Colorado Christian University is the Lantern of the Rockies – committed to being a light for truth in an ever-growing dark human existence. Guided by our Strategic Priorities, we seek to impact our culture with Grace and Truth.
The study of Politics at Colorado Christian University deliberately combines philosophic breadth and theological insight with practical relevance. Students explore human nature and ethics along with political and economic power and history. They are led to grapple with the meaning and significance of the American founding, with the relation of virtue and liberty to the rule of law and human happiness, with America’s role in the world, and with the current political landscape.
As a Politics student at CCU, you will be provided with a solid and coherent foundation of your political and civic responsibilities and will be required to take them seriously. CCU is an institution that is convictionally Christian and principally conservative — thus, our students learn how to examine public policy from a perspective informed by Christian faith and traditions. This provides graduates with the concepts and methods for analyzing the role and impact of political players and institutions across the world, while integrating theological principles within the context of current political affairs and good citizenship.
Additionally, Politics students have direct access to all student resources provided by the Centennial Institute. Through the 1776 Scholars program, Centennial Institute is dedicated to cultivating informed and principled conservative leaders among CCU students. Named to evoke the spirit of America’s founding, the program emphasizes the values of faith, family, and freedom, aiming to impact American politics for the glory of God and in the spirit of 1776.
As the student arm of the Centennial Institute, the 1776 Scholars engage in various activities designed to develop their political knowledge and leadership skills. These include attending dynamic speaker events, participating in engaging forums, and connecting with leaders in government and nonprofit sectors. Through these experiences, students are equipped to make a difference in their communities and beyond. Additionally, our annual Washington Week seminar course provides students an opportunity to meet with government officials, policy analysts, and members of the news media.
The program also offers opportunities for students to gain practical experience by working with the Centennial Institute, assisting with its day-to-day operations. This hands-on involvement helps students develop a strong moral compass and the energy to effect positive change in the nation.
Graduates of the 1776 Scholars program have gone on to serve in various capacities within government and nonprofit organizations, reflecting the program’s success in mentoring the next generation of leaders committed to upholding conservative values.
Past 1776 Scholars include:
Brittany Vessely: Executive Director, Colorado Catholic Conference
Chad Yelinski: Director, Novo Nordisk
Damon Sidur: Communications Director, Idaho Attorney General’s Office
Erin Amsberry: Director of Communications, Colorado Business Roundtable
Jonathan Finer: Grants Program Officer, Daniels Fund
Jaimie Erker: Director of Communications, Centennial Institute
Jordan Jantzen: Legislative Correspondent, Congressman Jeff Crank
Katie Kellet: Defense Attorney, Sawyer Legal Group
Lauren Holmes: Staff Director, U.S. House Committee on Small Business
Nate Grasz: Executive Director, Nebraska Family Alliance
As part of Colorado Christian University and Centennial Institute’s mission to train the next generation of Christian conservative statesmen and stateswomen, we seek the best opportunities to launch our graduates to join the conservative movement – both locally and nationally. If you would like your organization added to our list, please email centennial@ccu.edu.
Internships are a vital first step when launching a career in the political world. These organizations provide excellent career development and internship experiences: Internships may be paid or unpaid with the option for course credit.
American Cornerstone Institute
The Alexander Hamilton Society
Center for Immigration Studies
Center for Strategic and International Studies
Committee on the Present Danger
Foundation for Economic Foundation
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
Foreign Policy Research Institute
Hoover Institution for War, Revolution, and Peace
Mountain States Legal Foundation
National Center for Policy Analysis
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America
Texas Public Policy Foundation
Fellowships are intensive academic and professional opportunities that give students (both undergraduate and graduate) and recent graduates in-depth development to launch their careers. Most fellowships are funded and very competitive.
American Enterprise Institute Summer Honors Program
Foundation for Economic Freedom Hazlitt Fellowship
The Fund for American Studies Woodhouse Public Policy Fellowship
The Heritage Academy Online Public Policy Fellowship
Hertog Foundation Political Studies Program
Hoover Institution Summer Policy Boot Camp
Intercollegiate Studies Institute Honors Program
For students who wish to pursue higher education, there are a variety of graduate programs that empower students to take the next step in their educational careers.
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver. Founded in 1914, CCU is the flagship Christian university in the Rocky Mountain region. A leader in higher education, the University is consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.
CCU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees for traditional and adult students through its College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online. CCU is an NCAA Division II university in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC). Visit the CCU Home Page.