Our Interns

The Washington Center takes pride in the quality of the applicants it attracts. With partnerships with over 500 colleges and universities across the country and around the world, The Washington Center is able to provide interns possessing a wide range of skill sets, specialization and diversity.

Student Profile:  

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university and be a second semester sophomore, juniors, and seniors  Recent graduates and graduate students are eligible to participate in the Postgraduate Professional Development Program.

• Are carefully screened and selected by their home institution AND The Washington Center

• Must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.75 (average GPA is 3.3)

• Come from geographically and ethnically diverse backgrounds

• Receive college credit for their internship and required coursework through The Washington Center. Credit is awarded by students’ home institution

• Typically receive 6-9 credits for the 10 week summer program and 12-15 credits during the fall and spring

• Work 30-36 hours at their internship site

Our Program

The Washington Center offers a comprehensive program to all of its participants. Students take a course, partake in our speaker’s forum and other program specific activities, and are offered networking opportunities and weekend activities, all of which provide a broad perspective of the rich diversity found in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Program Components

• Coursework
  In addition to working 30-36 hours per week, The Washington Center requires undergraduate students to enroll in a course. Academic coursework is an integral part of The Washington Center experience. It extends students’ on-campus learning and complements the internship. The Washington Center typically offers twenty-five to thirty-five courses each semester or term.  Led by well-qualified faculty who are dedicated teachers, classes are grounded in traditional disciplines yet taught within the context of the wide array of resources available in Washington, D.C. Courses meet one weeknight each week for three hours.

• The Washington Forum
  Washington, D.C. abounds with opportunities to hear and meet national and world leaders, learn about the people and organizations that shape policy and explore the issues they work on and debate. Every Washington Center intern takes advantage of these exciting opportunities through a structured set of activities known as The Washington Forum.

• Small Group Activities
  Washington Center program advisors arrange activities to suit the interests of the small groups; includes site visits, briefings, tours, workshops, walking tours and other activities.

• Volunteering
  In keeping with The Washington Center’s emphasis on service learning, interns are encouraged to volunteer time to a worthy cause.

• Internship Portfolio
  All interns complete an internship portfolio. This document records the internship experience through, among other components, a statement of learning goals, internship defense letter, and analyses of lectures.

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