The Washington Center for Internships
and Academic Seminars, Scholarship Program for College Students with Disabilities
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is pleased to
announce it will continue to help increase employment for students with disabilities
through an academic internship program. Through a partnership with the U.S. Department
of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, The Washington Center is working to
help students develop leadership skills and gain valuable work experience in public service.
The Washington Center will complement students' professional experience with solid academic
training for credit from highly qualified instructors. In addition, students will be
exposed to community, national and international leaders through workshops, seminars,
lectures, embassy visits and networking events held throughout the course of each semester.
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) will offer technical guidance
and support to the program.
The Washington Center is able to provide a total of 50 competitive scholarship
awards in the amount of $7,430 for students with disabilities interested in working in the executive,
judicial or legislative branches of the federal government during the spring 2005 and fall
2005 semesters (scholarships are not available in the summer).
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
Applicants Must:
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university
- Be at least a second semester sophomore at the time of the internship
- Have at least a 2.75 GPA
- Show proof that they will receive academic credit for the internship
- Be a U.S. Citizen
- Self-identify as a person with a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities
Act (ADA).
ADA defines a person with a disability as
- a person with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or
more major life activities OR
- a person that has a record of such impairment OR
- a person that is regarded as having such impairment
Application Materials Include:
- Official transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
- A letter from your campus disability services office, a vocational rehabilitation
office OR a physician treating you for your disability confirming the fact that you have a disability.
- Resume
- Two writing samples
- Completed application form
- Campus sponsorship agreement (students must receive academic credit for the
experience)
- Application fee of $60.00 Applications are available at: Application/Dates & Deadlines.
Please contact
The Washington Center if you require the application in an alternate format.
The application for the scholarship is the same as the regular application.
IMPORTANT DATES
Spring 2005 Internship Program
Application due date: November 15, 2004
Spring semester begins: January 28, 2005
Spring semester ends: May 14, 2005
Fall 2005 Internship Program
Application due date: June 15, 2005
Fall semester begins: September 1, 2005
Fall semester ends: December 17, 2005
INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
All students will be placed in the executive, legislative or judicial branches of government.
Sample placements include:
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- U.S. Department of Treasury
- U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Agriculture
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
- General Services Administration
|
- Office of Personal Management
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Department of Commerce
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Education
- Small Business Administration
- Congressional Members Offices (House & Senate)
|
MAJORS SOUGHT
Accounting, Finance, Information Technology, Business, Environmental Studies, Economics,
Political Science, International Relations, Criminal Justice, Pre-Law, Human Resources,
Psychology, History, Communications, Public Relations, Health Sciences, and many more…
WHAT DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP COVER?
The scholarship covers $3,435
of the full program fee of $4,950 and covers the full cost of housing $3,995.
The total scholarship award is $7,430 that would be applied to the full program
cost of $8945. Students are responsible to cover their own living expenses.
This money can be combined with state scholarship awards available through The
Washington Center. Awards range from $1800 to $4000 per student. Eligible students
would be able to combine these awards with the $7430 to cover the full cost
of the program and housing fees of $8945 and have a remaining amount to cover
additional living expenses.
Visit
State Scholarship Awards
for more information.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Workplace
The Washington Center will work with the government agencies hosting the interns
to ensure reasonable accommodations are provided to students who may need them
to successfully complete their job duties.
Student Housing
The Washington Center provides
all students accessible housing during their participation in the program in
Washington, D.C. The Washington Center will work with students on a case-by-case
basis to ensure reasonable accommodation needs are met. Our housing facilities
offer shared, independent facilities in professional apartment buildings in
Northern Virginia. They are located in well-lit, high traffic areas that provide
secure and comfortable surroundings. The apartments are fully furnished, and
provide local telephone and basic cable service, 24-hour front desk, and laundry
facilities.
Academic Training
The Washington Center will work closely with students with disabilities to
assess and provide reasonable accommodations (physical and programmatic) for
students to complete the academic requirements of the program.
Local Transportation
The Washington Center housing
facilities are within close proximity to the subway system. The Washington Center
will work with each student on a case-by-case basis to provide an orientation
to and information on how to utilize public transportation to arrive at their
place of employment and all Washington Center functions in a timely manner.
The Washington Center will provide mobility training when and if necessary.
