Belmont Abbey College Announces the American Semester at The Belmont House, Forming Students for Faithful Public Service Belmont, N.C. (March 16, 2026) – Belmont Abbey College announces the launch of the American Semester at the Belmont House, a newly developed academic and formation program in Washington, D.C., designed to prepare students for principled leadership and policy engagement. Open to college sophomores, juniors, and seniors, the American Semester Experience allows students to immerse themselves in specialized coursework on Catholic social teaching while completing full-time internships with congressional offices, federal agencies, and policy organizations. Located just steps from the U.S. Capitol, the Belmont House serves as Belmont Abbey College’s formation center, bringing community, faith, and truth to public service. Undergraduate initiatives stand as the cornerstone of its leadership development efforts.  Dr. Jeffrey Talley, President of Belmont Abbey College, notes, “The Belmont House exemplifies our mission as a Catholic Benedictine College which is to order the hearts and minds of students to Christ as they serve in the world as competent professionals. In a city where decisions shape the lives of millions, our students learn to act with conscience, courage, and conviction.” The Belmont House stands at the intersection of Catholic teaching and public service, offering a unique foundation for those called to lead and creating vibrant Catholic communities within Washington’s high-pressure political environment. In that regard, American Semester students participate in a lecture series curated for them as well as in public discussion series directed to wider, public audiences. Emmett J. McGroarty, Executive Director of Belmont Abbey College’s House on Capitol Hill, shared, “Through our collaborations and discussion events, we facilitate meaningful professional opportunities for students. We’re excited that the American Semester is open to students from across the country. In extending this hospitality, we draw on 1,500 years of Benedictine tradition...