By The Keystone Newspaper KU has been awarded fully funded scholarships to send KU students to attend a week-long seminar in Washington D.C. to get an inside look into the American political process at the Presidential Inauguration 2025 Seminar.
By Bethany McDonald
The Washington Center has partnered with KU to provide summer internships and one-week seminar scholarships in Washington D.C. to gain insight into political media coverage.
The one-week seminar will take place over winter break from Jan.13 to Jan. 21 to focus on the presidential inauguration process. Students who attend will interact with political and media insiders who are knowledgeable about government agencies, think tanks and media outlets. Students will tour Washington D.C and come to learn how the nation’s capital works. Sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to participate.
TWC organization has been around for over 60 years offering DC-based scholarships and seminars.
KU will award full scholarships to a limited number of students who apply for the one-week seminar. The scholarship includes the program and housing fee, valued at $2,395. Students must be Pennsylvania residents to apply, for the scholarship is partially funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Kerri Gardi, the director of the KU Career Development Center, expressed that hopefully 5 or 6 scholarships will be awarded.
“The state funding only covers 50% of the cost, so I’m sourcing funding from KU to be able to offer the scholarships at 100% to KU students,” Gardi said.
To be considered, students must complete the KU application and essay by Wednesday, Oct. 9, and submit both to the Career Development Center via email or drop off. To receive an electronic application, email the Career Development Center: careerhelp@kutztown.edu.
If looking to gain additional experience for a career concerning the political and media process, TWC offers summer internships at multiple companies, non-profits, or government agencies in Washington D.C. Internship opportunities are available for all majors, ranging from political science and government to psychology.
“Students who’ve participated in the past have had amazing experiences not only with TWC but also with their employer partners/internship sites,” Gardi said.
KU will be awarding the newest and highest discount to KU students for the 10-week program. The student must be a Pennsylvania resident to be eligible. The state scholarship is a $11,000 discount. The awarded students will pay just $1,490 for the summer internship, including furnished apartment/housing.
Gardi expressed that if students apply by the deadlines, TWC will likely have scholarships for all applicants. However, students are encouraged to apply early just in case.
“Knowledge is power, the more a student understands what’s out there, and the more they know about themselves, the better decisions they make leading to career satisfaction,” Gardi said.
TWC experience is a great way to enhance students’ resumes and LinkedIn profiles help employers differentiate them from other candidates.
Private scholarships are available via TWC in addition to state scholarships to ensure opportunities for students.
A TWC info session occurred on Thursday, Sept. 26 in the AF 103 from 2-2:50 p.m. On Thursday, Oct. 3, a TWC representative will be on campus for discussion in the MSU 116 from 11-11:50 a.m. On Thursday, Oct. 10 an online KU Career Development Center session will be held via Zoom.