Cosponsored by Cornell in Washington and the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions, this program is open to undergraduates at any college or university who have completed at least the freshman year.

SIW offers an intensive, multifaceted experience designed to give participants a greater understanding of the workings of government and the processes by which public policy is developed. Students enroll in two of three courses taught in the morning and in the evening; most of the day is devoted to individual internships or similar activities. Internships could be with congressional committee offices, executive branch agencies, interest groups, non-profit arts and research institutions, and professional firms and businesses.