In addition, The Washington Center will conduct an orientation to answer questions
of transportation, general accessibility issues, accommodations, internship
sites, and special needs.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
- Participation in the
Washington Forum (Presidential Lecture Series, Congressional Breakfast
Series, Embassy Visit Program, Small Group Activities)
- Enrollment in an academic
course provided by The Washington Center (there are over 20 courses to
select from)
- Completion of a portfolio
that documents student's internship experience and reactions to the Washington
Forum sessions
- Approval to receive
academic credit for the program from student's home institution
For more information contact
Jennifer Taransky
The Washington Center for Internships & Academic Seminars,
V/TTY: 202-457-0046,
e-mail: JT Taransky.
You can also visit The
Washington Center on the web.
What Students Think About
The Washington Center Internships
INTERNSHIP APPLICATION FORM
Personal Information
Last Name:____________________________________
First Name:____________________________________
College or University Awarding Credit:
Male ___ Female____
Date of Birth:____________________
Place of Birth:________________________________
U.S. Citizen? (required for program)____________
Current Address
Street:______________________________________
City:_______________________________________
State:_____________________________
Country:___________________________
Postal Code:________________________
Permanent Address
Street:______________________________________
City:_______________________________________
State:_____________________________
Country:___________________________
Postal Code:________________________
Other Contact Information
Current Phone:_______________________________
Mobile Phone:________________________________
Permanent Home Phone:________________________
Personal E-mail:_______________________________
Other E-mail:_________________________________
Emergency Contact
Name:______________________________________________
Relationship:_________________________________________
Work Phone:_________________________________________
Home Phone:_________________________________________
Mobile Phone:________________________________________
E-mail:______________________________________________
Early Application (if applicable- check one)
The Washington Center works on your behalf to place you among the most competitive
internships in D.C. Some of the most sought-after placements may have deadlines
that are earlier than our regular deadline and may require additional time
to process. Students interested in these positions should apply at least six
weeks prior to The Washington Center's Regular Deadline. Some of these agencies,
such as the White House, may require an additional application form. Please
check any of the placements that interest you.
___U.S. Attorney's Office
___U.S. Department of Defense
___U.S. Department of Justice
___U.S. Department of State
___For Competitive Placements or Awards
___U.S. Congressional Offices (summer term)
___U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
___The White House
Term for which you are applying?
Year:
Fall Semester____
Status During Program (check one)
Second Semester Sophomore ____
Junior ____
Senior____
College or University
Dates attended:____________________________
GPA:____________________________________
Major:___________________________________
Department Awarding Credit:__________________
Number of Credits you will receive:______________
Internship Area Selection
In order to direct your application to the appropriate staff member and to
facilitate the placement process, indicate your placement interest areas by
selecting three choices from among those found on the application form. Among
all choices, number your selections 1,2,3, indicating your first, second and
third choices
___Arts
___Education
Business
___Accounting
___Administration
___Economics
___Finance
___International Business
___International Trade
___Marketing
___Management Information Systems
Communications
___Advertising
___Broadcast Journalism
___Print Journalism
___Public Relations
International
___Area Study (specify)
___Communications
___Foreign Policy
___Human Rights
___International Relations
___Peace Studies/Conflict Resolution
Non-Profit
___Advocacy/Interest Groups
___Associations
___Women's Gender Issues
Issue/ Profession of Interest ___________
Politics
___Campaigns
___Congress/Legislative Affairs
___Lobbying
Please indicate political affiliation:
Law/Criminal Justice
___Law (specify type ____________)
___Criminal Justice
___Law Enforcement
Sciences
___Computer Science/IT
___Engineering/Technology
___Health/ Sciences
___Math/ Statistics
Other _______________________
Program Selection When students are accepted by TWC, they are assigned,
according to their interests and eligibility, to either the Main Program,
or one of our special programs. To learn more about each program, including
additional eligibility requirements visit The
Washington Center website. Among all choices, number your selections 1,2,3,
indicating only your first, second and third choices.
Special Programs (make your selections, 1,2,3)
__Americas Leaders Program
__Business and Information Technology Program
__Congressional Leadership Program
__Environment/Energy Program
__Governors Internship Program (by nomination only)
__International Affairs Program
__Law and Criminal Justice Program
__Mass Communications Program
__NAFTA Leaders Program
__Nonprofit Leaders Program
__Ronald H. Brown Politics Commercial Diplomacy Program
__Asian Pacific Program
__Main Program (for students interested in arts, health science, education
or other areas not covered by our special programs.
