The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
The O'Pake Institute manages Alvernia's relationship with The Washington Center in the nation’s capital. The Washington Center offers residential academic programs and internship experiences for Alvernia students during the fall, spring semesters, and summer terms. It also operates 2-week long seminar programs focused on the national political party conventions and the Presidential Inauguration during Presidential election years. Alvernia students have participated in all of these programs.
Washington Center program take a course in a subject related to their academic interest. They are also placed in an internship, which forms the core of their experience in the program. The center secures internships in a wide variety of governmental agencies, health care facilities, financial institutions, the media, criminal justice agencies and non-profit organizations. Most of the internship opportunities are unpaid.
If participating in Washington, D.C., you are guaranteed housing in fully furnished and equipped two bedroom, two bathroom apartments in TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility (RAF). The RAF is located in the NoMA neighborhood and within walking distance of Union Station and Capitol Hill. You'll share your apartment with other TWC interns and have access to Washington's Metro subway system, Capital Bikeshare, shops, restaurants, museums and grocery stores.
TWC: periodically offers an online information session for interested students. Students apply online for admission to the programs through TWC’s website: www.twc.edu/apply
Typically, Alvernia students will receive fifteen hours of credit for participating in the Fall and Spring Washington Center program. Summer credit amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis. Students are advised to check with their academic adviser before enrolling in the program to ensure that they make an appropriate course selection and that they will receive full credit for their participation. Students are also advised to check with the financial aid office if they are receiving aid through the university.
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To learn more about The Washington Center, please email Karen Giordano at karen.giordano@alvernia.edu.