The Washington Center Academic and Internship Program

Student Spotlights

• Tess Mason-Diburgo ('24), a Human Services Major, interned at Voices for a Second Chance, shares her insights and experiences during her 2024 TWC spring semester.
• Anthony Collins ('22), a Business Administration Major, interned with the Internal Revenue Service and contributed important insights on his experiences in the U.S. Government, Washington, DC, and career development. 
• Matthew Murphy ('20), a Political Science Major, interned with the Federal Practice Group and contributed  important insights on studying for the LSAT while interning in D.C., coping with burnout and what to pack when making the transition to D.C.

About the Program

Fitchburg State University students have long participated in The Washington Center  (TWC) Internship Program to gain valuable career building experiences and advance their studies and long-term goals.

Not only do our students gain significant career-building skills and experiences in their internship placements, but TWC also provides an excellent living and learning environment with participants from around the country and throughout the world. TWC interns live in TWC's conveniently located housing:

• Work at their internship sites 32 hours a week
• Take a course of their choice taught by faculty
• Participate in weekly career readiness programming

Credits

Students earn up to 12 Fitchburg State credit hours in summer TWC sessions and 15 credit hours during semester sessions. Credits usually go toward the student's major, but can also qualify for free electives.

Cost and Financial Aid

Different types of financial support packages exist for students, inclusive of TWC and Fitchburg State scholarships when available and dependent on grade point average/residency.

Massachusetts residents with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher are automatically considered for limited $6,500 state scholarships ($1,300 contingent on use of TWC housing). No additional application is required, and scholarships are first come, first served for the fall, spring, and summer programs.

Students arrange their individual TWC and Fitchburg State (credit hours/fees) financing directly with the University's Finance Office in the Financial Aid Office (Room 108 of the Anthony Student Service Center) by making an appointment with  Finance Counselor, Andrea Johnston at ajohnst5@fitchburgstate.edu.

Please also coordinate directly with Dr. Spero about the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to cover some costs via the State of Massachusetts State University Internship Scholarship Application (SUIIP).

Who You Should Contact

Dr. Joshua Spero, Professor of Political Science/International Relations, works closely with each Fitchburg State student to advise about TWC and internships, hosts TWC representatives at our University for information sessions, guides throughout TWC's application process, and coordinates on TWC, as well as Fitchburg State scholarships. Dr. Spero's Office is in Miller Hall 306. He can be contacted at jspero@fitchburgstate.edu

Applying to TWC

To draft The Washington Center's application, in coordination with Dr. Spero, please follow these three steps:

1. Research TWC programs, eligibility and sample internships
2. Start a TWC Online Application
3. Draft your Statement of Professional Interest, Resume and Essay

Need More Information?

• Learn more information about TWC

Fitchburg State TWC Alumni

Read about our Spring 2020 Fitchburg State student experiences at TWC and Professor Spero can put you in contact with them!