The Washington Center
for Internships and Academic Seminars
Scholarship Program for College Students with Disabilities
Public Service Internship Program for College Students with Disabilities
As a former educator, I find internships play an important role in allowing employers to find an exceptional pool of talented applicants with disabilities. |
Dr. Roy Grizzard |
Background
In 2003, The Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy forged a partnership with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars to establish an academic internship program for college students with disabilities. The initiative builds on the Department of Labor's 10-year track record of providing summer internships for students with disabilities through the Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP). The Washington Center initiative provides federal agencies access to a pool of highly qualified, diverse candidates to help with its workforce development needs of the future. The public-private partnership of offering internship opportunities in the spring and fall semesters makes student participation in academic internships accessible year-round.
The partnership delivers on the mission of President Bush's New Freedom Initiative to break down barriers to employment faced by Americans with disabilities. Common barriers include: A continued low graduation rate for students with disabilities compared to other students. According to the National Council on Disability, people with disabilities have a lower level of educational attainment than people without disabilities.
Census 2000 showed that people between the ages of 16 and 64 were less likely to be employed if they were disabled.
While 67% of working-age women without a disability were employed, only 51% of those with a disability worked. While 80% of working-age men without a disability were employed, only 60% of those with a disability worked.
The Washington Center, through this structured internship program helps students gain professional work experience in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of the federal government in Washington, D.C. Students' work experience is complemented with solid academic training for credit from highly qualified instructors. In addition, students are exposed to community, national and international leaders through workshops, seminars, lectures, embassy visits and networking events held throughout the course of each semester. Students are provided a significant scholarship from the Department of Labor to cover the costs of tuition and housing.
Program Results
In addition to serving as a change-agent for the individual lives of the student participants, this internship program has and will continue to serve as a change agent for hundreds of individuals, corporations and organizations throughout the D.C. metro area and across the country.
The program has had a significant impact on every Washington Center stakeholder, including 70 Washington Center employees, 300+ Washington Center liaisons, five major building management companies, over 1500 participating students without disabilities, dozens of employers, and Washington Center professors.
Participant Overview
Students come from culturally and geographically diverse backgrounds. Students have represented 31 different states and 65 different schools. Twenty percent of the 77 students were minorities. In addition, The Washington Center makes a concerted effort to reach out to all segments of the disability community. Students have represented a broad range of disabilities including: blindness, deafness, learning disabilities, low vision, mobility, psychiatric disability and wheel chair users.
The Washington Center has been successful in working with an extensive range of federal agencies and members of Congress. Students have been placed in 20 different federal agencies and with nine different members of Congress. The Washington Center staff works closely with students to understand their professional and academic goals and seeks internship opportunities that are aligned with such goals. Since 2003, six students have landed full-time positions in government agencies.
Students repeatedly comment on how this program has changed their lives. They develop a new sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities. They develop a network of peers from across the country, many of whom will probably remain lifelong friends. In addition, they develop a network of professional role models who provide guidance and resources during the semester in Washington and throughout the course of students' professional development.
Impact on Systems Change within The Washington Center
When The Washington Center launched the Public Service Internship Program for Students with Disabilities, it had very little experience working with and serving the disability community. Over the course of its 30-year history, it had served only a handful of people with disabilities. The Center did not project a disability-friendly atmosphere. There was no awareness of or commitment from senior management to include and attract people with disabilities.
All of this changed in 2001 when The Washington Center's founder Bill Burke recognized his organization was not fully inclusive. Mr. Burke made a commitment to open The Washington Center's doors to the disability community.
The learning curve the organization was about to experience was high. The Washington Center had to adjust the way it did business.
The first stage of the paradigm shift was to educate all Washington Center staff (including full-time staff, part-time professors and resident assistants) on working with people with disabilities. The Center's technical partner, the American Association of People with Disabilities conducts on-going workshops to discuss common stereotypes of working with people with disabilities, ways in which Washington Center staff can make its programs and services more accessible and provides tips on communicating with people with disabilities.
In addition to the workshops, the Washington Center produced and distributed a manual to all staff as a resource they could draw upon should any questions come about.
In addition, the Washington Center hired a Disabilities Logistics Coordinator to serve as a technical expert to all constituents to ensure the programs and services are accessible, and to help students advocate for themselves while in Washington.
