TWC interns from New Hampshire met with former their former Governor and current U.S. Senator, the Honorable Jeanne Shaheen and members of her legislative staff at the Hart Senate Office in Washington, D.C.  The students, who attend Fitchburg State University, University of Massachusetts—Lowell, University of New Hampshire, Suffolk University, and Stonehill College, spoke with Senator Shaheen and her staff about their current internship sites and policy issues including: veterans, unemployment and immigration.

TWC interns from Massachusetts met with Representative Barney Frank’s legislative staff at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C.  The students, who attend the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, Bridgewater State University, and Dean College, spoke with the congressman’s staff about various concerns and policy issues concerning their district, such as the new transit line in the fourth district and the fisherman’s initiative. One student also gave the staff a letter for the congressman to sign.

TWC alumni enjoyed a brown bag lunch with the Postgraduate Professional Development Program (PPDP). TWC welcomed two alumni from 2005, Michael Venn and Katie O'Connell. Michael currently works as the technical assistant to the executive vice president for Electronic Systems at Lockheed Martin, while Katie has been a media relations associate at NAFSA since September 2008.

[View the spring 2012 Programming album on our Flickr channel]

Frank Newport, Ph.D., Gallup's Editor in Chief and the immediate past president of the American Association for Public Opinion Research, talked about polls and polling during presidential election campaigns.

[View program on C-SPAN]

About the Road to the White House Course

Janet H. Brown is the executive director of the Commission on Presidential Debates, a tax-exempt organization that was established in 1987 to sponsor and produce presidential and vice presidential debates during each general-election period. Brown talked about presidential debates.

TWC interns participating in the Veterans Civic Engagement Project attended an event at Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).

The Cordova Congressional Internship Program and the Political Leadership Program enjoyed a distinguished panel of speakers who discussed the relationships between lobbyists and legislators and how they promote policy-making.

The panel

Spring 2012 students are given the opportunity to participate in one of 5 civic engagement projects allowing them to enhance their civic skills.  Participants of the Immigration Rights Project organized a dinner-dialogue with Washington, D.C. immigrants.  The event was hosted by 30 TWC interns who invited 15 special guests: immigrants who are now living or studying all over the D.C. area!

Volunteer Opportunities

The Liaison Advisory Board (LAB) met at TWC headquarters with several staff members to provide advice and feedback regarding The Washington Center’s programs and initiatives. Liaisons representing more than 25 universities across the country discussed ways in which TWC can better prepare students to successfully transition from the classroom to the workforce.

TWC interns from Canada had the opportunity to attend a Director's Forum with Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, and the Director, President and CEO of The Wilson Center, Jane Harman.

Topics

• The relationship between U.S. and Canada
• Energy Security
• Intelligence