The Washington Center at 50: Advancing Careers for
Stronger Futures 

For five decades, The Washington Center (TWC) has been a catalyst for career success, shaping the professional journeys of more than 68,000 students. Since its founding in 1975, TWC has bridged the gap between higher education and the workforce, pioneering experiential learning, career-connected education and innovative workforce solutions.  


As we mark our 50th anniversary in 2025, we celebrate our legacy while looking to the future of work by empowering the next generation of professionals and leaders. 

TWC’s 50 Years of Impact  

More than 68,000 students served

All 50 US states represented, along with 25+ countries around the globe

80% of current students receive financial aid to help advance their professional goals

More than 1,200 employers have hosted TWC interns over the past 50 years

Support Stronger Futures and Opportunities  

For 50 years, TWC has been transforming lives through career-connected learning, and our work keeps evolving and innovating. Your support helps expand opportunities, fund scholarships and ensure future generations of students have access to the experiences that shape leaders.  
Join us in fueling the next 50 years of impact – donate today and help us continue to empower students, strengthen the workforce and build a brighter future for all.

Donate Now

Share Your TWC Story 

TWC’s legacy is built on people and the impact they have – from our founders Bill and Sheila Burke to our global community of more than 68,000 alumni, along with the partners and supporters who have guided our journey in countless ways. Throughout 2025 we’ll recognize these individuals and continue to learn from their impact as we shape our future.
Stay connected to TWC and have your story known as part of our legacy by updating your contact information here or emailing us at advancement@twc.edu.
TWC alumni take on the most pressing challenges and opportunities, fueled by the skills, networks and opportunities they build in our programs. Dina Atwell ’12, is one example of alumni leading in the innovative field of cybersecurity, while inspiring those around her as a strong leader and mentor. Read more about her professional journey here. 

Dina Atwell AIP Spring 2012, Lead of Cyber Insider Threat Investigations, Operations and Intelligence, at Capital One

Join the Celebration: Key Events in 2025 

Throughout our 50th anniversary year, TWC will host events and initiatives designed to honor our past, celebrate our present and shape our future:

Regional Alumni Events 

Members of our 68,000+ global alumni community are invited to gather and maintain the lifelong learning and networking opportunities that can continue to fuel personal and professional growth.

Future of
Work Summit

Friday, October 17, 2025  |  11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Washington Center

1005 3rd St NE, Washington, D.C. 20002 

TWC will convene some of the most influential individuals shaping the future of work for action-oriented dialogue on how we can collectively ensure growth and success. Discussion will focus on key areas such as AI and technology in the workplace, the power of compensation for early career talent, expanding access into strong first jobs and more.  


Join us to provide your insight and support in shaping the solutions that are needed as we adapt, innovate and empower a stronger future of work. 

RSVP Here

Black-Tie
Dinner Celebration

Friday, October 17, 2025  |  6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The National Museum of Women in the Arts

1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20005

Partners, supporters, trustees, alumni and honored guests are invited to an intimate evening celebrating those who have contributed to the first 50 years of The Washington Center, while maintaining the focus on how we adapt and innovate for future success. 


To secure your sponsorship, please contact advancement@twc.edu.

RSVP Here
During her 10-year tenure as President and CEO of Consumer Reports, TWC alumna Marta L. Tellado ’81 not only stood apart as a leader, advocate and champion for consumer rights, she gave back her time and insight to shape the future of TWC, inspiring our students to embrace their passions and step into a future of success. Click to learn about her remarks to Spring 2023 students as part of TWC’s Distinguished Speaker Series. 

Marta L. Tellado ’81, Trustee of The Washington Center and President & CEO of Consumer Reports

Be Part of the Next 50 Years

The Washington Center’s mission remains as critical today as it was in 1975: to bridge the gap between education and the workplace, providing students with the skills, confidence and connections needed to thrive. As we look to the future, we invite you to engage: 

Employers & Partner

Alumni

Give back through mentorship, networking or donations.

Invest in the next generation by hiring interns or supporting our programs.

Join us in celebrating 50 years of impact – and in shaping the future of career-connected learning.

Donors

Students

Contribute to scholarships that expand access to life-changing experiences.

Take the next step in your career by joining a TWC program.

50 Years of Impact: A Legacy of Innovation

From our humble beginnings in a one-room office with 51 students, to becoming a global leader in experiential education, TWC has continuously evolved to meet the changing demands of the workforce. Our milestone moments reflect a history of commitment, adaptability and transformation: 

1970s

Lying the Foundation

Husband and wife William M. Burke and Sheila Ann McRevey make their vision a reality by establishing The Washington Center for Learning Alternatives.


Launched the Presidential Lecture Series, bringing prominent leaders to engage with students. 

1975 was a year of cultural and political upheaval throughout the country. Bill Burke and Sheila A. McRevey perceived the opportunity to help college students enhance their traditional academic experience. 


Amidst a backdrop of Washington, D.C. and the influence and opportunity it provides, the vision and mission of TWC is more important today than ever before.

1975

1980s

Expanding Access & Opportunity 

Creation of multiple scholarship programs, increasing access for students into life-changing programs exploring public policy, advocacy and action via career-connected learning. 


Seminars become a core offering, including Women as Leaders and political convention seminars. 

1990s

Diversity & Global Reach

TWC goes global by expanding into international programs, welcoming students from Canada, Mexico, Japan and beyond. 


Partnerships with state governments provide new scholarship pathways for students.

2000s

Strengthening Workforce Readiness

Enrollment soars as academic partners from across the country realize the opportunities TWC programs have in taking learning beyond the classroom and into real world professional scenarios. 


The historic Campaign 2008 Seminar enrolls more than 700 participants from 130 colleges and universities, 47 states and 14 countries for a 10-day series in connection with President Obama's inauguration. 

2010s

Leadership & Innovation

TWC diversifies programs based on evolving job trends and student demands. Tailored initiatives such as the Alan K. Simpson – Norman Y. Mineta Leaders Series on civil discourse, Veterans Employment Trajectory Initiative and expanded work with the federal government creates pathways for success.


The Michael B. Smith Residential and Academic Facility is opened in the NOMA district of Washington, D.C., creating a space for TWC students, faculty, staff and partners to live, learn and grow a professional future.

2020s

Resilience in the Face of Global Crisis

When COVID-19 turned the world upside down, TWC was quick to adapt and innovate with virtual and hybrid components complementing the D.C. experience.  


School of Record partnership with Elon University expanded credit transferability, enabling seamless professional growth and degree persistence. 

2025 & Beyond

Adaptability & Innovation

The pace of change facing the global workforce is moving faster than ever. TWC continually adapts and innovated based on changing demographics, technological advances and workforce needs in order to position students for success. 


TWC program solutions continue to expand in modality, location and funding opportunities, while a focus on skills and career opportunity strengthens the bridge from college to career and beyond.

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