PENN STATE WASHINGTON PROGRAM

Washington Internship Program ~ Communications and Democracy ~ Leadership Development

 

2009 Application Cover Sheet and Instructions

 

 

Name:           _____________________________________

 

 

Address:       _____________________________________

 

                        _____________________________________

 

 

Phone:           (___) ___-____           Email: __________________________

 

PSU ID No.:               _____________

 

PROGRAMS/DEADLINES

(choose one)

 

SPRING 2009

            Washington Internship Program ____            October 24, 2008

 

SUMMER 2009

            Washington Internship Program ____            January 16, 2009

 

FALL 2009                                                                            

            Washington Internship Program ____            February 27, 2009*

            Communications & Democracy ____

            Leadership Development           ____

 

*Please note: The early decision deadline for Fall 2009 is November 14, 2008. Accepted early-decision applicants will be notified before the end of the Fall 2008 semester.

 

RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATIONS TO:

 

WASHINGTON INTERNSHIP PROGRAM                     COMMUNICATIONS & DEMOCRACY or LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

 

Scott Colburn                                                                             Dr. Robert Richards

PO Box 9291                                                                                201 Carnegie Building

Arlington, VA                                                                              University Park, PA

22219                                                                                              16802

(215) 801-6737                                                                            (814) 863-1900

sbc136@psu.edu                                                                       rdr2@psu.edu

ADMISSIONS OVERVIEW

 

The Program is usually limited to juniors and seniors (outstanding sophomores will be considered on a case-by-case basis). We will base our admissions decisions on your level of interest, your completed application packet, and an interview.

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

 

In addition to the application cover sheet, please include the following materials in your application packet. All application materials should be single-sided. Also, be sure to return the packet to the proper address, as listed on the cover sheet. For the Washington Internship program, send your application to Scott Colburn; for Communications & Democracy or Leadership Development, to Dr. Robert Richards. Interviews will be held after all applications are received and reviewed.

 

Note: “Washington Internship Program” should be checked if you are interested only in internship and housing. “Communications and Democracy” (or “Leadership Development,” if you are an Agriculture student) should be checked if you are interested in internship, housing, and classes.

 

1. Resume

Please submit a resume that includes the following information: current and permanent address and phone number, email address, student number, education, work experience, computer experience or other specialized skills, honors, and activities.

 

2. Two Letters of Recommendation

Both letters of recommendation must be from instructors or academic advisors who have firsthand knowledge of your performance as a student at Penn State.

 

3. Unofficial Transcript

Transcripts can be obtained at your department’s advising office on campus, or you can download and print a copy from elion.psu.edu. An official transcript is not necessary.

 

4. Essays

Submit your answers to both of the essay questions listed below. Your answers should be clear, thoughtful, and carefully prepared. Each essay should be typed and approximately 3 pages in length.

 

  1. Describe your objectives in applying to this program, and explain what you hope to gain from your experience in Washington as well as what unique qualities or skills you would bring to an internship sponsor. Please discuss internships that you would be interested in, emphasizing type rather than a specific organization.
  2. Submit a short writing sample from a course you have taken recently, OR assess a current sociological, political, cultural, environmental, or economic issue that is of particular interest to you.