Once the Center reached a level of comfort that its staff were well-informed, the next step was to conduct a comprehensive inventory of all services and facilities. Drastic changes were necessary in these areas. The Washington Center procured a TTY phone and line. It had to quickly re-do all of its documents including student application form, acceptance materials, course guides, student handbook, course books and dozens of other materials to ensure it had alternate formats. The Washington Center conducted a complete overhaul of the website to make it accessible. In addition, as The Washington Center provides housing facilities to its participating students, it was imperative to secure wheel-chair accessible apartments.
Profile
The Washington Center hosted a workshop titled Disability Policy, Program and Perspective. Dr. Roy Grizzard, Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy addressed over 150 students.
Since 2003, six participants have landed full-time positions in Government Agencies.
Systems Change with Property Management Companies in the DC Metro Area
The Washington Center leases professional apartments in seven different properties in Arlington, Alexandria and Bethesda. The facilities are operated and managed by major corporations. The lack of available wheel-chair accessible apartments in buildings that house thousands of people was surprising. As a result the Center had to arrange for significant construction to be performed in order to ensure it had enough wheel-chair accessible apartments available to meet the accommodation requests. The Washington Center found itself in a position as not only an educator but a change agent for the property management. Once the students moved into the facilities, there was another learning curve the property management experienced. On numerous occasions the Center had to step in to advocate for the students with disabilities as they faced attitudinal barriers with the property management.
Systems Change within Academic Institutions
The next constituency profoundly impacted was the Washington Center's 300 plus liaisons in partner colleges and universities across the country. Faculty and career services professionals who serve as Washington Center liaisons are responsible for identifying, screening, and counseling prospective Washington Center students. The scholarship provided by ODEP provided a terrific incentive for the Center's liaisons to reach out to the disability offices on campus. One of the biggest problems faced by the disability community is a disconnect between disabilities service offices and career service offices. The Washington Center helps forge a closer relationship between these two entities as both must to come together to identify and mentor candidates for the internship program.
Systems Change with Employers
The final hurdle to overcome was educating employers and encouraging them to work with the students with disabilities.
There were many federal agencies that had no track record of working with ODEP's Workforce Recruitment Program but were very familiar with working with The Washington Center and embraced the program. TWC was able to increase the number of agencies working with interns with disabilities.
Students participating in The Washington Center's program are required to work in the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. This is an important complement to the WRP program, where students work mainly in the executive and judicial branches. Capitol Hill does not have a positive track record of employing people with disabilities. This is problematic given Congress's role in developing policy to break down barriers for people with disabilities. The Washington Center's program serves as a change agent reminding members of Congress of the importance of including individuals with disabilities in their workforce.
In Conclusion
Through the Public Service Internship Program for Students with Disabilities, The Washington Center serves as an important change agent to increasing access to education, opening employment opportunities, improving communication with people with disabilities, improving accessibility in buildings and encouraging a corporate commitment to include people with disabilities.
In the following pages, you will find a listing of the student participants and a summary of their thoughts about how this experience has changed their lives.
This has been the best opportunity of my college experience. Working for the federal government was my dream.
Karen Moser, Spring 2004 participant
Andrew Bandoh
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: State University of New York, Oswego
The reason I applied to The Washington Center program was to see a new place, explore our nation's capital, and meet people from all kinds of backgrounds. As an intern I worked at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and learned about the sort of work I hope to do after graduation. The position was basically a self-paced job. I felt that I was in control of my own work and education. Each week my supervisor had me help a different co-worker so I learn what everyone in the department does so I can learn all about the Treasury Department from different perspectives. I learned to become more independent and gained more experience in my field. The people at The Washington Center are great, all the accommodations that I needed were available to me and I'm looking forward to being in the workforce... in fact I'm looking for ANOTHER summer... I don't want to go home yet!
Brian Krall
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
School: Iowa State University
This semester I am participated in The Washington Center's internship program and worked at The Department of Homeland Security. What can I say so far? I can sum it up by saying... Amazing! From the moment I arrived in Washington, D.C. there have been nothing but memorable experiences: driving around the district at night, shopping at Pentagon City with a group from my apartment, and meeting great people from all across North America.
At work, my primary duty has been to learn. I have received nothing but strong support from those I work with. I can tell that they see me as not just "The Intern," but as someone who is there to learn about the agency as well as about myself. My supervisor really understands the purpose of my being a part of the agency for four months and seems very eager to watch me succeed. I am looking forward to fulfilling my personal and professional goals and though only a few weeks have past and I can say already that my time here will be an experience never to be forgotten. Brian has since landed a full-time position with the Department of Homeland Security.