Additional Information
Language Proficiency (for placement purposes)
Language: _______________________________________________________
If English is not your native language you need to take the TOEFL
Date TOEFL was taken:
Score on TOEFL:
Use the following code to indicate your proficiency in other foreign languages
3= Fluent, 2= Adequate, 1 = Slight
Language______________ Speaking ___ Reading
___ Writing ___
Language______________ Speaking ___ Reading
___ Writing ___
State and Congressional District in which you vote? (optional)
Reasonable Accommodations:
Please inform us of any reasonable accommodation requests TWC should be aware
of in order for you to fully participate in our programs. Use separate sheet
if necessary.
Diversity Survey (please check one)
___African American
___White, Non-Hispanic
___Latino/Hispanic
___Asian American or Pacific Islander
___Alaska Native or American Indian
Are you an enrolled member of:
___ A federally recognized tribe
___ A state recognized tribe
___ Self-Identified
Other__________________________
Do you self-identify as a person with a disability? ___Yes ____No
If so, what is your disability? (Optional)
Summary of Accommodations Provided
Workplace
The Washington Center will work with the government agencies hosting the interns
to ensure reasonable accommodations are provided to students who may need
them to successfully complete their job duties. Government agencies will provide
job-related reasonable accommodations for interns.
Student Housing
The Washington Center provides all students accessible housing during their
participation in the program in Washington, D.C. The Washington Center will
work with students on a case-by-case basis to ensure accommodations are met.
Our housing facilities offer shared facilities in apartment buildings in Northern
Virginia. They are located in well-lit, high traffic areas that provide secure
and comfortable surroundings. The apartments are fully furnished, and provide
local telephone and basic cable service, 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities.
Academic Training
The Washington Center will work closely with students with disabilities to
assess and provide accommodations (physical and programmatic) for students
to complete the academic requirements of the program.
Local Transportation
The Washington Center housing facilities are within close proximity to the
subway system. The Washington Center will work with each student on a case-by-case
basis to provide an orientation to and information on how to utilize public
transportation to arrive at their place of employment and all Washington Center
functions in a timely manner. The Washington Center will provide mobility
training when and if necessary. In addition, The Washington Center will conduct
an orientation to answer questions about transportation, general accessibility
issues, accommodations and internship sites.
Housing (please check one)
___I request that The Washington Center reserve space for me in its facilities.
Please indicate any accommodations or requirements related to housing that
we should be aware of (use separate sheet if necessary).
___ I do not plan to live in Washington Center housing. My residence during
the internship will be:
Address:
Phone:_________________________________
Campus Sponsor Agreement
This portion of the application form must be completed and signed by the individual
on your campus designated as the campus liaison. If you are unsure of the
identity of this person, please contact Matt Medeiros at 1-800-486-8921.
If your campus is not affiliated with The Washington Center, you may obtain
the signature of a faculty or staff member (dean, head of a department, faculty
member, career services administrator) who can help arrange for you to receive
credit. If you are unable to secure the proper signature, please email our
Institutional Relations Department
or 1-800-486-8921 so that we may assist you.
I have reviewed this application and endorse this student's candidacy for
a TWC internship program. I certify that he/she will be receiving academic
credit for this internship experience, as detailed on the Internship Application.
I recognize that I am serving as a campus liaison or faculty sponsor for this
student for the duration of the program and will receive all evaluations for
the student.
Name:___________________________________________
Title:____________________________________________
Department or Office:_______________________________
College or University:________________________________
Mailing Address:___________________________________
E-mail:___________________________________________
Phone:___________________________________________
Fax:_____________________________________________
Signature: _________________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________
Issues Essay. In approximately 750 words discuss two issues related
to the field in which you wish to work. Include in the discussion your personal
views on at least one of these issues. Some suggestions for writing your issues
essay:
- Conduct a web search among major news organization sites and find out
about new and recent controversies in your field of interest.
- Ask your faculty advisory to identify developing issue in the field.
- Do not try to write a research paper. Simply demonstrate that you have
a serious interest and some background knowledge about issues that are important
in your field. Your essay which will be shared with prospective placements,
should indicate your concern for the issues, as well as your desire to learn
more about them.
Please include a copy of the issues essay with the application form.
