The Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization serving hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington DC, during the summer, fall, or spring semesters, for academic credit.
In addition to assisting students in securing internships in their field, the Washington Center, arranges fully furnished, apartment-style housing (optional), and offers a ‘package’ of professional, academic and networking experiences including: a variety of timely course selections; a weekly Leadership Series; Public Policy Dialogues on Capitol Hill; Roundtables on Philanthropy & Social Responsibility; a civic engagement project; small group activities; and requires a professional portfolio of their work. For more details about aspects of the Leadership Forum: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learning/leadership-forum
To date, nearly 300 BGSU interns have participated in the Washington Center Internships & Seminars Program, and 44, since 2005. For most, this has been a life-changing experience, and catalyst to their professional career path or graduate studies.
Sophomores, Juniors, or Seniors in all majors which offer credit for internships, with at least a 2.75 GPA, are welcome to apply. (Competitive Federal agency sites usually require a GPA of 3.0 +.) Review eligibility requirements at: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/application/eligibility Explore a variety of internship fields and options at: http://www.twc.edu/internships/all-programs
Students can complete internships in the DC area or at two abroad locations – London, England, and Sydney Australia, http://www.twc.edu/internships/intern-abroad/cities For more details about interning abroad: http://www.twc.edu/internships/intern-abroad Also available are short term seminars including the 2012 Political Conventions: http://www.twc.edu/seminars
It is important to review the cost and funding options including the Ohio scholarship of $1500 – $2000; and privately funded scholarships: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/funding and http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/funding/program-fees and application deadline dates by term http://www.twc.edu/deadlines
After meeting with the Campus Liaison, Susan Young, and a faculty member, a student can begin the online application process at: http://www.twc.edu/internships/learn-more/application and: http://portal.e.twc.edu/ Application materials include: the online application; resume, Essay 1: Activities they would like to perform at your internship site; Essay 2: Discuss an issue of interest in your field; an official transcript; two letters of recommendation. The Campus Liaison can assist the student in reviewing the application documents, including the resume and essays.
Once the student has been accepted into the Washington Center Internship & Seminar Program, they can follow the dissemination of their applications and receipt of scholarships, on their online account. Any questions can be directed to Susan Young the Campus Liaison, at the Career Center, 419-372-2356; or syoung@bgsu.edu; or to the Washington Center at 800-486-8921.