From Aggieland to Washington: Eleanor Sebastian ’28 Gains Public Service Experience Through Public Policy Scholars Program
Many Aggies choose political science with a dream of impacting public policy at the federal level with a career in Washington, D.C. From Texas, that career can feel far away. But the Texas A&M University System Public Policy Scholars Program (PPSP) tangibly connects undergraduates to the world of public service through an integrated, semester-long expedience in the nation’s capital.
PPSP provided political science student Eleanor Sebastian ’28 with the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service during the Spring 2026 semester in Washington. Through the highly competitive program, Sebastian served as a Legal Intern in the Office of Inspector General, Chief Counsel’s Office at the United States Department of Transportation, where she worked alongside senior attorneys on complex legal matters and federal oversight issues.
“In this role I was able to assist senior attorneys with complex litigation-tracking motions, and other filings in multi-charge, multi-defendant cases, and assisting with FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) Appeals,” said Sebastian. Her work exposed her to the fast-paced environment of federal legal practice while strengthening her research, communication, and analytical skills.
Sebastian described the experience as both professionally and personally transformative. “The PPSP program does an amazing job of helping its students to develop these skills in a supportive environment, while adapting to the fast paced back-drop of Washington DC,” she said. “I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to work for DOT OIG, it was a very motivating and positive experience that allowed me to confirm law school as the right track for me in the future.” Her participation reflects the Department’s continued commitment to providing students with meaningful experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for careers in law, government, and public service.
Students interested in the Public Policy Scholars Program should contact Stephanie Webb.
