Part 2: 2025 Civic Engagement Scholarship Spotlight: Civic Engagement through Real-World Legal & Policy Experiences
Welcome back to the blog! If you missed part 1 of our 3-part Civic Engagement Scholarship Spotlight series featuring scholars doing important research and using data to create impactful public policy, you can check it out here.
In this second blog post of the Civic Engagement Scholarship Spotlight series, we’re showcasing three scholars who immersed themselves in legal and justice systems this summer. Understanding the intricacies of law and policy requires hands-on experience, where decisions directly impact individuals, communities, and society. These scholars, working in legal and policy roles, gained valuable insights on how the justice system functions and how policies are crafted to address pressing issues. Today, they highlight the pivotal role experiences play in shaping the next generation of leaders to address the challenges of governance and equity.
Morgan Williamson (West Liberty University, Case Competition ‘23, Leadership Bootcamp ‘25)
Ohio House of Representatives
Over the summer, Morgan Williamson returned to the Ohio House of Representatives to work in Representative Willis’s office, where they assisted with legislative tasks and constituent outreach. The experience provided a firsthand experience engaging with state government, with a major highlight being their assistance with the passage of Ohio House Bill 3, the “School Bus Safety Act.” Morgan also worked to honor local success by helping to send out more than 75 official commendations to new residents, small businesses, and graduates.
The internship was a hands-on lesson in public service, where the Morgan’s work had an "impact on the public by advocating for bipartisan legislation and honoring local success within our district." The experience was not without its challenges; "one of the biggest challenges I faced was working with complicated legislative bills and addressing disappointed constituents." Morgan overcame this by learning to "explain policy compassionately, no matter affiliation." These experiences were a powerful reminder of "how profoundly these issues touch every Ohioan."
When asked about his biggest takeaways from this experience, Morgan shared: the “[value of] persistence and a reaffirmation of my commitment to public service.”
Chaz Keith (Westmont College, Leadership Bootcamp ‘ 25)
San Francisco’s Public Defenders Office
Chaz Keith interned at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, whose mission is to make legal support accessible to those who cannot afford it. Through this internship, Chaz had an opportunity to see how public policy is enacted to ensure a fair legal system and address systemic injustices. He attended court hearings, interviewed inmates, and wrote articles “that brought light to injustices and civil rights issues.”
Reflecting on the transformative experience, Chaz shared a major takeaway: “My experience in the Public Defenders Office is an experience that has absolutely changed my worldview, providing an example of how academic pursuits can actively be used to change the world.”
Anuva Wardah, Stony Brook University, Campus Competition ‘24,’25, Leadership Bootcamp ‘24, ‘25
Queens District Attorney’s Office
Anuva Wardah’s summer internship took place at the Intake Bureau at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, where she gained practical legal knowledge and played a direct role in public service. Her role at the Intake Bureau put her directly at the heart of the justice system’s preliminary stages, which included doing preliminary assessments of camera footage, reports, and evidence. A major highlight for her throughout this experience was being able to be “directly contributing to decisions on domestic violence cases that promoted community safety and ensured justice was fairly administered.” Her biggest learning was “mastering clear communication with diverse individuals, in the workplace and out, ensuring complex legal processes were understandable and accessible” to the community.
Anuva’s time at the DA’s office demonstrates how public policy works at the local level and the power of civic engagement through this hands-on experience, where she actively participated in making the justice system more transparent and accessible.
When reflecting on her internship experience, Anuva shares, “Successfully handling real court proceedings boosted my confidence and affirmed my passion for public service. Receiving the [...] Civic Engagement scholarship further validated my commitment to advocating for justice, reinforcing my goal to continue serving and positively impacting my community!”
Stay tuned for part three of this series, where we will be highlighting scholars who are engaged in community empowerment and advocacy!