Internship Request Statement. In approximately 100 words describe
the kinds of activities with which you would like to be involved during your
internship and how these activities would relate to your career goals. Please
include a copy of the internship request statement with the application form.
Resume. Include a one-page resume that outlines your educational background,
honors or recognition, work experience, activities, special skills, travel,
interests, etc. If you do not have a current resume, check with your campus
career center for advice on format. Please be sure to include any computer-related
expertise or foreign language skills, as well as prior internships and community
service activities. Please submit and mail with the application form.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required. One of these letters must be from
a faculty member. A third letter is required for students whose GPA falls
below 2.75. Letters may be given to the student to forward to The Washington
Center or the recommender may send the letters directly to The Washington
Center. Regardless of who sends the letters, the original and five copies
of each letter must be submitted. They can be mailed to The Washington Center
2301 M Street, NW Fifth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037. There is a copy of
the formatted Recommendation Letter at the end of the application form.
Application Fee $60.00 (please check one)
___Is enclosed
___Is not enclosed
___Other
Credit Card Information for payment of $60 non-refundable application fee.
We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and American Express credit cards.
Credit Card Number: _______________________________________________
Expiration Date:___________________________________________________
Cardholder's Name:________________________________________________
Cardholder's signature: ______________________________________________
POLICIES AND AGREEMENTS SECTION
Internship Refund and Cancellation Policy
Washington Center staff does extensive work on your behalf prior to your arrival
in Washington. This necessitates a commitment by you to adhere to The Washington
Center refund policy. When you sign the policy agreement on your application,
you are making a financial commitment to The Washington Center and you are
indicating that you have read and understand the refund policy.
Financial Assistance is contingent on successful completion of the program.
Cancellation, dismissal, withdrawal or failure to successfully complete the
program voids all forms of financial assistance and any financial assistance
provided to the student plus any outstanding fees are due and payable to TWC.
Financial aid awards are also withdrawn and the student becomes responsible
for fees and charges otherwise covered of these awards.
The Washington Center grants refunds on program fees under certain circumstances.
The initial application fee is not refundable, but may be applied to another
program within one year of the original application.
Internship Refund Policy
If you notify TWC between the acceptance into the program and prior to your
internship placement confirmation, you will be refunded 100% of the program
fee.
If you notify TWC after confirmation of internship placement either orally,
in writing or via e-mail, but prior to check-in, you will be refunded 50%
of the program fee or 50% of the program fee will be due and payable to TWC.
If you notify TWC on or after check-in, 100% of the program fee will be due
and payable to TWC and no refund will be awarded.
Student Services and Housing Policies
Students receiving guaranteed financial assistance awards from TWC are required
to reside in our housing facilities. Awards are applied to housing fees. Roommate
compatibility is not guaranteed. If you choose to live in TWC housing during
your internship, you must accept the following rules and regulations:
- You are required to have health insurance and to provide proof of such
insurance upon request
- TWC is not responsible for loss or damage to personal property and recommends
that you insure your valuables
- TWC does not permit pets on the premises
- Service animals are allowed
- Smoking is not allowed in Washington Center housing units
- TWC reserves the right to change student accommodations at any time, fill
a vacancy in the room by placing another person in the room without prior
notice and enter the room for inspection or repairs.
- TWC reserves the right to expel any student from TWC housing whose conduct,
in the opinion of TWC, is disruptive, harmful, or potentially harmful to
the students in our program or others.
- Students should refer to the TWC Student Handbook for the Rules of Student
Conduct for procedural details.
- Management officials of The Washington Center housing facilities reserve
the right to set and enforce policies specific to the housing facilities
and grounds.
- Certain violations are subject to referral to law enforcement authorities.
- Since all students who receive Washington Center financial assistance
are required to live in Washington Center housing, removal from the housing
will result in loss of financial aid, with the appropriate amount added
to the student's bill.
- Rules and regulations are subject to change.
Internship Policies
- I understand that the application form, plus the supporting documents
I provide, become the property of The Washington Center and will be shown
to potential supervisors of my internship. I will not request for the materials
to be returned or transferred to other institutions or potential employers.
- I understand that the program fee (and housing fee if applicable) will
be payable to TWC by the due date that will be noted on my invoice and that
TWC reserves the right to assess a finance charge if my account is overdue.