Apryl M. Fogel
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: Florida State UniversityDuring the spring semester I worked in the Office of Public Affairs at the Environmental Protection Agency. There were two types of tasks I worked on during the course of the semester. The first task was to assist in the improvement of the EPA Website and the second was to assist in the improvement of coordination among the offices of media relations throughout the Agency. This included developing press releases and other research materials. This experience helped me develop a stronger understanding of the ongoing projects and research the agency is involved in and how they relate to reaching its mission of protecting human health and safeguarding the natural environment.
Before my internship I knew very little about the interaction between management, press officers, the media, and others, but now I have developed a comprehensive understanding of what goes on and I am very excited to be a part of the process. My overall expectations of my internship experience and the knowledge and skills I thought I would learn have been far exceeded.
After completing my internship in May, I will return to Florida and finish my undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Social Studies. The hands on experience that I received in Washington (at the Department of Veterans Affairs) is so valuable and allows me to learn things I could not obtain from just reading a book or sitting in class.
Maurice Anderson,
Fall 2004 participantThe main purpose of the internship experience is to give students real work experience while earning college credit.
Leigh-Anne Mangone
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: Kean University, NJAs the Program Analyst with the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Information, my duties and responsibilities included several different activities, mostly centered around education and training. The main duty of my internship was to assist the P2DS in implementing training programs for the Office of Environmental Information workforce, based on the OEI Human Capital Strategy.
Specifically, I assisted staff members to make sure the policy is followed as stated. I served as a point of contact for training both vendors and staff. I managed all logistical work involved (e.g. setting up training rooms, planning the events that willtake place, making sure all the correct equipment is available).
Working for the EPA was a great experience and gave me professional skills I can use in the future. After my internship, I plan on finishing my undergraduate studies with a degree in Teaching and a minor in English. I will then find a teaching position at a school for handicap students and work with them on their goals. I would also like to teach sign language to anyone interested in learning.
Karen Moser
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Justice, Federal
Bureau of Prisons
School: Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C.Working with the Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Prisons, I have had richest experience of my life. The experience has given me a new perspective of inmates and ex-offenders. I now realize that they are in desperate need of help to improve their life and job skills. I was pleased to play a role in providing such assistance.
As the only intern in the department, I played an important role in the mission of the inmate placement division. Some of my responsibilities included: participating in mock job fairs at federal institutions to educate inmates, ex-offenders and provide job skills. I also helped train staff tasked with inmate employment program responsibilities. In addition, I worked on my division's five-year strategic plan to help increase the employment rate of ex-offenders.
This has been the best opportunity of my college experience.
Working for the federal government was my dream. I am very proud that this has happened and I strongly urge other students interested in public service to consider taking advantage of this opportunity through The Washington Center.
They were instrumental in helping me realize my dream. I found my pot of gold through them, which is the best gift that I could ever ask for in my life.
Christine Abramovic
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Transportation
School: University of North Florida, FL
I thank you for giving me the opportunity to participate in such an amazing experience. This has allowed me to take academics out of the classroom and bring it professionally into my life. I believe this is one of the best ways of learning. I would love to support and encourage other students to take advantage of this once in a lifetime opportunity. The Washington Center did everything they could to provide 450 interns with an experience that now sets us apart from the rest and leaves us more prepared for taking that next step."
Jerri Anderson
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: Montana State University-Billings, MT
In being involved in this internship I had an opportunity to build up my confidence in my abilities to continue to achieve my long-term professional goals. I learned even when you are sure what you want for your future you may have to take some roads that seem like detours. There are many great lessons in every step of your education, career, and life that one should never take for granted. I feel I have gone beyond the normal expectations and overcome the normal challenges of academics.
Maurice Anderson
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: Columbia College, IL
The hands on experience that I received here is so valuable and it allows for learning things I could not obtain from just reading a book or sitting in class. I am actually leaning more about servers, troubleshooting, and what it takes overall for a government agency to operate. I am in the "hub" of America. I have been given such a wonderful opportunity to network with people that ordinarily I would not meet on a daily basis. I am trying to make contact with people that I can learn from as well for the future.
The Washington Center students had the opportunity to network with Department of Commerce Secretary Donald Evans at the annual American Association of People with Disabilities Gala.
Antonio Augustinyak
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs Internship Agency: National Institute of Health School: Ball State University, IL School: Oregon State University, ORI have achieved all my goals on my learning objective statement, but I have also developed as a person by being directly involved in a real working professional environment.
