Testimonials
“I am prouder to be an American today than the day I started. I know my own story better now, so I can rejoice in our national heroes, and keep the national memory alive. I have two fingers on the grassroots heartbeat, and I can better hear the cares of the average citizen.”
—CATIE WHITLING, CLASS OF 2023
“I’ve gone from a college kid working a dead end job to now a full time employee with COS working for a purpose and continually growing as a person. This internship has kickstarted a major turning point in my life and I’m so excited with where my life journey is going.”
—BRICE SOLET, CLASS OF 2023
“I’ve grown tremendously as a leader, as a follower of Christ, as a patriot, and as a man of God.”
—DABNEY PETERS, CLASS OF 2023
“The Emerging Leaders Program has been one of the most transformational experiences I have ever had… This program has rekindled and amplified my love and passion for freedom and justice… I can truly say that this program has been a launching pad for the next season of my life… This internship has pushed me closer to being the leader God made me to be.”
– JONATHAN STUCKEY, CLASS OF 2025
“As an ELP intern, I have been granted so many opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere. I am always being challenged to use servant leadership inside and outside of work, which has strengthened me in so many ways. I’ve driven deeper into my relationship with the Lord on an astronomical level. And that alone changes everything. This program is truly life-changing.”
—LANAH FAY, CLASS OF 2023
“I started this internship lost. What I found was a growth-minded community dedicated and passionate about being a light in a dark world. I found something I wanted to be a part of. I found something I couldn’t find in any other internship: a purpose.”
—LAUREN MOYE, CLASS OF 2023
“I’ve grown in so many ways. I’ve gained skills to help me in the professional world. I’ve gained an understanding of America’s founding principles. I’ve grown personally through incredible mentorship. Above all I’ve grown in my relationship with the Lord and my passion for America. I’ve grown in every aspect of my life. I can’t put it into words how much of an impact this program has had on me.”
—SAM DUERKOP, CLASS OF 2024
“I am more confident and well equipped not only to thrive professionally and intellectually moving forward, but also spiritually. I have grown more than I could have imagined because I have seen the Lord guide my path through this. I have learned that the Lord does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
—HAILEY SMIT, CLASS OF 2024
“Undoubtedly, I would not be the person I am today without the influence of the Emerging Leaders Program. The ELP is not just an internship; it’s so much more than that… Almost anything I do in life from this point on will be partially or wholly credited to the influence of the ELP.”
—CHARLOTTE STREFF, CLASS OF 2025
“The Emerging Leaders Program has affected every area of my life. I have been challenged to deepen my faith and have a better relationship with God. I have been given the tools to become a better servant leader and I want to make a difference in my community. I am confident in my knowledge of the foundation of our country and I want to teach people about it… I could not be more grateful for my time at COS or in the ELP… I have changed and grown more than I ever thought possible because of this internship. More than anything, I have a fuller understanding of who I am and who I want to be. Because of this internship… I have a greater sense of purpose and duty.”
—KAILEE ZIMMERMAN, CLASS OF 2024
“This was seriously the best internship I have ever had, and I do not think anything will ever top it. I feel like I walked out of the program with a clearer career calling and purpose in life.”
—MACY BROOKHOUSER, CLASS OF 2025