Are you interested in gaining real-world leadership experience in Washington, D.C.?  Consider applying to participate in The Washington Center during an academic quarter or summer. After reviewing the information here, please visit The Washington Center's official website at www.twc.edu. 

The University Honors Program serves as the campus liaison for The Washington Center, an independent non-profit organization with headquarters in Washington D.C. that provides students quarter-long internships at one of over 900 different public, private and governmental institutions. The program is open to all UC students and is designed to fit with all majors and interest areas. To be eligible to apply, students must have a cumulative university GPA of at least 2.75 and be at least a third quarter sophomore during the term of their internship. 

University Credit

Students will earn up to 15 University of Cincinnati credits for their experience in The Washington Center, provided that they pass their Washington Center coursework with a grade of C or higher.  

Credits will be earned as free electives but may be applied toward program or major requirements with the prior approval of the college or department. Students should speak with their major advisor or department head to discuss special arrangements before attending The Washington Center. 

Included in the total 15 credits, students who entered the University Honors Program in or prior to summer 2007 will also fulfill 6 general Honors credits and 3 special topics credits.  Students entering the University Honors Program in or after fall 2007 will fulfill two honors experiences through the Washington Center.

Life in D.C.

Interns work four and one-half days per week and attend one academic class per week. Interns also have the opportunity to attend special breakfast meetings with representatives from Congress and other area leaders. All interns are also encouraged to engage in the D.C. community by volunteering their time and energy with a local  agency.

Housing

Housing in Washington D.C. is arranged through The Washington Center.  Students live together in furnished, professional-style apartments that are close to metro stops.

Cost

While at The Washington Center students do not pay UC tuition. In most cases, financial aid that students receive while attending UC can be used to pay The Washington Center fees.

Financial assistance can be coordinated through The Washington Center. All students living in Washington Center housing automatically receive a $1000 scholarship.

Additionally, University Honors students will receive a $1000 honors grant.

Next Steps

Contact campus liaison Jen Lile to discuss your interest in The Washington Center and to begin the application process. The Washington Center requires the campus liaison to review and approve all applications to the program.

Please refer to the application calendar (see section on quarter-long programs and summer term, not semester-long programs).  You must submit your completed application to Jen for approval (or notify her of your completion of the online application) at least two weeks prior to the appropriate application deadline. If you are interested in working at an agency that requires a security clearance, you'll need to submit your application by the early deadline; otherwise, you should plan to apply no later than the competitive deadline.