A sophomore majoring in Economics and Political Science, Kaylen is an active campus citizen playing leadership roles on the Student Affairs Committee and with the Pan-African cultural organization Igwebuike.

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Kaylen’s work as a member of the Student Affairs Committee has demonstrated her ability to collaborate effectively with university administrators while balancing her responsibilities as a representative of the student body at SCU. This role provided Kaylen with valuable insight on the high level of preparation required for a career in public service and also sparked her interest in doing advocacy work on behalf of BIPOC students. 

 

The Panetta Congressional Internship will be a natural extension of the work Kaylen has already started at SCU. She hopes to return from Washington, D.C., with a better understanding of the role policy reform plays in our political system. “My eyes are set on a career in public service so that I can continue the advocacy work I love at a higher level. I hope to return from Washington with a better understanding of how my ideas for policy reform can become realities.”

 

The Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s 23rd annual Congressional Internship Program is a combination of a two-week academic orientation held at the Panetta Institute at Cal State Monterey Bay followed by eleven weeks in Washington, D.C. One student from each of the twenty-three Cal State campuses, as well as one student from SCU (Mr. Panetta's alma mater), Dominican University of California (Mrs. Panetta’s alma mater), and Saint Mary's College are selected. Congratulations Kaylen we are so proud of you!