Seaside, CA…While other students are returning to the classroom this fall, CSU Monterey Bay business major Morgan Kashata is heading to Washington, D.C., where she will work in the office of a member of the House of Representatives from California.

Morgan Kashata will spend the semester as an intern in Washington, D.C.She is one of 26 students taking part in this year’s Congressional Internship Program through the Panetta Institute for Public Policy. All were selected based on exemplary academic achievement and interest in politics, policy and public service.

Through her business studies at Monterey Peninsula College and CSUMB, Kashata understands “how to analyze real-world business issues as they relate to ethics and socially responsible behavior,” she said. “I’m eager to apply these skills in a professional setting.”

Prior to heading off to Capitol Hill for 11 weeks, Kashata and the other students will attend an intensive two-week course at the Panetta Institute during which former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta will teach classes on the founding of the American republic, presidential-Congressional relations and U.S. defense policies. Other classes will cover key domestic and foreign issues; rules and procedures of debate and lawmaking; the role of an intern; White House relations with Congress; and the role of the press.

While in Washington, the interns also attend regular seminars with government leaders covering policy issues including economics, the environment, foreign affairs and defense resources.

Students earn 20 academic credits for the internship program.