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Students can apply online for any of The Washington Center’s programs. Although we encourage students to use the online application, some colleges and universities require the printed version. If necessary, please contact enrollment@twc.edu to request a downloadable copy of the application. All students should consult their campus liaison before applying.

The Washington Center actively strives for equal access to its programs for all regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical challenge or veteran status. All Washington Center programs attempt to include a diversity of students in order to enhance the educational experience for all participants.

Application ComponentsThe application for most Washington, D.C. internship programs consists of the following items. Additional details are found within the online application.

• Personal and academic information.
• Interest area preferences.
• A résumé that clearly outlines your educational, volunteer, leadership and work experience.
• A Statement of Professional Interest (100 words) that describes the types of activities you’d like to be involved with during the internship and how they relate to your career goals. Do not mention the name of any specific organizations.
• An Issues Essay (500 words) that discusses one issue related to the area in which you wish to work. You should make note of your personal views on the topic. This is not meant to be a research paper but it should show you have some background knowledge and interest in the topic.
• Two letters of recommendation (can be submitted online or by mail).
• Transcript (must be mailed).
• Campus liaison/sponsor approval (not required for Postgraduate Program applicants).
• $60 nonrefundable application fee ($125 for students attending schools outside the U.S.) or $250 nonrefundable deposit for applicants to our Postgraduate Professional Development Program.
• Rising sophomores and first-semester sophomores will need to complete an interview with a Washington Center admissions committee member.

Special Considerations and Rules Regarding the Online Application

• When using the online application, you do not need to complete it all at once. You can save your work and return to it at any time.
• If submitting online, the application fee must also be paid online. Instructions are provided in the application.
• Letters of recommendation can be entered into the online application or mailed. Instructions will be sent to your recommenders on how to submit their letters to TWC.
• The following schools require the printed application; students from these institutions may not apply online: Albion College, Clark University, Florida State University, Montclair State University, and Texas Christian University. Students from these institutions should contact enrollment@twc.edu for further instructions and specify whether they are interested in applying for the Washington, D.C., General Programs, Intern Abroad Programs, or Competitive Government Programs.
• Dickinson College students must consult their Global Education Office before starting the online application.
• University of Toledo and Bridgewater State University students must consult their campus liaison before starting the online application.

Some Program-Specific Application Requirements

• Córdova Congressional Internship Program applicants must also complete a special application.
• Postgraduate Professional Development Program applicants need not have campus liaison/sponsor approval. In the online application, applicants should select one of the terms that begins with “Postgraduate.”
• Competitive Government Program applicants may not need sponsor approval and will complete slightly different application components.
• Intern Abroad Program applicants can view requirements on that section of the website.
• Academic Seminar applicants should also refer to the relevant section of the website.