Two Northern Kentucky University political science majors were awarded the Henry Clay Internship in Public Policy, Feb. 23.

Sophomore Leigha Phelps and senior Adam Sandfoss will head to Washington D.C. as they will spend the summer in the nation’s capital, interning with delegates from Kentucky.

According to Henry Clay Coordinator Rick Curtsinger, Phelps and Sandfoss will be working in an office of members of Kentucky delegation, including Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning.

For Phelps, being selected as one of three students from the state of Kentucky was an ‘honor.’

‘I’m not going to lie, but I was surprised when I was awarded the internship,’ Phelps said. ‘I honestly didn’t think I would get it. I have had my eye on it for six months and all that time has paid off.’

Phelps added that she would like to be in the Senate for the internship.

‘I would personally like to work in the area of economics,’ she said. ‘Considering the current economic recession I would like to get involved in it. Its not my major, the economy just interests me.’

Sandfoss is looking forward to the trip, as it will be his first time in the nation’s capital, but is more excited about who is along on the trip.

‘I’m more excited that two of the three students going were from NKU,’ he said. ‘That is showing how far along the university has come.’

For Sandfoss, his focus is on health care and possibly working for the health committee.

‘I have a strong passion for health care and it would be amazing to be a part of Obama’s health care plan,’ he said.

According to a press release, the internship assignments for Phelps and Sandfoss will be based on political affiliation and their desired branch of government.

This also marks the first time in school history that more than one person was accepted to the internship program in the same year.