- During my internship, I understand that I am responsible for any and all
medical expenses that may be incurred. I am responsible either personally
or through my insurance coverage.
- I certify that I personally have completed this application and that the
information I am providing is complete and accurate. Information is subject
to verification.
Financial Assistance Policy
Financial assistance from The Washington Center is awarded separately and
is not need-based. Financial assistance includes, but it is not limited to,
amounts provided by the internship placement directly to the student or to
The Washington Center. In order to be eligible for consideration of any Washington
Center financial assistance, you must fulfill each of the following requirements:
- Be accepted and confirmed in a Washington Center internship program
- Receive at least one hour of academic credit
- Live in Washington Center-provided housing
- Successfully complete your Washington Center program (all work, both the
internship and the course, must be awarded a grade of C or higher). If a
student fails to meet any one of these requirements, all financial assistance
monies must be returned to The Washington Center, and the invoice will be
adjusted accordingly.
Students who meet these requirements are automatically considered for financial
assistance. Certain Washington Center programs offer a guaranteed amount of
financial assistance. The Washington Center may use a combination of sources,
including state and regional initiatives and aid from internship placements,
to meet the guaranteed amount of financial assistance. Financial assistance
awards are not cumulative. For more detailed information, please refer to
TWC materials or visit The
Washington Center website.
Policy Agreement for Students
Name:
Social Security Number:
I understand that it is my responsibility to be aware of all financial arrangements
for my enrollment at The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars,
including any tuition or fees I may need to pay to my institution.
____I agree
____I have read and I understand The Washington Center's Refund Cancellation
Policies
____I have read and understand The Washington Center's Student Services and
Housing Policies and Internship Policies
____I have read and I understand The Washington Center's Financial Assistance
Policy
Signature of Applicant ________________________________________________
Signature Date_______________________________________
Application Checklist
___Internship application form
___Issues essay
___Internship request statement
___Resume
___Transcript
___Two letters of recommendation (may be send separately)
___Liaison/Campus Sponsor
You must mail the original plus five copies of all
applications materials listed above to The Washington Center 2301 M Street,
NW Fifth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20037. If you have additional questions
about the application, please contact Matt Medeiros, 202-336-7571 or e-mail.
RECOMMENDATION LETTER
To the Candidate:
Please enter your name and the college or university name. A copy of this
form should be given to two individuals (a third is optional) who knows you
well. Each should complete the bottom half of his/her copy. The recommender
should make five copies and return the letters to you in sealed envelopes
or mail to TWC directly. All information is subject to verification. One letter
must be from a faculty member.
Name:_____________________________________________________
College or University:__________________________________________
Term for which you are applying: _________________________________
Waiver of access: I have requested that this recommendation be filed for
use in the selection process for The Washington Center's internship programs.
In accordance with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1994. I have indicated
my intention regarding access to this recommendation by checking one of the
following options. The recommendation will be sent to placement supervisors.
___ I waive access to this recommendation
___ I do not waive access to this recommendation
Signature of Applicant ________________________________________
To the Recommender:
Thank you for taking the time to write on behalf of this candidate who is
applying to The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. Please
answer all the questions listed on the table. On a separate sheet of paper
(school or business letterhead), please describe in narrative form why you
endorse the student as a nominee for The Washington Center's Internship Program.
Be sure to address what you know about the student's academic and professional
experiences, participation in extracurricular activities, and work in school,
government and community service. Make five photocopies of your letter and
return the letters to the candidate in sealed envelopes with your signature
across the seal, or send them directly to TWC 2301 M Street, NW, Fifth Floor,
Washington, D.C. 20037. We suggest you retain a copy for your records. The
candidate will submit the sealed, signed envelopes to The Washington Center
as part of the complete application. We appreciate your efforts on behalf
of this candidate and look forward to hearing from you.
Name and Title:_________________________________________
Organization:___________________________________________
Daytime Phone:_________________________________________
Fax:_________________________________________________
E-mail:_______________________________________________
Signature: _____________________________________________
Date:________________________________________________
How do you rate the candidate on following criteria?
Outstanding
Top 2%
|
Very Good
Top 10% |
Above Average
Top 25% |
Below Average
Bottom 50% |
Unobserved |
Intellectual Curiosity
Seriousness of Purpose
Motivation
Concern for Others
Leadership
Academic Achievement
Potential for Growth
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