Live, Learn and Intern in Washington, D.C.

The Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program offers a prestigious academic and professional experience in the heart of Washington, D.C. This immersive program selects top undergraduate students from the C. T. Bauer College of Business to live, learn and intern in the nation's capital during the spring semester. The fellowship program provides students with meaningful work experience, the chance to earn academic credit and the unique experience of living in one of the most vibrant and influential cities in the U.S.

Director's Note

As 2025 draws to a close, I am reflecting on the many interactions, events and opportunities that the past year provided. I keep coming back to the notion of gratitude. No matter the highs and lows of the year, there is always something for which we can be grateful. Personally, I am thankful for the students, past and present, that make up the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program. They energize me with their optimism and excitement for the future and inspire me with their boundless ambition.

In this spirit of gratitude, we asked former Bauer in D.C. Fellows to share what they were grateful for in 2025. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into their lives.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and a 2026 filled with joy, purpose and gratitude.

- Colleen Davies

The Road to D.C.

Every fall semester, the Bauer in D.C. program hosts workshops and events to prepare the current fellows for their spring semester in Washington, D.C. Below is a taste of the preparation our Fellows receive.

Utilizing our talented UH faculty and staff, we hosted workshops on:

• Maximizing LinkedIn – Work Smarter Not Hard by Rockwell Career Center’s Troy Hopkins
• D.C. Environment & Culture by UH’s Office of Government & Community Relations Associate Vice Chancellors Megan Schneider & Lindsay Lanagan
• Lead Like You Mean It: Where Passion Meets Purpose by Dr. Janet Lawler from The Honors College Office of Community Engagement
• Navigating Conflict: A Guide to Resolution with Bauer Director of Student Success Whitney Johnson

Calling upon Alumni Expertise:

• Learn from the Experts Bauer in D.C. Alumni Panel with Jasmine Wani, Shahzaib Vohra, Samantha Covarrubias & Yash Dhanji
• Annual Fall Mixer with Current Fellows and Alumni at Woodland Social
• Meet & Greet with Bauer in D.C. Supporter, Sam Schreiber (BBA ’74 & Bauer College Board Chair)
• Virtual Introductions to D.C.-Based Bauer Alumni Mentors

After this semester of preparation, the Spring 2026 Bauer in D.C. Fellows are poised for success during their time in D.C.

Bauer in D.C. Alumni Spotlight:

Melanie Franco — Spring 2015 Fellow

Graduation Year: Spring 2016

Bauer in D.C. Internship: Spring Fellow at the Institute for 21st Century Energy in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Favorite Bauer in D.C. Memory:
“I remember one of my first days in D.C. when I ventured off to find the Chamber of Commerce. It was freezing outside with snow on the ground, and I stepped off the metro, walked a few blocks, found my internship building, turned around and saw the White House right across the street. It was a small, but memorable moment that has stayed with me all these years.”

While in D.C., you must …
“Go to Busboys and Poets for a poetry reading! It’s a great way to get to know the city.”

How did Bauer in D.C. change your future goals or trajectory?
“Before I did Bauer in D.C., I was not sure what path I wanted to take after college. I had been considering law school, and doing this internship program helped solidify my decision. Being in D.C. is being in the midst of politics and I was able to see how the country is run from different angles. I was also able to meet many different people with such great advice who helped provide guidance, and I am extremely grateful.”

Since Bauer in D.C. …
“I graduated from law school, was admitted to the bar of multiple states and have been practicing law for over six years. I have been with my current law firm for four years now practicing energy law. I still work for my firm in Albany, NY, but have since moved back home to Houston and am working remotely. I have gone back to D.C. to visit many times and still keep in touch with several friends I made during my time there.”

Is your D.C. Organization interested in hiring a Bauer in D.C. Fellow for Spring 2026?

If so, please let us know!

The Bauer in D.C. Fellows are currently applying for Spring 2026 internships in Washington, D.C. If your D.C.-based organization is interested in outstanding interns or you will be looking for Spring 2026 interns soon, we'd love to connect with you!

To connect, please reach out to Bauer in D.C. Program Director, Colleen Davies at cmdavies@uh.edu.

Support the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program

Do you want to have an impact on Bauer students living, learning and interning in Washington, D.C.? Consider giving to the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program. Contact us for more information.

Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program
4250 Martin Luther King Blvd., 77204, Houston

The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.