Why Affiliate?

Institutions affiliate with The Washington Center in order to establish specific guidelines for their students' participation in Washington Center programs. Through an affiliation agreement, the institution outlines arrangements for billing, awarding of credit and application procedures for either the internship program or academic seminars, or both. Thus, when a student applies to a program, The Washington Center is able to follow the guidelines previously set by the student's college or university. There is no charge for affiliation. The agreement merely facilitates the credit granting and billing arrangements on behalf of the students who apply from the institution.

At non-affiliated institutions, students lack these guidelines for participation. Each student must individually resolve issues regarding credit, fees, and faculty sponsorship without official support or endorsement from the institution. Often this process can be confusing and time-consuming, and it can discourage students from participating.

Liaisons, faculty and students at affiliated institutions enjoy some distinctive benefits. Provided that they meet The Washington Center's admission criteria, students recommended for admission by affiliated institutions are guaranteed acceptance, and they receive priority consideration for financial assistance. Faculty are given priority in the selection of faculty leaders for the academic seminars (and if chosen receive free housing and a stipend) and in the choice of Academic Advisory Committee members. Liaisons may be selected to serve on The Washington Center's national Liaison Advisory Board or on a program advisory committee.

Finally, affiliation is an institutional asset. It is especially valuable in recruiting and retaining able, motivated students. It helps position the institution as one connected to the larger world and supportive of public service and other forms of civic engagement. For these reasons, affiliated colleges and universities often include The Washington Center programs in their admission catalogs and recruitment materials, course listings, alumni newsletters and other publications, as well as on their websites. Feature articles about student experiences in Washington offer compelling examples of the educational opportunities open to, and achievements of, students at those institutions.

Back To Top