BPS - Washington Info Sheet
Spring 2026 Cohort
Bowdoin Public Service (BPS) in Washington will provide up to 12 sophomores with the opportunity to participate in an educational and professional development seminar series on topics in government and public service, followed by a one-week intensive immersion trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with alumni and others engaged in public service and government work. Each year, the topics of exploration may vary and can include areas such as foreign relations and diplomacy, economic policy, law, national security, intelligence, media and journalism, environmental policy, and education policy.
We seek applicants from all academic disciplines, backgrounds, and political perspectives.
Important Program Dates
- BPS in Washington 2026 cohort welcome meeting: Wed., Dec. 10, 2025, 7:00-8:00 PM
- Seminars with guest speakers: Tuesdays, January 20 – March 3, 2026, 7:00-8:30 PM
- Trip to Washington, D.C.: Sat., March 7 – Sat., March 14, 2026 (first week of Spring Break)
Expectations
- Attendance at all seminars and meetings is required.
- Full participation in all aspects of the Washington, D.C. trip is mandatory.
- A journal must be maintained throughout the program.
- A reflective essay must be completed and submitted by Friday, April 3, 2026.
Costs
Participation in the program is free of cost for all students and includes round-trip travel from Bowdoin to Washington, D.C., as well as meals, city transportation, and lodging. Students who plan to travel to a different destination after the program, instead of returning to Bowdoin, will be responsible for their own travel expenses from Washington, D.C.
Application Timeline
- Application Deadline: Friday, October 15 at noon
- Finalist Interviews: October 27-30
- Notification of Decisions: Before Thanksgiving Break
Application Components
1. Resume
2. Personal statement answering the following questions:
- What has sparked your interest in the BPS in Washington program?
- How have you demonstrated motivation to serve the common good?
- What unique experiences to you hope to contribute to this cohort learning environment?
Any additional information that would be helpful when considering your application is welcome, within the page limit. Format: up to 1 page, single-spaced, Times New Roman font, size 12 text, 1-inch margins.
3. Contact information for two references (no letters, just email and phone #. At least one reference must be from Bowdoin – i.e., a professor, supervisor, or coach)
Application is live on the McKeen Center for the Common Good website from Oct 2-15 at 12 noon.