I used the internship to understand what I want to do with myself when it comes to the real world. I was placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The whole group that I work with is extraordinary. I feel that I could model myself after each one of them professionally. All of my co-workers on this internship uniquely contributed to my growth as an individual.
Looking back to the beginning of the semester, I can honestly say that I took full advantage of everything the D.C. area had to offer and achieved all of my goals.
Antonio Augustinyak Rachel Becker
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: National Institute of Health
School: Oregon State University, ORI have achieved all my goals on my learning objective statement, but I have also developed as a person by being directly involved in a real working professional environment.
I used the internship to understand what I want to do with myself when it comes to the real world. I was placed at the Department of Veterans Affairs. The whole group that I work with is extraordinary. I feel that I could model myself after each one of them professionally. All of my co-workers on this internship uniquely contributed to my growth as an individual.
Looking back to the beginning of the semester, I can honestly say that I took full advantage of everything the D.C. area had to offer and achieved all of my goals.
Elizabeth Baldwin
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Western Michigan University, MIMy internship in Washington, D.C. is an experience that I will always cherish. It gave me the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom and to get hands on experience in the world of state security, and defense within the largest and newest governmental agency in the United States. I walk away feeling more confident, professionally and personally. I not only have a greater understanding of Washington, D.C., but also of myself. I have put behind me an important chapter in my life that will pave the way for my future career and I have learned valuable life lessons.
I believe my time here was well spent and very educational.
I not only did I feel that I grew professionally but personally as well. I made many new friends and acquaintances. I also feel that I established many contacts that will be pivotal in my career upon graduating. I met with so many people that are involved in the field in which I would like to work. This will be a huge benefit for me when I leave college, in that I will not be starting out without any clue on how to begin. This was a wonderful and deeply valuable experience.
Ernest Berry
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Justice
School: University of Toledo, OHThe main purpose of the internship experience is to give students real work experience while earning college credit, money or both.
Aside from the normal internship things, I was engaged in real work attorneys do on a day-to-day basis. I would sit in trials with them, taking notes, preparing feedback. I can honestly say I offered good advice, doing so in a humble manner knowing my role and never offering anything more or less than what I was asked. I also had the opportunity to sit in on witness conferences and when the witness did not come to the office, I went with the detectives to go find them. This gave me first-hand experience in questioning witnesses. Another key component to the internship experience was networking. I networked with everybody I could. This was an outstanding experience.
The Public Service Internship Program for Students with Disabilities works to break down barriers to employment faced by Americans with disabilities.
I will then pursue a Master's degree at Florida State University or at a university in the D.C. area in Public Administration or Public Policy and eventually purse a career in public service.
Jessica Burnette
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: Benedict College, SCWorking alongside another employee was very helpful to me even though I have the ability to do the stuff that anyone can do. I believe in myself and don't have any doubts. I have overcome a lot throughout my school years. I am very glad that
I had a great opportunity of a lifetime to come and stay in Washington, D.C. for an internship and tell others that they should take a shot and aim for it.
Ryan Easterly
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Troy State University, AL
Overall my internship experience was very informative. I observed and learned about the difference between disability advocacy in the university and government arenas. I do feel this experience had helped me become a better disability rights advocate and helped me feel more secure in my knowledge and leadership skills concerning disability issues. The internship experience was also informative on a personal level. I learned that perhaps my interests and expertise is better suited for working on Capitol Hill or being involved in lobbying. I did enjoy the internship and it helped me realize that I would like to create changes at a higher level; changes that will help challenge society's (people's) perceptions and attitudes about people with disabilities. Interning at the Department of Treasury was a great experience and one which I am grateful for.
Jordan Evans
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Senator Sam Brownback
School: Spokane Falls Community College, WAMy internship in Washington, D.C. has been more educational that I even thought it would be. I have learned a great deal about the history and construction of our nation's capitol while giving tours to constituents visiting here in Washington, D.C.
I have been able to take pride and pleasure in giving them details about their capitol building they otherwise would not know. It was a pleasure to have officials form my local high school come here during my internship and give them a tour of the capitol building. I had the opportunity to learn some of the inner workings of the government. The people who did the research and put together the information that helped their Senator are some of the most motivated people I have met. I am glad that I could be one of them for a short time.
