The Charles P. Wolff Internship in Government and Public Affairs was established in 2005 thanks to a generous gift from Sheryl Pitts Wolff in memory of her husband. Interns spend 12 months working with IGPA staff on a variety of projects, including communications activities, organizing events, researching potential award recipients, and some public policy research.
IGPA’s Wolff interns are selected from a highly competitive pool of University of Illinois applicants, with more than fifty students applying each year. Applicants come from various academic disciplines, including communications, agribusiness, journalism, history, political science, and others. Current interns contribute to the selection process each year, offering valuable insights to help identify the next cohort of Wolff interns.
This paid internship begins in June and continues through the academic year. It offers undergraduate students the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in public policy.
Interns contribute to a wide range of assignments that support the daily operations and mission of IGPA. These include general administrative tasks, assistance with public engagement planning and execution, research support, and opportunities to observe and engage with the public policy process in Illinois.
Wolff interns are considered integral members of the IGPA team. They may be invited to participate in events and activities held in Chicago, Springfield, and Washington, DC. Interns are expected to complete assignments promptly and professionally and approach their work with curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to excellence. Above all, we aim to provide an enriching and enjoyable experience that supports both the personal and professional development of each intern.
Meg Camacho is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, studying Environmental Economics and Policy with a minor in Business. Prior to joining IGPA, Meg interned with LanzaJet and Thinkubator, where she supported projects in corporate affairs, renewable energy, and startup consulting. On campus, she is the co-founder and design lead of Her World, a nonprofit developing STEM-focused educational technology for girls. She also serves on the executive board of Illinois Enactus, a social entrepreneurship organization, where she leads communications and creative initiatives. After graduation, Meg plans to attend law school and pursue a career in environmental advocacy and civic empowerment.
Lauren Ravury is a Senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, majoring in CS+Philosophy with a double major in Political Science. Before joining IGPA, Lauren interned with the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington D.C, gaining key insights into policymaking and public service. On campus, she is President of the Student Alumni Ambassadors, an organization dedicated to developing positive relations and interactions among students, alumni, and faculty. Lauren has also served as President of the Asian Pre-Law Association, where she led initiatives to foster AAPI legal representation and mentorship among members. In the future, Lauren hopes to work in the technology policy space after she attends law school.
Noah Yeager is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign double majoring in history and political science. He has previously developed his passion for advocacy and good governance by interning with U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth's Springfield District Office, working with the Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association during the 2024 election cycle, and advocating for environmental policy with the university's Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment. On campus, Noah serves as the President and Editor-in-Chief of the Undergraduate Law Review and is a member of Illinois Model United Nations. Additionally, he is currently engaged in research projects studying the history of higher education policy during the Cold War and the political theory behind what ideal citizenship entails in a democracy. After graduation, he has plans to attend law school in pursuit of a career in public interest law.
Double majored in Integrated Health Studies and Public Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Double majored in Political Science and Communication with a minor in Spanish.
Double majored in Political Science and Communication.
Double majored in Political Science: Law & Power and Communication at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Information Sciences with minors in Political Science and History at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Studied Political Science at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Political Science and Government at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Studied Political Science, Government, and Communications at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Fellow, Office of Governmental Relations, University of Illinois System
Pursuing full-time opportunities
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