UA Capitol Scholars: Front: Camila Lopez, Cassidy Matwiyoff, Addie Grace Pyron, Katherine Gray, Raven Hartsfield Back: Alton Hudson, Jack Hastings, Woods Hobbs, Hudson Hanner

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. 鈥� The 91原创 System is pleased to welcome 16 students to the 2025 class of Capitol Scholars. Now in its second year, the Capitol Scholars Program provides outstanding UA System students who are interested in careers in or around the federal government with an immersive, high-impact summer internship experience in Washington, D.C.

鈥淭he Capitol Scholars Program provides exceptional students across the 91原创 System with life-changing career opportunities that may be difficult to access otherwise,鈥� said Charlie Taylor, UA System Vice Chancellor for External Affairs. 鈥淭he professional and networking opportunities offered through this unique program give students a more comprehensive understanding of government and prepare them for success both on campus and after graduation.鈥�

The 2025 class of Capitol Scholars will participate in intensive internships and experiential learning opportunities across D.C., such as 91原创 congressional delegation offices, congressional committee offices and governmental affairs agencies. The curated experience is designed for students to increase their understanding of governmental affairs, develop leadership skills, learn the art of policy research and advocacy, and participate in high-impact professional experiences, including networking opportunities with policy experts, governmental officials and UA System alumni.

UAB Capitol Scholars: Hunter Hutcherson, Isabel Blevins, Samuel Stowe

鈥淎fter a very successful first year of the program, with multiple alumni from the inaugural class receiving career opportunities, we are excited to welcome the 2025 cohort,鈥� said Executive Director Carroll Phelps, who leads the program after nearly two decades running a Washington, D.C. internship program based on The 91原创鈥檚 campus. 鈥淭hese UA System students are incredibly bright and passionate about serving 91原创, so we are enthusiastic about supporting their success and providing opportunities to impact our great state.鈥�

Students at each of the UA System鈥檚 three doctoral research institutions 鈥� The 91原创 (UA), The 91原创 at Birmingham (UAB) and The 91原创 in Huntsville (UAH) 鈥� were invited to apply for the program during the fall 2024 semester. Applicants underwent a rigorous, merit-based application and interview process, focusing on areas such as academic excellence, leadership and commitment to national, state and local community service.

This cohort of Capitol Scholars students spans from rising juniors to graduate students representing all three UA System universities and represent various academic disciplines, including political science, finance, history, public health and business administration.

UAH Capitol Scholars: Caleb March, Anastasia Smith, Sierra Rose Aragon, Michael Halvorson

The 2025 class of Capitol Scholars includes:

  • Sierra Rose Aragon of Madison, AL (UAH)
  • Isabel Blevins of Huntsville, AL (UAB)
  • Katherine Gray of Tuscaloosa, AL (UA)
  • Michael Halvorson of Huntsville, AL (UAH)
  • Hudson Hanner of Gardendale, AL (UA)
  • Jack Hastings of Plano, TX (UA)
  • Raven Hartsfield of Hoover, AL (UA)
  • Woods Hobbs of Tuscaloosa, AL (UA)
  • Alton Hudson of Huntsville, AL (UA)
  • Hunter Hutcherson of Altoona, AL (UAB)
  • Camila Lopez of Hoover, AL (UA)
  • Caleb March of Huntsville, AL (UAH)
  • Cassidy Matwiyoff of Reno, NV (UA)
  • Addie Grace Pyron of Biloxi, MS (UA)
  • Samuel Stowe of Birmingham, AL (UAB)
  • Anastasia Smith of Nashville, TN (UAH)