During the summer term, Ashlyn Gilchriest a fourth-year political science major at Penn State, joined the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) as a public policy intern in Washington, D.C. The placement was part of the university’s Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program, which sends students to the capital to experience policy-making up close. Gilchriest’s role offered a front-row seat to the legislative process, letting her move beyond textbooks and see the mechanics of how laws are debated, shaped, and implemented.
Inside the AAM office: daily tasks and responsibilities
At AAM, Gilchriest was tasked with a suite of duties that mirrored the work of professional policy analysts. She regularly attended congressional hearings taking detailed notes on testimonies and committee deliberations. These observations fed into weekly briefings for senior staff, helping the organization gauge congressional sentiment on manufacturing issues. In addition, she tracked legislation relevant to the U.S. manufacturing sector, using legislative tracking software to flag bills, amendments, and voting outcomes. Her contributions also included drafting concise policy updates for stakeholders and preparing talking points for AAM’s advocacy visits to Capitol Hill.
Applying political science theory to legislative research
Gilchriest’s academic background proved invaluable as she navigated the complex world of federal policymaking. Concepts from her coursework—such as interest-group theory, legislative behavior, and policy-cycle analysis—were directly employed when she evaluated the potential impact of proposed bills on domestic manufacturing. She wrote policy briefs that synthesized scholarly insight with on-the-ground data, offering AAM’s leadership evidence-based recommendations. This blend of theory and practice not only sharpened her analytical skills but also illustrated how a public policy internship can serve as a bridge between academic learning and real-world influence.
Building a cement-production database for advocacy
One of Gilchriest’s flagship projects was the creation of a comprehensive database on U.S. cement production capacity. She gathered data from the Energy Information Administration, industry reports, and state-level statistics, then organized the information into an interactive spreadsheet that mapped production trends, regional output, and capacity gaps. This tool became a cornerstone of AAM’s advocacy strategy, enabling the organization to cite concrete figures when lobbying for policies that support domestic cement manufacturers. The database also illustrated how data-driven research can empower advocacy groups to make persuasive, fact-based arguments on Capitol Hill.
Future pathways and reflections on public service
Through the Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program, Gilchriest discovered a clear trajectory for her career aspirations. The internship confirmed her interest in pursuing a role that merges policy analysis with advocacy, potentially within governmental agencies, think tanks, or nonprofit coalitions focused on manufacturing and infrastructure. She remarks that the experience “turned abstract concepts into tangible outcomes,” reinforcing her dedication to public service. As she prepares to graduate, Gilchriest plans to leverage the skills acquired in D.C. to continue shaping policies that bolster American industry.
Gilchriest’s summer illustrates how immersive, hands-on experiences can transform a political science education into actionable expertise. By engaging with congressional processes, producing rigorous research, and supporting advocacy initiatives, she exemplifies the next generation of policymakers ready to bridge academia and the legislative arena.
