Shape the Future of Policy in D.C. 

The world of policy, advocacy and nonprofit leadership isn’t just evolving, it’s being rewritten in real time.  


Our nation faces rapidly evolving policy, healthcare and advocacy priorities. As such, the need for agile and informed human talent has never been greater. But breaking into these jobs and careers takes more than a degree. You need access, real-time insights, adaptable skills and a network that opens doors. All things rarely offered in a classroom.


That’s where The Washington Center comes in.


Over just a few days, TWC’s fall 2025 short-term programs cut through the noise and deliver the value needed to thrive. You’ll engage, challenge and learn from the experts shaping health policy, nonprofit strategy and legislative action—right as history unfolds. 


No semesters of theory. No six-figure connections required. Just high-impact skills, career-defining connections and a roadmap to your future – all specially designed for busy, ambitious changemakers like you. 


This is your moment. The policy world won’t wait and neither should you.

Program Snapshots: Choose Your Path 

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Health Policy Immersion

Capitol Immersion

Nonprofit Leadership & Advocacy Seminar

Sept 18–21, 2025

October 2–5, 2025

Nov 11–16, 2025

For future professionals ready to tackle healthcare’s biggest challenges, on the front lines or behind the scenes.

For future lawmakers, campaign and policy strategists and advocates who want to gain an edge in their local legislative body.

For mission-driven leaders who want to turn passion into scalable impact.

Why Now?

Why Now?

Why Now?

Evolving policy priorities and breakthrough health innovations mean that understanding the changing levers of health policy – from HHS and CMS to grassroots advocacy – is career gold.


Apply by: July 23, 2025 

The political landscape and areas of influence are shifting rapidly – gain the insight to be a leader at all levels of government and policy, from federal to state and local. 


Apply by: August 6, 2025

Nonprofits face unprecedented demand amid staffing, funding and influence shifts. Learn revenue diversification, ethical advocacy and governance from the nation’s top nonprofit and advocacy organizations.


Apply by: September 17, 2025

Ready to shape your future? 

APPLY TODAY

Program Highlights 

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Learn From the Experts and Understand the Power of Skills

Engage with leaders shaping policy today – such as elected officials, advocates and legislative strategist – who are in the midst of navigating critical moments in health, nonprofit and governance. 

Past Speakers Include:  

  • Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, MACP, Former President & CEO, National Hispanic Medical Association; President, National Hispanic Health Foundation 
  • Dr. Blanton Tolbert, Vice President of Science Leadership and Culture, Howard Hughes Medical Institute  
  • Darbin Wofford, Senior Health Policy Advisor, Third Way  
  • Kaylyn Broughton & Katie Pannell, Health & Education staff for Senator Coons 
  • Ruben Goddard, Legislative Director for Rep. Alma Adams 
  • Cailon Seth Washington, Senior Advisor for Congresswoman Valerie Foushee 
  • Tonia Wu, Policy Advisor for Democratic Leader Hon. Hakeem Jeffries
  • Leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, (NY-8) U.S House of Representatives   
  • Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-4) U.S House of Representatives   
  • Meena Seshamani, MD, Ph.D., Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicare 
  • Oye Owolewa, US Representative – Washington, DC; Pharmacist  
  • Hilary Shelton, National Advisor, Governance and Policy, NAACP 
  • Art Collins, Founder and Chairman at theGROUP  
  • Adriano Pucci, Communications Director, Rep. Lou Correa (CA-46) U.S. House of Representatives  
  • Marcello Fischer, Legislative Aide, Rep, Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), U.S. House of Representatives
  • Kiara Pesante Haughton, Vice President for Campaigns and Communications at National Women’s Law Center   
Being able to visit the U.S. House of Representatives was such an inspiring moment. Hearing Congressman Glenn Ivey encourage young African American college students like me to pursue careers on Capitol Hill and discuss his path to Congress was breathtaking. It served as a reminder of why diverse perspectives need to be amplified and the importance of all voices being heard on a national level.

K’Rissa Moore Capitol Immersion 2024 Participant

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Beyond the Classroom: Immersive Site Visits

Our programs and seminars go beyond traditional learning by taking you directly to the institutions shaping policy. These site visits provide an unmatched opportunity to engage with experts, witness policy in action and broaden your understanding of these in demand industries.

  • White House National Security Council (NSC) 
  • U.S. Secret Service Headquarters 
  • Pentagon (U.S. Department of Defense)  
  • Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) 
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)  
  • Supreme Court  
  • U.S. Senate  
  • Foreign Embassies & Consulates 
  • Center for a New American Security (CNAS) 
  • Amazon HQ2  
  • United States Institute of Peace  
  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
  • Environmental Defense Fund  
  • National Immigration Forum  
  • American Enterprise Institute (AEI) 
  • Deloitte  
  • American Red Cross 

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Build Networks that Open Pathways to Jobs and Careers

Connect with professionals and peers who can open doors to internships, mentorships, collaboration and long-term career opportunities in your field of interest. 

