About the Washington Intern Scholarship Program
The USC Alumni Club of the Nation’s Capital offers the Washington Intern Scholarship Program to assist USC undergraduates who intern in a Congressional office or other public affairs-related internship approved by the Semester In Washington Program. Internships are an excellent way to learn about the governmental process, understand more about federal policy and determine whether a job in government or a related field is right for you.
Students are eligible to receive a scholarship of up to $2,250. Study in Washington must be undertaken during the spring semester of the academic year during which the application is submitted, in conjunction with USC’s official Washington Semester program. The award is contingent upon the acceptance of the applicant into USC’s Washington Semester program, as well as upon completion of the internship. Recipients are required to take part in events sponsored by the USC Alumni Club of the Nation’s Capital.
Download your application here.
Application criteria: All applicants must:
- Hold a minimum of sophomore standing upon application**
- Have completed one full semester at USC before applying
- Be committed to attending USC’s Washington Semester program during the academic year in which he/she applies
- Hold a 3.0 GPA or better at the time of application
- Plan a future career in the area(s) of government, public policy/public administration, international affairs, international trade and economics, development, media or any other field relating to domestic and/or international policy
- Display a level of involvement and achievement at USC consistent with the Five Traits of a Trojan
Selection: Applicants will be selected on the basis of their grade point average, a well-rounded collegiate experience (as indicated on a submitted résumé), and a personal statement. Finalists will take part in telephone interviews conducted by the USC Alumni Club of the Nation’s Capital. Scholarship recipients will be notified in November.
Deadline: All applications must be postmarked no later than November 10, 2009. Complete applications will include the following:
- Application form
- Résumé
- Proof of acceptance into USC’s Washington Semester program (which will be sent directly from the university)
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation (please request that copies of the recommendation letters be forwarded to Chris Wilson at SPPD)
Application Submission: Chris Wilson in Ralph & Goldy Lewis Hall, Room 108; School of Policy, Planning & Development
Questions: Please contact either
Chris Wilson, Director of Student Services
School of Public Policy, Planning and Development
Wilsonca@sppd.usc.edu or (213) 740-4127
Susan Whyte Simon, Scholarship Chair
USC Alumni Club of the Nation’s Capital
scholarships@dctrojans.org or (301)208-1448
Congratulations to Our 2009 Scholarship Recipients!
The USC Alumni Club of the Nation’s Capital is proud to award three scholarships to excellent students enrolled in the Washington Semester program this year.
Clare Doody is a junior majoring in American Studies. Clare is a Trustee Scholar who has made the Dean’s List every semester. She was an active volunteer during the presidential election and a leader on campus. Currently, Clare plans to attend law school after graduation.
Jacob Rodriguez is a junior majoring in public policy and management. Another outstanding scholar, Jacob has earned a place on the Dean’s List for several semesters as well. Jacob has worked for a Los Angeles City Councilman and a Texas State Senator in addition to volunteering on several campaigns.
Daniel Loeterman, another junior, is double majoring in journalism and political science. He has just completed a stint as news editor for the Daily Trojan and will be interning for Congressman Barney Frank. Previously, he worked in the press office for Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Like his fellow awardees, Dan has spent several semesters on the Dean’s List. He is the recipient of a Scion Scholarship from the Boston area and a scholarship for his political science major.