NOTE: If you are searching for the UF Washington DC Internship Program sponsored by the Bob Graham Center and the UF Office of Federal Relations, please visit this link.
Are you interested in politics, public policy, international relations, business, health care, non-profits, education, or the arts?
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (opens in new tab), known as TWC, provides immersive internships and academic seminars to students from hundreds of colleges and universities and young professionals from across the U.S. and more than 25 countries.
TWC is a fee-based internship opportunity that includes housing and great assistance helping you match with one of their many internship partners. Significant financial assistance is available.
The University of Florida is a partner institution, expanding the reach of the campus by offering UF students access and opportunities in the Washington D.C. area that allow them to earn academic credit while interning. Summer, fall, and spring internships are available in hundreds of public, private, non- profit and government agencies in all fields in Washington, D.C.
TWC is currently accepting applications for its Academic Internship Program in Washington D.C.
Deadlines
Spring 2024
- Early Application Deadline Wednesday, October 4, 2023
- Regular Application Deadline Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Summer 2024
- Early Application Deadline Wednesday, February 14, 2024
- Regular Application Deadline Wednesday, March 13, 2024
* Florida State Funding is limited during the summer term and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We highly recommend applying in January, prior to the early deadline.*
Fall 2024
- Early Application Deadline Wednesday, March 27, 2024
- Regular Application Deadline Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Learn More
Sign up at this link to get in touch with TWC’s admissions team and be notified of upcoming information sessions. Also, please contact UF liaison to TWC, Dr. Kevin Bird, (kevin.bird@ufl.edu) to set up an appointment to discuss TWC. Finally, sign up for our newsletter to receive continual updates.
Resources
Interested in TWC (opens in new tab)
Working on an application (opens in new tab)
Interviewing for internships (opens in new tab)
Preparing for D.C. (opens in new tab)
Download a Sample List of TWC Internships (opens in new tab)
FAQs
What are the components of the TWC Internship Program?Whether you join TWC for a semester or a summer, they guarantee to deliver the three essential parts of the program: an internship, an academic course and career preparation.
Internship: TWC partners with hundreds of different internship sites in D.C. and works with you one-on-one to place you in an internship. Once you begin your internship, you’ll be working on projects related to your interests with a supervisor who cares about your growth and success.
Academic Course: You will take an academic course one evening a week. You’ll be able to choose a course based on your interests and gain access to faculty members who not only work as professors, but often as professionals in their field.
Professional development: The third part of the TWC program is focused on your professional growth and career readiness. Through a variety of professional development workshops you will gain the skills, knowledge and network you need to launch a career after you graduate.
All undergraduate majors are invited to apply. TWC has hundreds of internship site partners hosting of interns every year. Students apply to internships according to their interests in nonprofits, government, the private sector, the arts, finance and so on. See their very informative Sample Internships guide.
Do I have to find my own internship?
No. Your TWC Program Advisor will help guide you through the internship placement process in which you will gain access to TWC’s portfolio of internship sites and apply to internships that match your interests.
How do I apply for the program?
The application is on-line at twc.edu/apply. Once you have completed your statement of professional interest and resume, email Kevin Bird, UF’s Program Liaison, for an appointment. He will review your materials, provide feedback for your submission and next steps. Once that is complete, you may submit your application materials to TWC. After UF’s approval, TWC will review your application for admission to the program.
What are the deadlines for the upcoming year?
Spring 2024
- Early Deadline: October 4, 2023
- Regular Deadline: November 1, 2023
Summer 2024
- Early Deadline: February 14, 2024
- Regular Deadline: March 13, 2024
Florida State Funding is limited during the summer term and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We highly recommend applying in January, prior to the early deadline.
Fall 2024
- Early Deadline: March 27, 2024
- Regular Deadline: April 24, 2024
*Early Deadline: Applying by the Early Deadline gives you the chance to hear from TWC sooner and be considered for internship sites that have earlier internal timelines.
Is there assistance to help pay for the program?
Yes, the state of Florida provides a $ 8,000 award toward the cost of the program and TWC provides an additional $1,000 that is housing contingent. Funding is limited and not guaranteed, especially in the summer program. It is recommended to apply early. If you need additional financial assistance, you should also ask TWC if you are eligible for other smaller awards.
Florida State Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. We highly recommend applying by the early deadline for the best chance of receiving this award.
Samuel G. Rose Scholarship for Access & Opportunity
This scholarship provides at least 10 students with a full program and housing fee scholarship to join The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program in 2023. Learn more.
Expected Fall and Spring 2024 Costs
| |
With TWC Housing |
Without TWC Housing |
| TWC Program Fee |
$9,700 |
$9,700 |
| TWC Housing Fee |
+ $6,570 |
|
| State Scholarship |
– $8,000 |
– $8,000 |
| TWC Housing Award |
– $1,000 |
|
|
|
|
| Total TWC Cost |
$7,270 |
$1, 700 |
Expected Summer 2024 Costs
| |
With TWC Housing |
Without TWC Housing |
| TWC Program Fee |
$7,320 |
$7,320 |
| TWC Housing Fee |
+ $4,990 |
|
| State Scholarship |
– $8,000 |
– $8,000 |
| TWC Housing Award |
– $1,000 |
|
| Total TWC Cost |
$3,310 |
$0 |
How do credits for the program work?
To receive the Florida scholarship described above, you will need to sign up for internship credits through UF. You may be able to earn credits from your major or you can register for IDS 4945 Washington Internship credit (an elective). To use this credit you need to apply with Kevin Bird.
How many credits should I take during the semester I am doing my internship?
That depends on a number of factors. Do you have Bright Futures or other scholarships or financial aid that require you to take a certain number of credits a semester? Will you be taking an on-line course during the internship? Talk to your adviser about this or the UF TWC liaison.
Can I get credit for the evening course through UF?
No. The successful completion of the course is part of the requirements for earning internship credit. You may ask an advisor in the relevant department at UF if this is possible and what is required to receive credit. Some materials needed will be the instructor’s academic credentials and the course syllabus.
Where will I live while on the program?
You are guaranteed housing at TWC’s residential facility. These facilities are two-bedroom, quad-style apartments right in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington DC, within walking distance to Union Station and Capitol Hill. You’ll share your apartment with other TWC interns. You’ll have access to Washington’s Metro subway system, Capital Bikeshare, shops, restaurants, museums and grocery stores. All apartments offer the following amenities:
- Fully-furnished 4-person apartments, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
- Fully-equipped kitchens with granite countertops and full-sized appliances, including dishwashers and microwave ovens, as well as all cooking and eating utensils
- Individually controlled heating and air conditioning units
- Washer and dryer units in the apartment
- Vacuum cleaner, plunger, ironing board and iron
- Mounted TV on wall, high speed wireless internet access
Have other UF students found this to be an effective program?
Yes, the Graham Center’s TWC adviser can put you in touch with students who have participated in the past. You can also follow the TWC Instagram @twcinternships to see regular student takeovers.
What are the TWC Seminars?
The Washington Center offers a range of Seminars aimed at providing participants with unparalleled behind-the-scenes access, discussions with Washington, D.C.’s political and media elite, and an in-depth understanding of the biggest issues facing our nation and the world. Seminars typically last one to two weeks and are particularly useful for those with a specific career interest or who are unable to commit to a full internship semester.
Where can I get more information about the Washington Center?
Visit the Academic Internship Program (opens in new tab) page for more information and sign up here (opens in new tab) to get in touch with TWC’s admissions team. You can also contact Kevin Bird, the UF program advisor, to set up an appointment.