Stennis Center for Public Service

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Stennis Center for Public Service

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The Stennis Center for Public Service is a bipartisan legislative branch agency created by Congress in 1988 to promote and strengthen the highest ideals of public service in America. The Stennis Center develops and delivers a portfolio of unique programs for young people, leaders in local, state, and federal government, and congressional staff. The Stennis Center for Public Service’s congressional

mandate is to attract young people to careers in public service, provide training for leaders in, or likely to be in, public service, and offer training and development opportunities for senior congressional staff, members of Congress, and other public service leaders.

05/22/2026

Applications are now open for the Stennis Program for Congressional Interns.

The Stennis Center’s congressional internship program brings together a select cohort of interns from across political parties and chambers to engage in serious conversations on leadership, public service, and civil discourse. Participants collaborate with peers, senior congressional staff, and public service leaders while contributing to policy projects and publishing original writing in the Public Service Review.

The program is designed for current congressional interns who want to deepen their understanding of Congress, strengthen their leadership skills, and build meaningful professional relationships across institutions and perspectives.

The Summer 2026 application deadline is Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Learn more and apply here: https://stennis.gov/congressional-programs/summer-2026-application-interns/

05/12/2026

The Spring 2026 edition of the Public Service Review is now live.

As the first issue of the year, this edition explores the motivations, experiences, and personal connections that shape careers in public service. Through interviews, reflections, and essays, contributors examine what inspires individuals to serve, how they navigate challenges within public institutions, and how relationships, mentorship, and civic responsibility continue to influence democratic leadership.

This edition highlights a wide range of perspectives on public service, including diplomacy, constituent engagement, state-level accountability, education policy, congressional service, and the evolving role of communication in governance. Contributors also reflect on the importance of collaboration, bipartisan dialogue, and the personal experiences that often define meaningful public leadership.

Across every piece is a shared theme: public service is strengthened through curiosity, empathy, and a continued commitment to serving others. Whether through policymaking, community engagement, or institutional leadership, these stories demonstrate how public servants at every level contribute to the strength of democratic institutions.

Thank you to our Spring 2026 contributors: Riley Goff, George Mason University; Kylee Henneberry, Drake University; Hannah Jackson, Howard University; Quinn Luong (front cover), Yale University; Hugh Macaulay, Hillsdale College; Holden Mattison, Mississippi State University; and Cole Sussman, Kenyon College. Thank you for sharing your insight, experiences, and thoughtful perspectives through this edition of the Public Service Review.

Read the full Spring 2026 edition of the Public Service Review here: https://stennis.gov/public-service-review-spring-2026/

05/07/2026

The 119th Stennis Fellows recently gathered at Princeton University for the annual Princeton Retreat, bringing together bipartisan and bicameral congressional staff for thoughtful discussion and engagement on some of today’s most pressing issues.

Throughout the retreat, Fellows participated in roundtable discussions on partisanship and social media, met with Princeton University students from the School of Public and International Affairs, and explored the Princeton campus and community together.

The retreat provided an opportunity for meaningful dialogue, relationship-building, and reflection on public service across party lines and chambers of Congress.

Learn more about the Stennis Center’s bipartisan and bicameral Fellows Program here: https://stennis.gov/congressional-programs/stennis-fellows/

05/04/2026

To those who serve our communities every day—thank you.

This week, we recognize your dedication, integrity, and commitment to making a difference. Your work does not go unnoticed.

Happy Public Service Recognition Week!

05/01/2026

Congratulations to the Spring 2026 cohort of the Stennis Congressional Internship Program on completing the program.

They brought a high level of engagement to each session, asking thoughtful questions, sharing perspectives, and learning from one another while building meaningful connections.

Over the past several weeks, these interns stepped away from their day to day responsibilities on Capitol Hill to gain a broader understanding of how Congress operates. Through conversations with current and former staff, they explored legislative work, career paths, and the impact of public service in Washington.

We concluded with a certificate ceremony to recognize their hard work and commitment.

Thank you to our speakers, mentors, alumni, and staff who made this experience possible, and to our Spring 2026 interns for the energy and insight you brought throughout. We look forward to seeing what you do next.

04/28/2026

Recently, as part of the Stennis Center for Public Service’s Emerging Congressional Staff Leaders Program, we visited the U.S. Coast Guard facility at Curtis Bay.

We heard directly from Coast Guard personnel about operations within the Sector-National Capital Region and the Coast Guard Yard. We got an inside look at the Yard, the service’s only shipyard and major repair facility. Touring the station and shipyard brought that work to life and showed how much goes into supporting missions like law enforcement and search and rescue.

It was also a great chance for our Emerging Leaders to connect across parties and chambers. The program creates space for meaningful conversations about leadership, career growth, and a shared commitment to public service.

We are grateful for the experience and the people who made it possible.

Read more here: https://stennis.gov/emerging-leaders-coast-guard-yard-curtis-bay-visit/

04/23/2026

As part of the Stennis Center’s Prospective Commanding Officer (PCO) Program, CAPT Eric “STIC” Thompson and CAPT Justin Issler recently visited Washington, DC, to engage with Stennis Center staff as they prepare for new leadership roles at sea.

