting in,” said Hill. “The program is not only rigorous but predominantly for very elite students, so I really leaned on meetings I was already having with Dr. Knippenberg to talk about my previous internship in the Georgia State Legislature last year as a sort of mentorship to prepare for this fellowship.”
The Hudson Institute program’s schedule is intense, with mornings spent in seminars exploring political philosophy, followed by speaker series luncheons with politicians, researchers, judges, and public servants. Afternoons and evenings are often filled with social gatherings, weekly essays, or policy simulations. Weekend excursions include visits to historic sites such as Gettysburg, Arlington Cemetery, and national museums.
“This program is an extraordinary opportunity with seminars led by first-rate teachers and scholars, as well as opportunities to interact with a wide array of D.C. policymakers,” said Dr. Joe Knippenberg, professor of politics at Oglethorpe. “These kinds of educational, cultural, and historical experiences are only available on the Potomac. When I recommended to Mason that he apply, I thought he was just the kind of student who would make the most of the program. We’ve been in touch a few times over the summer, and I look forward to hearing all about it when we get together.”
Hill was well prepared for the program through his coursework and his previous internship. He credits his coursework in his first year with helping him.
“All the fellows in the program are really expected to bring a unique academic background to every seminar discussion,” Hill said. “Being able to quote ‘Antigone,’ ‘Leviathan,’ or ‘Perpetual Peace’ goes a long way. The OU Core and politics courses have definitely set me up well.”
Each student is paired with a program alumnus as a mentor. Hill’s mentor works in policy research on international borders and American foreign policy.
“Through chats with him and a few other alumni of the program in D.C., I’ve gained a bit more of an intimate understanding of the day-to-day life and work responsibilities of those working in policy,” Hill explained. “We’ve even gotten to sit in active courts or Senate voting sessions, so I’d definitely say I’ve gained understanding of a number of different jobs that appear a bit shadowy to the public.”
When the Hudson program wraps up, Hill will travel abroad for a semester in Thailand at Mahidol University just outside of Bangkok, supported by the Gilman and Freeman Asia Scholarships.
“My next steps after the program are to sleep for about two days first and foremost,” Hill joked. “After about a month of preparing forms and belongings, I’ll be flying to spend a semester in Thailand. I’ll be continuing my study of politics with some specialization in Southeast Asian identity politics and international economics,” Hill said. “Outside of the classroom, I’m hoping to land an opportunity volunteering with one of the organizations providing educational and housing resources to those without adequate infrastructure in Northern rural Thailand.”
