Fifteen UCA students had the opportunity to participate in The Washington Center (TWC) Inside Washington Seminar in Washington DC on January 6-14, 2026. The UCA students, who were instructed by Dr. Bailey Fairbanks from the UCA Department of Government, Public Service, and International Studies (GPI), joined a group of 300 participants from across the country who gathered in person for a unique insider’s view into the state of politics, policy, and diplomacy in the national capital. The UCA students – Mary Kate Cain, Maritsa Rosas, Richard Ware, Katelyn Nees, Madelyn White, Alec Williams, Lillian Ward, Caroline Fortenberry, Mitchell Gray, Sydney Poe, Taylor Brewer, Corbin Williams, Connor Farmer, Catherine Brewer, and Taylor Aldana – benefited from financial support from the State of Arkansas and the TWC, as well as Student Experiential Learning Fund (SELF) grants funded by GPI Department alumni, faculty, and other contributors.
Throughout the week, keynote speakers and panel participants included representatives from the Brookings Institution, the American Enterprise Institute, NBC News, the Washington Post, the Cook Political Report, and the Cato Institute. In addition, the UCA students gained access to influential organizations and institutions across D.C., including meetings at the Pentagon, the European Union Delegation, and the American Securities Project. Students were also given a private tour of the U.S. Capitol Building by Senator John Boozman’s staff and a one-on-one meeting with Senator Boozman to discuss issues impacting Arkansans each day.
“The Washington Center is committed to building access, equity, and opportunity for all learners as they chart their path from college to career,” said Kim Churches, TWC President. “By inviting learners to D.C., we hope they can experience the power they have to shape policy and tackle the many challenges we face as a nation and in our own communities. Thanks to funding from Arkansas, our goal is to help even more students find their own role in protecting and preserving our democracy.” TWC’s Inside Washington Seminar 2026 emphasized the pivotal moment in history by delving into the issues that matter most. Speakers and discussions examined topics such as the elections, healthcare, gun safety, and more. Hearing first-hand from the individuals who have shaped these critical issues gave students an unparalleled perspective on leadership and civic engagement.