CAPT Eric Thompson, a naval aviator with extensive operational experience and multiple deployments, has taken on the role of Prospective Commanding Officer aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), where he supports daily operations and helps lead the crew in maintaining mission readiness.

CAPT Justin Issler, a helicopter pilot and former squadron commanding officer with multiple deployments and broad operational experience, has taken on the role of Prospective Commanding Officer aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), bringing his leadership and focus on teamwork to his new team.

Congratulations to both officers on their new assignments, and best wishes as they take on these important leadership roles at sea.

Learn more about the PCO Program: https://stennis.gov/about-us/stennis-center-for-public-service/

04/15/2026

Stennis Congressional Intern Program – Session 4 Highlights!

During our fourth session of the Summer 2025 Stennis Congressional Intern Program, interns gained valuable insight into the nonpartisan forces that support and sustain the legislative process. The focus: an engaging panel on the behind-the-scenes roles that help Congress operate effectively and objectively.

Representatives from key legislative support offices—including the Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), Senate Legislative Counsel, and a House Reading Clerk—shared their expertise and perspectives on how their work informs decision-making, ensures accuracy, and upholds institutional integrity.

From analyzing federal spending to providing legal guidance and maintaining procedural clarity on the House floor, these professionals play an essential role in shaping legislation while remaining steadfastly nonpartisan. Interns left with a deeper appreciation for the people and processes that keep Congress running smoothly behind the scenes.

A big thank-you to our distinguished panelists for offering their time, insight, and commitment to public service!

04/08/2026

PSR Feature: “Leaders of Tomorrow: Bipartisan Perspectives on Education”

Can Republicans and Democrats find common ground on education, or is disagreement inevitable? In Leaders of Tomorrow: Bipartisan Perspectives on Education, Quinn Luong explores this question by examining how two lawmakers from opposite parties approach one of the most pressing issues facing students today.

Featured on the cover of the Spring 2026 Public Service Review, Quinn brings a sharp and thoughtful lens to the conversation, guiding readers through a nuanced look at policymaking that prioritizes substance over soundbites.

Rather than focusing on personalities, the article centers on the substance of their conversations and reveals a shared recognition that the education system is facing serious challenges. From achievement gaps to outdated structures, both perspectives point to an urgent need for change, even as they differ on how to achieve it.

At the heart of the piece is a careful exploration of competing policy approaches. Questions of accountability, funding, and equity take center stage and illustrate how differing priorities shape solutions. The article also examines complex and often overlooked issues, including homeschooling and state versus local control, bringing depth to debates that are often oversimplified.

What makes this feature especially compelling is its focus on how disagreement unfolds. Instead of reinforcing partisan divides, it highlights moments of dialogue, reflection, and even unexpected alignment. The result is a more grounded look at policymaking that values discussion over division.

Through this feature, Quinn not only captures the challenges within education policy but also offers a compelling example of how meaningful conversations can still take place across differences.

Read more in the Spring 2026 Public Service Review.

04/06/2026

PSR Feature: “Intern Insights: Why Youth Engagement in Public Service Matters”

What draws young people to public service? For Hannah J. Jackson, that question sparked a closer look at the experiences shaping the next generation of civic leaders. A rising senior at Howard University, Hannah combines her academic interests with firsthand experience from her internship with U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen.

In Intern Insights: Why Youth Engagement in Public Service Matters, Hannah shares perspectives from five legislative interns working across Capitol Hill. Their reflections reveal what motivates them to step into government roles and how these experiences are shaping their understanding of public service.

Throughout the article, public service comes into focus as both meaningful and demanding. Interns describe the impact of contributing to daily operations, supporting constituents, and learning how policy takes shape, while also navigating the fast pace of the environment.

The conversation also highlights why more young people are getting involved, pointing to increased access to information, curiosity about how institutions work, and a desire to be part of something larger than themselves.

Through this feature, Hannah captures an engaging snapshot of a generation stepping forward, eager to learn, contribute, and play a role in the future of public service.

Read more in the upcoming Spring 2026 Public Service Review.

03/31/2026

PSR Feature: “Interview – Shad White, State Auditor”

What does it take to hold government accountable? For Holden Mattison, that question shaped a conversation at the core of his interest in public service. A senior political science student at Mississippi State University, Holden has focused his academic and leadership experiences on understanding how institutions serve the public and where they are tested most.

In Interview – Shad White, State Auditor, Holden sits down with Mississippi State Auditor Shad White to explore the realities of overseeing public funds. From auditing agencies to investigating fraud, the discussion offers a behind-the-scenes look at the work required to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent as intended.

Throughout the interview, accountability emerges as more than a principle. It is a daily responsibility that often requires difficult decisions and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. White emphasizes that meaningful public service is not always popular, but it is necessary to maintain trust in government.

The conversation also looks ahead to the challenges facing the next generation of public servants. Questions of how technology will reshape oversight and how states can retain talented individuals highlight the evolving demands of governance.

Through this interview, Holden captures both the complexity of modern government and the importance of principled leadership. His work reflects a growing commitment to public service grounded in responsibility, curiosity, and a desire to make a lasting impact.

After graduation, Holden plans to work in Washington, D.C. before pursuing law school and continuing a career dedicated to public service.

Read more in the upcoming Spring 2026 Public Service Review.

Address

Curtis Bay, MD
21222

Website

http://www.stennis.gov/

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