For three decades ASHRAE has been a sponsor of the WISE (Washington Internship for Students of Engineering) program, which enables future engineers to see firsthand the importance of engaged engineers and scientists in the legislative and policy process. Founded in 1980 through the collaborative efforts of several professional engineering societies, WISE has become one of the premier Washington internship programs. Its goal is to prepare future leaders of the engineering profession who are aware of and can contribute to the important intersections of technology and public policy.
Between 8-12 outstanding undergraduate and graduate engineering students are selected each year in a nation-wide competition to spend 9 weeks in the summer in Washington, D.C. During the internship, the interns learn how government officials make decisions on complex technological issues, and how engineers can contribute to legislative and regulatory public policy decisions. The ASHRAE Washington Office hosts an outstanding engineering student every summer through this program. The intern will receive a $3,000 stipend and housing on George Washington University’s campus for the duration of the program.
APPLY NOW
Applications for the 2026 WISE program are due by January 30, 2026.
The internship program dates are May 31 – July 31, 2026.
Inquiries from interested students should be sent to bcausey@ashrae.org
Over the course of 9 weeks the students write a research paper on a relevant technology issue and assess potential policy responses. You can read the 2025 WISE interns' research papers here, in the WISE Journal of Engineering and Public Policy.
READ PAPERS
Visit the WISE Web site
ASHRAE has been a sponsor of the WISE program for college students over the last three decades.
ASHRAE President (SY18-19) Sheila Hayter is a past participant of the program!
Past ASHRAE WISE Interns
WISE Intern 2018
Victor Rodriguez
Victor Rodriguez, ASHRAE’s 2018 WISE intern, is a rising senior at the University of Central Florida (UCF) studying Mechanical Engineering. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, Victor is interested in pursuing a graduate level degree that focuses on the interface between technology and society. He served as President of the ASHRAE’s student branch at UCF and joined ASHRAE’s Technical Committee 7.6 (Building Energy Performance) during the Winter meeting in 2017. Through his continued efforts he plans on leading his fellow students at UCF towards greater opportunities for academic and professional growth in the arts and sciences of HVAC&R.
WISE Intern 2017
Madalyn Beban
Madalyn Beban, ASHRAE’s 2017 WISE Intern, is a rising senior at the University of Dayton studying mechanical engineering with a concentration in energy systems. Madalyn’s selection as the ASHRAE-sponsored WISE Program participant makes her one of ten engineering students, ranging from undergraduate to post-graduate, who will spend this summer living and working in Washington, D.C.
For Madalyn, past work experience in energy efficiency projects first sparked her interest in state-level public policy. A native of Akron, Ohio, she enjoys spending time reading, running, and exploring local park systems.
WISE Internships 2016
In the picture are: The 2016 WISE interns.
ASHRAE’s intern, Andrew Cloyd (far left, back row).
WISE Internships 2014 and 2015
In the picture are: Noah Rauschkolb (Left – ASHRAE's 2015 Intern),
Mark Ames (Center), and Logen Johnson (Right – ASHRAE's 2014 Intern)
WISE Internship 2013
ASHRAE’s 2013 WISE Intern, Andrew Schranck (R) with Mark Ames (L)