Long Beach State’s 2025 Panetta Congressional intern, Andre Achacon, has returned from Washington, D.C. with rare firsthand insight into federal policymaking and the impacts of the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.
Achacon, a third-year political science major with minors in finance and communications, was selected by President Jane Close Conoley for the Panetta Institute for Public Policy Congressional Internship Program this year.
The prestigious program selects one student from each CSU campus and several private colleges, covering all costs including tuition, airfare, housing and living expenses.
“As a first-generation student, opportunities like this were not imaginable,” Achacon said. “I never thought I would be able to secure a competitive internship working for Congress or afford to move out to Washington, D.C. for a few months.”
The semester-long program starts with a two-week academic orientation at the Panetta Institute, followed by 11 weeks of experiential learning as a Panetta intern in a California House member’s Washington, D.C. office, along with regular seminars.
After returning to California, interns complete a 20-page policy paper and a 20-page reflective journal, earning a letter grade worth 20 full-time academic units.
CSULB Vice President for Student Affairs Beth Lesen, who oversees the campus selection process, said Achacon stood out from the beginning. Four other students applied for the selection process.
“Andre distinguished himself as possessing impressive leadership potential very early in his time at CSULB,” Lesen said. “He applied to be a student trustee in his first year on campus. Most people don’t know what a trustee is, but Andre had done his homework and wanted to represent students in important ways.”
Lesen added that Achacon’s success in ASI leadership only confirmed what staff already saw in him. Achacon served as the ASI vice president of finance during the 2024-25 academic year.
“He was a responsible, passionate and effective student representative,” she said. “It seems clear that we can expect great things of Andre, so I’m honored to have helped connect him with leadership training experiences that will contribute to his continued development.”
Before heading to Capitol Hill, Panetta interns complete a two-week academic orientation at Cal State Monterey Bay, where classes run from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day–including weekends.
“It was one of the most exhausting yet transformative experiences I’ve had,” Achacon said.
With laptops prohibited, he said he finished over 70 pages of handwritten notes.
Achacon said a lecture on immigration policy by Bipartisan Policy Center senior advisor Theresa Cardinal Brown was among the most impactful.
As the son of Filipino immigrants, Achacon said the discussion resonated deeply.
“She demystified the entire immigration system and its flaws,” he said.
Achacon was placed in the office of Rep. Jimmy Gonzalez (CA-34), where he quickly advanced from administrative tasks to major communications responsibilities.
“One morning I’d be photographing the congressman at an event, and that afternoon I’d be producing rapid-response clips,” he said.
He supported messaging on housing affordability, immigration issues and the national conversation surrounding ICE deportations.
Halfway through the internship, the federal government shut down – furloughing House interns, including Achacon.
“Witnessing the shutdown firsthand showed just how fragile our democracy is,” Achacon said. “Federal employees kept working, but the pay never came. You could see the low morale everywhere.”
Apart from the typical daily 9-to-5 work in congressional offices, the internship usually includes special tours at the CIA, FBI, Treasury and other federal agencies, Achacon said.
“Due to the shutdown, those tours were unfortunately canceled,” Achacon said. “It was disappointing to miss out on half of our work experience.”
No congressional officials were unwilling to participate in what?. The cancellations primarily affected the special programming, rather than meetings or office responsibilities.
Many interns struggled emotionally and professionally during the shutdown.
“We were stuck at home instead of contributing to meaningful work in the Capitol,” Anchacon said. “For many, it was a tough adjustment to living alone for the first time, far from family.”
Still, Achacon found a sense of community within his cohort. The shutdown also allowed Achacon more free time to expand his professional network.
“I met over 35 professionals who became part of my network, many of whom have become mentors and will help me secure a job post-graduation,” he said. “If I had continued with my congressional tasks as planned, I would’ve only met half of those people. On the other hand, I missed out on valuable hands-on experience like writing speeches, press releases or photographing the congressman at special events.”
Achacon said the experience reinforced his career goals.
“My dream is to one day lead the White House communications team,” he said. “This internship reminded me that public services isn’t just important: it’s essential.”