Adam Fogle
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: SUNY Fredonia, NYBeing in Washington gave me an opportunity to step back and better comprehend all of the things that allow me to be me and all of things that will contribute to my future growth. I want to again take a moment to thank you for all of your assistance in sponsoring me in the Washington Center's program, and furthermore for sticking by my side as I encounter the greatest experience of my life. I am quite confident that this opportunity will stand alone among the top contributors to future success in my personal, profession, academic, and civic life.
Amy Ford
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Texas State University - San MarcosI took the challenge to meet all expectations of my supervisor, program advisor, and my campus liaison. I have successfully achieved my goals along with growing as a young individual to learn to live in the real world. Despite working in a Human Resource office, I had the ability of being flexible to help out in the office and discover my personal career interest. I have obtained great lists of contacts for my future and I want to thank The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars for allowing me to have this wonderful opportunity.
Laurence Gelfand
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Federal Judicial Center
School: Lynn University, NJOn the professional level, I grew in leaps and bounds in my opinion. When I first started the internship, my boss and I did not agree on how my internship would develop. He told me that most interns wrote a lot of papers for him and a lot of editing. I was rather down because I knew that I couldn't do either well. Unfortunately in the beginning my work suffered because of it. Then I decided that I would try and write these professional papers. I achieved more than I thought I could when it came to writing and one of the reviews is in my portfolio. The Washington Center is an amazing place that I think all Lynn students should try and apply for; the program tests the student's maturity and professionalism.
Living and working in the capital has cultivated in me an extraordinary sense of independence and confidence.
Camille Griffin
Fall 2004 participant
Camille Griffin Beth Hopkins
Fall 2004 Participant Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Senator Peter Fitzgerald Internship Agency: Department of Labor School: Brigham Young University School: Middle Tennessee State University, TNThis semester has been an incredible series of spectacular learning experiences. Washington D.C. with its unique community of informed and intelligent citizens has encouraged me to explore my passion for politics. Working as a press intern in Senator Peter G. Fitzgerald's office has equipped me with the tools and skills I will need to begin a successful career. Living and working in the Capital has cultivated in me an extraordinary sense of independence and confidence.
Beth Hopkins
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: Middle Tennessee State University, TN
Most importantly, this internship has rounded out my college education by providing me with real world learning opportunities, opening up a whole world of possibilities that would have otherwise been unattainable.
Brian Harold
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
School: Suffolk University, MAI feel that I have utilized all the opportunities The Washington Center has afforded me. I was able to meet with and listen to accomplished and distinguished people.
I was able to gain valuable knowledge and understanding about what they have accomplished and how I can learn from their experiences. During this internship I have gained a better understanding of what is required to work in any given field. Through The Washington Center, I have learned to become more diligent and focused on the projects that I work. I have learned how to network effectively. I am able to come away from this internship with a more focused view of what job opportunities I want to pursue in the future.
I came to D.C. during the summer months facing an exciting opportunity to intern in the nation's capital. I was able to enroll in a semester long internship program for the fall 2004 semester made possible by The Washington Center. I have certainly faced many challenges: crowded subways, best friends and family at a distance, big task loads, deadlines, lack of time, lack of motivation and feeling insignificant. But the gratitude resulting from seeing what I have achieved outweighs the feeling I have for what I haven't. And the support of the people in this program helped me realize the strength in who I am and the stronger person I am becoming.
Meredith Hudson
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of State
School: University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TNMy semester spent interning in Washington, D.C. was a value-added experience for my professional, academic, and personal life. The internship afforded me the opportunities that were unavailable to me on my campus. This semester spent in D.C. has been the most influential in my college career and has accelerated my knowledge of foreign policy far above my expectations, which was one of the main reasons I wished to participate in The Washington Center and an internship with the Department of the State. I was able to explore a career and gain invaluable insight on choices I will be making very shortly.
Being involved in this internship, I had an opportunity to build up my confidence in my abilities to continue to achieve my long-term professional goals.
Jerri Anderson
Fall 2004 Participant.
Robert Brandon Jones
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: McNeese State University, LAOne of my personal goals was to have an enjoyable experience. I accomplished this goal in so many ways. This whole semester has been such a learning experience. When I think of Washington D.C., I usually think of politics. I visited the political arena in Washington on several occasions. I was so thankful to actually be able to meet and interview the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Mr. Anthony Prinicipi. I learned that not having a vehicle is really not that bad when a person has access to the Metro.
