From the Classroom to the Capitol…Federal Government experiences for spring break.
For two consecutive years, the Harry S. Truman School of Government and Public Affairs completed a two-day immersive trip to Washington, D.C., to open students to the opportunity of internships and professional opportunities. The D.C. Pathway class helps students gain behind-the-scenes exposure to the institutions, people, and processes that shape federal policy. Designed as a cornerstone experiential learning opportunity, the trip connected classroom study with real-world policymaking across economics, agriculture, and public affairs.
Day One: Policymaking in Practice
Students started their day on Capitol Hill, engaging directly with congressional staff to better understand the day-to-day realities of legislative work. Meetings included staff from the offices of Dina Titus and Emanuel Cleaver at the Rayburn House Office Building, where students also continued discussions over lunch.
The afternoon focused on the Senate, with a visit to the office of Eric Schmitt at the Russell Senate Office Building. A highlight of the day followed: a bipartisan session with House and Senate Agriculture Committee staff at the Longworth House Office Building. The discussion provided a candid look at how cross-party collaboration continues to function on key policy issues.
The day concluded with a Mizzou College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources and Truman School Mizzou Alumni Reception, where students connected with Missouri alumni working across federal agencies, congressional offices, and the broader public affairs community.
Day Two: Agriculture, Policy, and Public Affairs
Tuesday began with a breakfast briefing from JBS Foods, offering a private-sector perspective on agricultural markets, trade, and regulatory policy.
Students then attended the National Ag Day Celebration, a major national event featuring remarks from senior federal leaders, including Brooke Rollins, Lee Zeldin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Mehmet Oz, Kelly Loeffler, Linda McMahon, and John Hoeven. The event also included commodity group discussions, a student panel, and recognition of emerging leaders in agriculture.
The group then visited the USDA Farm Production and Conservation Business Center, where they met with Under Secretary Richard Fordyce, followed by a policy briefing from the USDA Office of Pest Management Policy.
The trip concluded with a luncheon hosted by The Hawthorn Group, where students explored the role of strategic communications and advocacy in shaping public policy.
Over two intensive days, students engaged with leaders and staff across the Executive Branch, Congress, federal agencies, and the private sector. The experience provided Mizzou students a comprehensive, real-world view of how public policy is developed, negotiated, and implemented.
More importantly, the trip exemplified the mission of the Truman School: preparing students not just to study public service, but to participate in it.