Kellen McLaughlin ('24) says he recently learned there’s only one way to fix a pothole.
“If there’s a pothole in the ground, there’s not a Democrat or Republican way to fill that pothole. You just fill it.”
McLaughlin learned that quote from a policymaker in the Biden Administration during his White House internship this spring where he helped with the rollout of significant legislative measures.
Through his experience, he was able to earn college credits through the Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP), which provides NWU students with housing in Washington D.C., connections with alumni and other unique academic opportunities.
McLaughlin's role on the infrastructure implementation team could have a big impact for some U.S. residents. “We're talking about building bridges so people can get from point A to point B, or we're talking about getting people access to high-speed internet so they don't have to go to a fast-food restaurant to do their homework,” he says.
McLaughlin’s group operated under the Deputy Chief of Staff's office, which was tasked with implementing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the American Rescue Plan.
He worked closely with policy advisors, communications staff, and other members of the administration. "I saw the full spectrum of policy research, communications rollouts, and project management," he says.
McLaughlin, from Omaha, Neb., recently graduate with degrees in English and political science and a minor in writing and took special interest in government communication. "I learned how to convey the most information in the fewest number of words, which was a new and valuable skill," he says. “In some ways, it was a poetic exercise.”
His office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building provided a constant reminder of his proximity to the nation's highest office. "I had to pinch myself every day, seeing the White House outside my window," he says.
McLaughlin's passion for political science was sparked at a young age, influenced by his politically active parents and witnessing President Barack Obama campaigning in Omaha. Looking ahead, he’s pursuing professional opportunities in politics.