I was able to meet others from different locations in the world that are involved in The Washington Center. This is the best experience for me and I am so thankful to you and The Washington Center for enabling me to come.
Allison LePage
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Agriculture
School: Western Michigan University, MIOne aspect of this amazing city is that many people never truly get to experience all of the cultural diversity. I saw the sites, and let go of the comfortable side of myself and tried things that I never knew. Personally I have grown so much. I see how much more of the world outside of Michigan and how high I can go professionally. I have decided to look for a job and hopefully have something lined up for when I graduate. I really enjoyed this city and everything it has to offer.
Emily Munson
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: National Council on Disability
School: Hanover College, INI cannot express all that I learned and how my life has been developed by this internship in such a short letter. My time in Washington, D.C. was filled with exploration and experience.
The internship itself provided me with an opportunity to progress professionally and has aided me in deciding what career I ultimately want to pursue in the future. I spent over 400 hours working at the National Council in Disability, but the internship has altered my life. I accomplished my goals in D.C., now it is time to apply my acquired knowledge and make more out of life.
Jason Olsen
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Social Security Administration
School: University of South Florida, FLMy personal goals have been surpassed. At first, I just wanted to learn some more about the history of America and network but I found something more while I was in D.C.; self-confidence and an inner feeling of success. This was the first time I have lived on my own since 5 years ago when I was paralyzed from the chest down. In my own mind, I thought that there was no way that I could manage and even consider returning back to work, and I would just stay at home and raise children while my wife worked.
Needless to say that view has been completely turned around and I may be taking a position before I even finish my masters just because I like being in the public so much. My wife had planned on being my assistant for the semester but her job did not permit her to take medical leave. It turned out to be the best thing for me. I feel like a whole person again.
Jason has since landed a full-time position with the Social Security Administration.
Derek Riccelli
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Small Business Administration
School: West Liberty State College, WVMy goal was to obtain a job in Washington after I complete my undergraduate degree. I approached my goal with the idea to form as many relationships as possible and learn from those relationships. The people I met shared knowledge about the banking world and through our interaction, guided me towards specific directions within the financial business. In short they showed me "the ropes". I am grateful that I now have the contacts, credentials, confidence and knowledge necessary to acquire a position that I want.
My semester spent interning in Washington, D.C. was a value-added experience for my professional, academic and personal life. The internship afforded me the opportunities that were unavailable to me on my campus.
Daniel Rock
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Senator Carl Levin
School: University of Toledo, OH
Overall my experiences in D.C., allowed me to grow as an individual in the personal and professional sense. I have learned a great deal about the history, people, and inner-workings of our United States government and its surrounding community. I have had amazing opportunities to meet dignitaries from other countries while learning about those countries to broaden my sense of our connection to the world.
Rebecca Zeman
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: University of Iowa, IAThough my classes and objectives at time seemed tedious, they provided me with an appropriate challenge and helped me to better understand my purpose and internship. I thank you for considering all of my aforementioned objectives, goals, and achievements.
Dan Vander Molen
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Representative Rick Renzi
School: Arizona State University, AZWhen I first applied for this internship in Washington, D.C., I had some specific goals to work toward. I had a goal to experience the life of a staff member working in a Congressional office. I wanted to be in the Congressional office when it came time to vote on a bill. I hoped that I could be in the House Gallery during a debate concerning pending legislation. I dreamed of being in a committee meeting taking notes to inform the Representative as to what had occurred in the meetings. I also hoped to find the time to see some of the historical sights during my tenure. The fact is I have done all of this and more. My time in D.C. has given my enough memories and food for thought to last a lifetime. My civic responsibility has been one of the most rewarding goals I have been able to accomplish during my time here.
Contributing to society knowing that I'm not doing it for money makes me feel like I have a purpose in life. Volunteering at the Bethesda Care non-profit religious organization has really helped me prioritize what's important to me. Being able to meet and interact with people who are less fortunate that I am is always a wake up call. Volunteering at Our Lady of Lourdes soup kitchen on a Sunday afternoon made me realize how grateful I am that I have an education that will allow me to support myself in the future. Once again, I thank you for the opportunity to have experienced living and working in D.C.
Now I'll be able to sleep better at night knowing that "whatever will be, will be" and the future really is mine to see.
Vanessa Zimmer
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: University of Texas -Brownsville, TXLiving in Washington D.C. is an educational experience. I had to be responsible, live independently, go to work daily, and go to class and complete all my assignments, all in an unfamiliar atmosphere. I grew both intellectually and in maturity. I know now that I am capable of taking a job anywhere, dealing with the stress of work, school and daily life and doing both well.