I was so impressed by the students participating in this TWC program. Our nation’s security is in good hands with these future leaders at the forefront! Thank you for inviting me to share Congress’s role in addressing cyber challenges, and perspective on issues ranging from workforce development to critical infrastructure protection.
One thing I’ll never forget is the advice from panelist Earnestine E. Dawson: ‘Never bring someone a problem without also bringing a solution—and be ready to act on it.’ That mindset stuck with me, and I’m already putting solutions into practice for the challenges I came here to address.

Oluomachi Maryann Ekeagwu, 2024 Capitol Immersion Participant

Alexandra Seymour Staff Director, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection subcommittee, House Homeland Security Committee, Speaker 2025 Cybersecurity Program

TWC Programs – Fall 2025 

Health Policy Immersion 

Sept 18–21, 2025

Health Policy Immersion Program engages emerging leaders in critical policy debates and connects them with experts shaping the future of health at local, national and global levels. 

What You’ll Gain: 

  • Gain practical skills in policy formulation, implementation and assessment with a focus on real-world application.  
  • Build a network of professionals and peers. 
  • Visit institutions in D.C. shaping health policy.  

Be part of the next cohort and jumpstart your impact in health policy! 

Sample Sessions: 

  • The Kids Are Not Ok: Hope, Despair and Challenges for Mental Health Policy 
  • Insights on Healthcare: Perspectives from Medicare
  • Access: Reproductive Health Policy  

Capitol Immersion Program 

October 2–5, 2025

Four days to fuel your career in politics and policy. 

Washington, D.C. is where decisions are made and our four-day Capitol Immersion Program gives you the skills and connections to launch a career of influence, whether on Capitol Hill, in advocacy, or local government. 

What You’ll Gain: 

  • Gain an insider’s guide to D.C. careers with impact 
  • Navigate how think thanks, lobbying and advocacy shape policy 
  • Hear sector-specific policy insights from leading experts 

Apply today and turn your passion for change into a powerful professional network and skill set. 

Sample Sessions: 

  • Strategizing Politics and Public Policy 
  • The Role of Think Tanks in Policymaking 
  • Running for Office  

The Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar 

Nov 11–16, 2025

Washington, D.C. is the epicenter of nonprofit and advocacy work, home to over 13,600 organizations driving impact across the globe. Proximity to policymakers, a thriving network of changemakers and a diverse talent pool make D.C. the ideal place to grow as a nonprofit leader. 

Our Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar offers an immersive deep dive into: 

Participants will leave equipped to: 

  • Articulate core principles of nonprofit leadership 
  • Navigate governance challenges with best practices 
  • Advocate effectively for policy change 
  • Connect with prominent D.C. nonprofits and explore career pathways in this dynamic sector. 
  • Ethical nonprofit management, advocacy, and fundraising 
  • Policy advancement, governance, and legal compliance (501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)(6)) 
  • Strategies for revenue diversification and data-driven decision-making 

Sample Sessions: 

  • Coalition Building and the importance of Partnerships in Advocacy Work  
  • Translating Vision into Action: Strategic Plans to Execution and Impact  
  • Policy and Advocacy: Private and Nonprofit Sector Roles 
  • Building Success in Fundraising & Philanthropy 

Why TWC? More Than a Program, We’re A Launchpad 50 Years of Proven Impact

For five decades, The Washington Center has perfected the blueprint for career transformation. We’ve empowered 68,000+ alumni to thrive in government, nonprofits, tech and beyond with skills, networks and confidence that last a lifetime. Join a community that doesn’t just open doors, it helps you build your own. 

More Than Housing: An Exciting Community 

You'll be staying in our fully-furnished Residential and Academic Facility (RAF), located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C., just minutes from the U.S. Capitol, placing you at the heart of D.C. and amazing city attractions. 

Washington, D.C.: Where Your Career Accelerates 

D.C. isn’t just the political capital – it’s a dynamic hub for tech, healthcare, cybersecurity and advocacy, offering competitive salaries and unmatched opportunities. Here, every conversation can spark a breakthrough.  

Real Stories, Real Impact

Program Cost & Scholarships

Health Policy Immersion: $1,095

Capitol Immersion: $1,095

Nonprofit Leadership and Advocacy Seminar: $1,395

All program costs above include housing in TWC's Residential and Academic Facility.

Scholarships may be available for eligible students, particularly those demonstrating financial need.

Which Program Is Right for You? 

Ideal Candidates Include:

Students from any major or institution (universities, community colleges, etc.)

First-generation college students eager to break into mission-driven careers

Whether you're studying health policy, public administration, social sciences, or  STEM fields, if you’re passionate about driving change through advocacy, leadership or policy, these programs are designed for you. 

Future leaders who want to bridge gaps between policy, advocacy and community impact

Professionals early in their careers looking to pivot into the nonprofit or government sectors

Requirements: 

APPLY TODAY

Be at least 18 years of age

If accepted to a program, commit to attending and fully participating in the program and to upholding TWC’s Seminar and Short-Term Policies.

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