Political science, history student connects hometown roots to DC policy work

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Growing up in a small rural Pennsylvania community shaped Penn State student Dawson Glogau’s understanding of the challenges families face. This summer, he brought that perspective to Washington, D.C., where he helped research policies affecting communities like his own.

Glogau, a fourth-year student dual-majoring in political science and history, with minors in child maltreatment and advocacy studies and legal studies, spent the summer working with the political and policy team at the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA).

The internship was made possible through the College of the Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program. Housed in the Department of Political Science, the program provides Liberal Arts students with opportunities to complete internships in D.C., connect with alumni, gain professional experience and apply what they are learning at Penn State in the workplace.

Glogau’s days typically began with a walk to the JDCA office, with the White House visible along his route. At work, he tracked policy developments, drafted memos, researched political issues and contributed to weekly policy updates, candidate endorsements and election overviews.

Working in Washington gave Glogau a closer look at the details behind political issues that are often simplified in public conversations.

“Being in D.C. showed me the intricate details of politics,” he said.

One experience that stood out was attending a congressional committee meeting focused on food stamp policy. The room was smaller than Glogau expected, allowing him to sit close to U.S. representatives as they discussed an issue affecting communities across the country. Although the topic was difficult, the experience showed him how policy conversations take place firsthand and how decisions made in Washington directly impact people’s everyday lives.

Growing up in Kane, a small rural community, Glogau said he appreciated the opportunity to work on policy issues affecting communities like his own. His projects included research related to food assistance, housing and maternal health in rural areas.

“I was really appreciative that they allowed me to work on projects that affect rural communities,” Glogau said.

Advocacy has also been an important part of Glogau’s personal experiences. His family is a foster family, and he has two younger brothers who were adopted. Seeing the challenges families face firsthand has influenced his interest in eventually pursuing family law and advocating for those who need greater access to legal resources.

“There’s a big push to advocate for those who are closest to you,” Glogau said.

Glogau said he drew on the research, writing and analytical skills he developed through his political science and history coursework at Penn State. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholar, he also applied coding skills he learned in honors courses to his internship projects.

His political science coursework helped him understand the dynamics he encountered in Washington, particularly concepts he studied in PLSC 426, a course on political parties and interest groups, taught by his thesis adviser, Justin Crofoot, assistant teaching professor of political science.

“Concepts from class were really helpful in understanding nuanced dynamics in D.C.,” Glogau said.

The internship also strengthened his communication skills, he said.

One project Glogau said stood out to him involved researching Holocaust education across different states. The project allowed him to draw on his background in history and apply the research and analytical skills he developed at Penn State with real-world policy work.

He also learned that not every project will have the expected outcome. Glogau described resilience as one of the biggest lessons he took away from his experience.

“You’re at the table for a reason,” he said. “You deserve to be there.”

Outside of work, Glogau explored Washington with fellow Penn State students, including attending the city’s Pride celebration for the first time. Finding time for those experiences became an important part of learning to balance his professional and personal life, he said.

Because he cared deeply about issues such as antisemitism and Jewish safety, Glogau said he sometimes found it difficult to disconnect from his work. Over time, he learned the importance of setting boundaries and making time for himself.

Enrichment funding from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network helped Glogau cover living expenses in Washington, including housing, food and transportation. Moving from a small rural community to an expensive city presented financial challenges, and the support made the opportunity more accessible.

“Receiving that assistance made living and working professionally in D.C. possible, which meant everything to me,” Glogau said.

As he looks toward graduation, Glogau is considering law school and a career in family law. His summer in Washington strengthened his commitment to advocacy and showed him how he can use his education to make a difference for families and communities like the one where he grew up.

The experience also deepened his appreciation for opportunities and connections he’s gained through Penn State.

“This will be a community that I will be a part of the rest of my life,” he said.

Applications for the fall 2027 Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program will open in January. To learn more, visit the program webpage or contact program director Marie Hojnacki, associate professor and associate head of the Penn State Department of Political Science, or program coordinator Molly Inman, Penn State assistant teaching professor of political science.

This is the sixth in a series of stories featuring students participating in the inaugural Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program.