McClure Center
McClure Center Undergraduate Student Programs

The McClure Center for Public Policy Research proudly offers dynamic, high-level, experiential learning programs for undergraduate students at the University of Idaho. 

These programs provide invaluable, firsthand exposure to public policy analysis, design and implementation, across multiple levels of government. Throughout their semester-long experience, students engage directly with policy makers, gain practical insights into policy making processes and develop skills needed to become future leaders in public service.

This year, we aim to raise even more to support our undergraduate interns who spend a semester in Boise immersed in public policy, the state legislature and local communities. Funds provide support for housing and professional wardrobes and help interns attend professional development events. 

The programs equip students with essential skills, preparing them for future careers and leadership roles in Idaho and beyond.


  • Journalism and Mass Media (JAMM)-McClure Legislative Internship: Vandal undergraduate students report on the legislative session as full members of the Idaho Press Club. The McClure Center partners with rural newspapers across the state that publish legislative session articles written by these interns. You can learn more about the JAMM-McClure Legislative Internship in the video above. 
  • Governmental Relations Internship: U of I undergraduates work as legislative session research aides, covering the legislative session and other State Capitol events, working alongside the U of I Office of Governmental Relations.
  • Martin-McClure Student Ambassadorship: Offered every summer, Vandal undergraduates explore a topic at the intersection of international affairs and policy.

Why your support matters - straight from the interns: 

“Serving as a JAMM-McClure Legislative Intern was the best decision of my academic career. Every day I learned something new about the legislative process and was exposed to so many different opportunities. The internship pushed me out of my comfort zone to significantly improve my writing skills, interpersonal communication, and self-confidence. I will never forget that semester in the Statehouse and the experiences that prepared me to make a meaningful impact throughout my career.”- Sophie Spanbauer, JAMM-McClure Legislative Intern 2024

"Working at the McClure Center has given me the opportunity to fully observe the inner workings of the legislative process. This experience has provided invaluable insights into the decision-making framework and social factors that drive everyday policy decisions." - Kael Wilkins, Government Relations Intern 2025

Make a larger impact with your gift! In Honor of Jim and Louise McClure, an additional $1,000 will be unlocked once we receive 25 gifts! 

Every gift brings us closer - please join us today! Thank you!
 

$2,500
Vandal Legacy Scholarship Challenge
Help build the Vandal Legacy Scholarship one rung at a time. When Vandals reach 150 gifts, a generous donor will unlock a total of $25,000 to support future generations of Vandals. Every gift helps the Honors College at University of Idaho get closer to their goal.
25 Gift Goal
Starts in
$1,000
ICCU Vandal Promise Scholarship
For every 100 gifts made during Vandal Giving Day, $1,000 will be unlocked to Vandal Promise Scholarships, up to $10,000, thanks to our partners at Idaho Central Credit Union.
100 Gift Goal
Starts in
$5,000
Foundation Participation Challenge
Every gift counts—and now, every 500 gift unlocks an additional $5,000, up to $25,000 in bonus funds! The more Vandals who give, the more we unlock to support students, programs, and initiatives across the University of Idaho.
500 Gift Goal
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$500
The 1889 Challenge
The 1,889 gift receives an additional $500 to the fund of their choice!
1,889 Gift Goal
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Leaderboard
Leader of Ambassadors
The 10 ambassadors who inspire the most number of gifts throughout Vandal Giving Day 2026 will receive a $350 bonus to award to the fund of their choice!
Vandal Giving Day Ambassadors (158)
Event
Find Joe Vandal
There are 20 hidden Joe Vandals around campus. If you find one please bring it to the ASUI Lounge in the Idaho Student Union Building. You get to designate $100 to the fund of your choice.
Event
Payroll Deducation Bonus Challenge
Every new payroll deduction on April 7 and 8 will be automatically entered into a drawing for four $250 bonuses to the fund of their choice. Three bonuses each day will be awarded.
$50
First Time Donor Challenge
If you are an alumni or current student who has never before made a gift to University of Idaho, please consider making your first give today! Your gift of at least $10 (to any fund on Vandal Giving Day) will be matched with a $50 donation to the Vandal Food Pantry.
$10 Goal
Starts in
$500
Early Bird Challenge
Whoever makes the first gift on April 7 will earn an additional $500 to the fund of their choice!
1 Gift Goal
Starts in
$500
Faculty & Staff Challenge
The 250th gift from a faculty/staff member will win a $500 bonus for the fund of their choice!
250 Gift Goal
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Leaderboard
Kick Off Challenge
The top three funds that receives the most gifts in the first 10 hours on April 7 will unlock an additional $1,000 donation!
Kick Off Challenge (158)
Event
Procrastinator Award
The last gift to Vandal Giving Day receives an additional $500 bonus to the fund of their choice.
Event
Vandal Trivia
We're posting five trivia questions on X (formerly Twitter) and the first person to answer correctly gets to direct $100 to the fund of their choice. Be sure to follow @UIdahoAlumni to join in the fun.
Event
Sip & Select Challenge
We want to give our colleges some Vandal Giving Day love! Enter the Vandal Giving Day College Challenge. The college with the most votes at the Sip Station on Campus earns $250 to their designated fund. Stop by with your family and friends to support your college and University of Idaho!
Vandal Pride Far and Wide!
Rank State Gifts
1 NONE 0
1 AA 0
1 AE 0
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Or you can contact us at vandalsgive@uidaho.edu.