May 23, 2014
Four students earn Washington Center internships
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Four Southern Illinois University Carbondale students earned prestigious internship opportunities from the Washington Center Program, a scholarship initiative that places students in internships in Washington, D.C.
“Students from across the university, representing several different majors, earned this scholarship and internship opportunity,” Chancellor Rita Cheng said. “I think that speaks very highly of our students and the depth of our applicant pool.”
The Washington Center places students in meaningful internships that often align with their major courses of study and offers opportunities to work with government officials and leaders in their fields. Students also learn about lobbying, consulting, public service and government protocols. Students will also complete an academic course and join fellow interns in structured programs aimed at developing civic leadership.
The Illinois Board of Higher Education, in partnership with The Washington Center, made scholarships available to 17 students attending Illinois colleges and universities. The IBHE guaranteed SIU at least two scholarships, and Roudy Hildreth, associate professor of political science and program coordinator, was able to secure two additional scholarships for SIU.
The scholarship recipients are:
• Roy Buck, a graduate student from Metamora, majoring in advanced energy and fuel management, Science Technology, Engineering and Math Internship.
• Brianna Novelli, a senior international studies major from Hoffman Estates, International Affairs Internship.
Buck and Novelli will receive their specific internship assignments in the near future.
• Seth Richardson, a senior from Monmouth with a double major in journalism and university studies, received a communications internship. Richardson will work with the “Daily Caller” news and opinions website reporting on politics, most likely directly from Capitol Hill.
• Christopher Wheetley, a senior from Murphysboro with a double major in political science and paralegal studies, received an internship in law/criminal justice. Wheetley will work with Marzulla Law LLC, a private law firm specializing in Native American claims with the federal government.
Students can find information about 2015 scholarship opportunities by visiting the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute web page.