Academic Internship Program

Experience Employers Look For

Connections Make the Difference

Intern in D.C., Succeed Anywhere 

Right now, you might be one of hundreds of students applying for the same internships on the same platforms. You have the grades and the experience that should set you apart, but your applications seem to vanish into the void. 

That’s because the people who actually land the roles aren’t the ones with the highest GPA or the most leadership positions on their résumé. They’re the ones with a connection on the inside.  

The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program offers exactly that: a direct introduction to D.C. organizations who are looking for the skills and passion you have to offer. When you apply for an internship opportunity through TWC, you arrive as a recommended candidate, not as one of hundreds competing for attention.  

And you're not doing it alone. TWC’s team of advisors works with you every step of the way, advocating for you throughout your internship search and helping you make the most of your summer or semester in D.C.

Polish your résumé, practice your interview skills and target internship opportunities with the support of TWC advisors who know exactly what it takes to succeed. 

Work in an internship that aligns with your goals and come away with the professional experience employers are looking for.

Engage in workshops, speaker panels and site visits around D.C. to gain a clearer sense of your career path, along with the skills and connections to pursue it.  

Attend an academic course one night each week, taught by professors who are active professionals in their field.

TWC opens the door to a network of advisors, employers, industry leaders and 70K+ alumni around the world. You'll also develop networking skills you can use anywhere, whether you're attending a conference or grabbing coffee with colleagues. 

You never know who might end up shaping your career.

TWC gave me professional relationships across government, media and lobbying, and a mentor who became a trusted advisor. Those connections didn't just open doors. They taught me how Washington actually works.

90%

In fact, over

of TWC participants say they made professional connections that supported their journey after graduation.

Jackson Lydon, interned with Bramer Group, LLC

Living in TWC's intern housing puts you within walking distance of the best D.C. has to offer, plus everyday essentials like grocery stores and the Metro. You’ll have a built-in community of fellow interns, making it easy to connect and explore the city together.  

And especially for students passionate about law, policy, advocacy, journalism, government or international affairs, there's no better place to intern than Washington, D.C. You’ll be able to see the full range of career paths that exist in your field and meet like-minded professionals who can share their journey and network with you.  

No matter where you're headed after graduation, the global exposure and network you build in D.C. stay with you, lending credibility and shaping your career wherever it takes you next.  

TWC partners with schools to ensure you earn academic credit while you take advantage of this opportunity. Even if your school isn't affiliated with TWC, you can still earn academic credit through TWC's school of record, Elon University. You'll graduate with your degree and the professional experience that makes it worth more to employers. 

Nearly 30% of TWC participants are first-generation students and over 70% receive financial aid to participate.

Since TWC partners with different colleges and universities, your cost of participation depends on where you go to school and is often comparable to what you’d pay for the same term on campus.  

Not sure how it works for your school? Reach out to info@twc.edu. 

• Be at least 18 years old.  
• Have government-issued identification (a REAL ID, or acceptable equivalent, is strongly encouraged).  
• Be enrolled as an undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. 
• Be a sophomore or above while participating in the program and have completed at least two semesters on campus by the start of our program.  
• Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.  
• Receive academic credit through your school’s agreement with TWC (or through TWC’s school of record, Elon University, if your school is not affiliated).  
• Have approval from your campus liaison, if you attend an affiliated school.

Spring 2027 

• Program Starts and Virtual Orientation: October 15, 2026 
• D.C. Check-In: January 20, 2027 
• Internship Period: January 25 – April 30, 2027 
• D.C. Check-Out: May 1, 2027 

Summer 2027 

• Program Starts and Virtual Orientation: February 11, 2027 
• D.C. Check-In: May 26, 2027 
• Internship Period: June 1 – July 30, 2027 
• D.C. Check-Out: July 31, 2027 

Fall 2027 

• Program Starts and Virtual Orientation: June 3, 2027  
• D.C. Check-In: September 1, 2027 
• Internship Period: September 7 –
  December 10, 2027 
• D.C. Check-Out: December 11, 2027
  
  

You can apply for the spring, summer or fall 2027 terms of the Academic Internship Program now!  

When you're ready to get started, create an account (or log in to your existing account) in the Application Portal. Select Academic Internship Program from the list of available programs in the portal. 

You'll be asked to submit a one-page résumé, a statement of professional interest, an essay or writing sample, a transcript and a $60 application fee with your online application. For more detailed information on each component of the application, please refer to the application checklist. 

How competitive is the program? Will I be accepted?

As long as you are approved by your home institution, meet basic eligibility requirements and submit a complete application, you should expect to be admitted to our program. Internship positions, however, are more competitive than ever before. TWC's team works with you to sharpen your résumé and prepare for interviews, along with advocating on your behalf with employer partners.

Are TWC internships paid?

Many of our internship partners offer some form of compensation, which can include stipends, hourly pay and/or transportation fare. Students can see what type of payment will be offered before they interview with the organization.

Can I find my own internship and still do TWC?

Yes. However, we recommend you speak with your TWC Program Advisor first. This is to ensure that your chosen internship site will provide you with meaningful work, that your supervisor will be willing to complete your evaluations, and that they are aware of our program components, key dates and other important details.

Do students often receive job offers at their internship sites? 

TWC students often form valuable, lasting connections in D.C. These relationships can directly lead to job offers and open doors to new opportunities. We provide guidance on building and leveraging your network and encourage you to connect with professionals and peers throughout your experience. 

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