This internship is something everyone could benefit from, especially those who have never been outside "el valle." If I have another internship opportunity, I would jump at the chance to participate.
Working for the EPA was a great experience and gave me professional skills I can use in the future.
Leigh-Anne Mangone
Spring 2004 ParticipantOTHER PARTICIPANTS
SPRING 2004 PARTICIPANTSReinhard Stebner
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: Texas A & M University
Reinhard has since landed a full-time position with the Central Intelligence Agency.Katey Crampton
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: U.S. Department of Justice
School: Kellogg Community College, MIKevin Heaton
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Westfield State University, MAKera McGinn
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Richard Stockton College, NJJude Smedra
Spring 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Agriculture
School: Oklahoma State University
FALL 2004 STUDENTS
Brandelyn Baggett
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: Georgia College and State UniversityToni Clavie
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Florida State UniversityJames D'Agostino
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Mesa State University, AZKim Hing
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Mission College, CAGeorge Clinton Robinson
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Homeland Security
School: Biola CollegeEva Tierrablanca
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: Grand Valley State University, MI
Raymond Ventor
Fall 2004 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Eastern Connecticut State University
Raymond has since landed a full-time position with the Department of Agriculture.
The Public Service Internship Program for Students with Disabilities serves as an important change agent to increasing access to education, opening employment opportunities, improving communication with people with disabilities, improving accessibility in buildings and encouraging a corporate commitment to include people with disabilities.
Spring 2005 Students
Ashley Bigwood
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Small Business
Administration
School: Iona College, NYAlice Bruns
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: California State University Long Beach
Amy Darkovich
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
School: Case Western Reserve UniversityJonathan Hixson
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: RepresentativeHarold Ford (D-TN)
School: University of Tennessee at ChattanoogaRobert Keating
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: National Defense University
School: Southern Connecticut State UniversityDerek Maurer
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
School: University of IowaMaura McGovern
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: RepresentativeMike Oxley (R-OH)
School: Miami UniversityAdam Nisbet
Spring 2005 Semester
Internship Agency: Department of the Interior
School: Georgia College & State UniversityAlexandria Powell
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterAmin Tawakul
Spring 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Eastern Michigan UniversityJames Urban
Spring 2005
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: Westfield State University, MA
FALL 2005 STUDENTS
David Bajorin
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Iona College, NYAarika Burton
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Kentucky State University
Students repeatedly comment on how this program has changed their lives. They develop a new sense of confidence in themselves and their abilities. They develop a network of peers from across the country as well as a network of professional role models who provide guidance and resources during their semester in Washington and throughout the course of their professional development.
Rogelio Chanes
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: University of Texas at BrownsvilleCarolyn Diaz
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Smithsonian Institute
School: University of TampaFallon Flowers
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Justice
School: Bethune-Cookman College, FLCarla Flood Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
School: Arizona State University
Charlotte Frederick
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Small Business Administration
School: Huston-Tillotson University, TXRyan Heim
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Labor
School: University of Iowa
Eric Held Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
School: Loyola Marymount UniversityKyle Henderson Fall 2005
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: New Mexico State University
Jennifer Hill Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Library of Congress
School: St. Cloud State University, MNJudy Hoffman
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Treasury
School: Florida Gulf Coast UniversityCatherine Jacklin
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Environmental Protection Agency
School: Iowa State University
Rachel Jones
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of State
School: University of IowaElizabeth Leef
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
School: University of Northern ColoradoJulie Millspaugh
Fall 2005
Internship Agency: U.S. Marshals Service
School: Central Connecticut State University
Fall 2005
Internship Agency: Representative
Cynthia McKinney (D-GA)
School: Reinhardt College, GADanny Teachman
Fall 2005 Semester
Internship Agency: Department of Health and Human Services
School: Western Washington UniversityBarbara Thomas
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Department of Veterans Affairs
School: Oakland University, MILeRoyal Tyson
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: U.S. Attorney's Office
School: DeSales University, PATravis White
Fall 2005 Participant
Internship Agency: Representative Tom Feeney (R-FL)
School: University of Texas of the Permian Basin
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
2301 M Street, N.W. 5th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20037
http://www.twc.edu
info@twc.edu
Phone: 202.336.7600
Fax: 202.336.7609
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars 2005. All rights reserved.