Three NIU students will take on Washington D. C. this summer as part of an innovative internship program sponsored by The Washington Center, the largest academic internship program in the country.
Since 1975, more than 50,000 students have benefited from the unique living, working and learning program in the nation’s capital. NIU students Daejzonna Muschamp, Patrick Gallagher and Steffen Canino join the elite group of interns, and will receive a $6,140 scholarship to be used for their summer expenses.
“A major goal of the internship experience is to combine classroom learning with real-world experience,” said April Clark, professor in the Department of Political Science. “NIU students learn valuable and transferable skills in their coursework, and an internship provides the chance to demonstrate the importance of these skills in one’s chose profession.”
Typically, The Washington Center program provides an opportunity for two NIU students to receive financial support. However, as a result of Clark’s efforts as NIU’s liaison for The Washington Center, the university was able to secure additional scholarships for the summer session.
Canino, a senior majoring in corporate communications, said he is humbled and grateful for the opportunity.
“I am happy to see my dedication pay off, but it’s only the beginning,” Canino said. “I hope to gain greater professional development and experiences while learning more about the city of D.C.”
He hopes the internship experience, which begins May 27 and runs through Aug. 7, grants NIU students with a competitive advantage while searching for jobs or graduate school.
During that time, Clark said, students have the opportunity to build on what they’ve learned in their courses and make valuable connections that can aid in their future career success.
“NIU students have the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop their critical-thinking, writing, research, interpersonal and problem-solving skills,” Clark said. “Moreover, living and working in the nation’s capital provides students the advantage of making important professional connections, and a better understanding of the variety of ways that one can engage in local, national and international communities.”
Here’s where the Huskies will be contributing:
Muschamp, a senior majoring in political science, will intern at MANA, A National Latina Organization; Gallagher, a senior majoring in political science, will intern at The Institute of World Politics; and Canino, will intern at United Way Worldwide.
