Panama’s National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation funds grant to bring Panamanian students to Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C.–March 5, 2012–Starting in May 2012, students from Panama will have the opportunity to participate in a new initiative providing them with stronger professional experience. They will have the opportunity to participate in three major programs including an academic and professional internship program, an advanced leadership seminar, and an innovation and competitiveness forum. The initiative is the result of a partnership between The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars and the Republic of Panama, awarding scholarships to about 40 participants over the course of 2012. The U.S. Panama Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative agreement was signed today at a ceremony held at the headquarters of The Washington Center.
“After months of hard work between the Republic of Panama and The Washington Center, we have come to sign an agreement which will help shape future Panamanian leaders,” said Dr. Ruben Berrocal, the Secretary of Science, Technology and Innovation of Panama. “This strategic partnership will help shape a more competitive and sustainable Panama by creating win/win situations not just for us, but for the entire region.”
The U.S. Panama Innovation and Competitiveness Initiative will be available to Panamanian citizens that have been enrolled in a university program for the last two years, are in good academic standing and are under the age of 30. The scholarship will cover the cost of the program and round trip travel from Panama to Washington, D.C. as well as a living stipend for the duration of the program.
The Washington Center has partnered with over 45 countries and 20% of The Washington Center’s enrollment is made up of international students.
“We believe that global awareness is paramount to readying the next generation of the workforce, both here in the U.S. and abroad,” said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center. “We welcome students from Panama to our program and celebrate their insertion into the incredible global environment that Washington,
D.C. provides.”
The initiative is made possible by a grant from Panama’s National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT). The mission of SENACYT is to strengthen Panama’s workforce through community engagement, professional development and leadership.
SENACYT partners with academic research institutions around the world, providing more than 800 academic scholarships to Panamanians at the undergraduate and graduate levels, but this is the first scholarship program dedicated to experiential learning and internship opportunities.
About The Washington Center
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, non-profit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to train and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit, as well as design tailored advanced leadership seminars for public servants and worldwide leaders. The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has more than 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975. For more information visit: www.twc.edu [1]
About SENACYT
The National Secretariat for Science, Technology and Innovation (SENACYT) is an autonomous institution in Panama. Our mission is to transform science, technology and innovation in tools for sustainable development in Panama. Our projects and programs are focused on the promotion of the scientific and technological development of the country in order to close the digital gap, promoting a fair growth that improve the quality of life of the Panamanians. For more information visit: www.senacyt.gob.pa [2]
