ASU In DC Brochure 2025

ASU in Washington, D.C. A university supporting national priorities through convening, leadership and engagement

Supporting national priorities through convening, leadership and engagement For over 20 years, Arizona State University has worked in Washington, D.C., to advance America’s most important priorities. ASU’s mission in Washington is about being of service to the country by advancing democracy and U.S. leadership, supporting federal science and policy priorities, promoting systems-level transformation of K-12 and higher education, and offering high-impact education experiences for students.

Democracy and US leadership Through its work in Washington, D.C., ASU advances democratic principles and strengthens America’s capacity for global leadership. In collaboration with numerous government, academic and civic partners, the university works to strengthen diplomacy, support national security and defense and train future leaders.

The McCain Institute works to promote global democracy and national security through efforts to combat human trafficking, prevent hate-based violence, strengthen counterterrorism and develop future leaders.

ASU’s Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab advances character-driven leadership, diplomacy and national security education and training.

ASU’s Global Security Initiative provides expertise to support the Department of Defense (DoD), Defense Advanced Research Agency (DARPA) and other federal agencies working in defense research and development.

The United States and Association of Southeast Asian Nations Center (U.S.-ASEAN Center), launched in partnership between ASU and the U.S. Department of State, deepens U.S. ties with the Indo-Pacific region through academic, private sector and civil society partnerships.

Unique educational programs ASU’s presence in Washington, D.C., enables unique opportunities for study, practicum and internships that prepare students for national civic leadership — including roles in congressional offices, national security, business, journalism, law and the judiciary and more.

The ASU Capitol Scholars program provides students with internships with Congress, federal agencies, advocacy groups, the media, nonprofit organizations, think tanks and policy research groups.

Cronkite News Washington offers an intensive professional reporting experience in a state-of-the-art newsroom that generates breaking news and investigative stories.

The Legal Externship program places law students at federal agencies, congressional offices, judicial offices, firms and nonprofits to enable career readiness.

ASU’s global leadership programs offer hands-on training with diplomats and security experts and provide business training through ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Education leadership ASU works with policymakers and leading education organizations in Washington to drive innovations in higher and K-12 education to support opportunity, social mobility and American competitiveness.

ASU’s membership in the nation’s most notable educational organizations, including the prestigious American Association of Universities (AAU), allows the university to advocate for innovation, accessibility and impact across higher education.

ASU’s partnerships with leading employers and companies like Starbucks and Uber are transforming workforce education and providing low-cost college degrees to employees.

ASU advances K-12 innovation and solutions through in-person and online courses and resources that reach 123,000 students in 23 states.

Policy engagement Over the last 20 years, ASU has systematically reoriented its research enterprise to advance innovation that benefits society. Drawing on this experience, ASU serves as a resource to policymakers and supports federal decision-making to drive American competitiveness, security, and social and technological progress.

ASU’s Office of Government and Community Engagement represents ASU on Capitol Hill and supports legislative priorities in domestic microelectronics manufacturing, space exploration, water sustainability and more.

The Center for Science, Policy and Outcomes helps policymakers and institutions to advance efficient and effective science and technology policy that serves the public interest.

ASU’s Research and Engagement Office engages federal agencies, think tanks, universities and scientific organizations to advance mutual understanding of science, technology and societal needs.

ASU supports U.S. microelectronics leadership by working with industry and government stakeholders to build capacity for domestic semiconductor manufacturing and R&D for commercial, defense and energy applications.

Funded by a $39.8 million initial DoD investment, the SWAP Hub is one of the first awards under the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022.

170+ SWAP Hub members

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capability areas

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cross-cutting themes

comprehensive workforce development

Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center The Ambassador Barbara Barrett & Justice Sandra Day O’Connor Washington Center is ASU’s permanent home in the nation’s capital, facilitating education, leadership, convening and partner engagement.

Located just blocks away from the White House at 18th and I streets, the center is home to multiple ASU initiatives, including: •

McCain Institute

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Leadership, Diplomacy and National Security Lab

Government and Community Engagement

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International Development Initiative

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Competitive Statecraft Initiative

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Research Engagement Office

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Consortium for Science, Policy and Outcomes

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Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law programs

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Cronkite News Washington

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Decision Theater Network

Thunderbird School of Global Management programs

Contact for inquiries about the Barrett & O’Connor Washington Center Roxanne Ladd, senior director of operations roxanne.ladd@asu.edu | 202-446-0381

Learn more at washingtondc.asu.edu