Cindy Morgan, a sophomore studying business management, worked as an intern for the Center for Equal Opportunity (CEO) in Washington, D.C. The CEO is a think take that focuses on three areas: immigration, bilingual education, and civil rights issues.

While there, Cindy gathered and wrote information for a 50-state bi-lingual education report about state laws and regulations that apply to bilingual education and Limited English Proficient programs.

This report will be the first of its kind that will compile the laws from each state into one report for comparison. The report will be published next month.

"While spending my summer in D.C., I was able to attend press conferences on Capitol Hill, and I was exposed, first-hand, to the latest political occurrences, " Morgan said. "My experience was a very valuable one, and I’m very thankful for the opportunity I had to see our nation’s capital firsthand. "

Joseph Tripi, a sophomore studying in political science, worked at the headquarters for the National Association of Manufacturers in Washington, D.C. The NAM is lobbying organization representing large and small manufacturers.

Joseph spent most of his internship in the communications branch of the NAM. While attending weekly press conferences and committee meetings on Capitol Hill, Joseph learned about politics from the point of view of a lobbyist. From these meetings, Joseph gathered information that he would summarize for the various reporters in the communications department.

"This internship was the single most beneficial experience of my college career so far, " Joseph said. "I hope to have future internships in our nation’s capital. "

Evelyn Luster, a junior majoring in political science and music, served as the Public Information Intern in the Office of State Treasurer J. Kenneth Blackwell. This is her second summer working in this office.

One of Luster’s main responsibilities was to update an informational computer display on the treasury. Additionally, she assisted in the treasury publication process through writing and editing. Luster also spent some time in other departments of the treasury by assisting the scheduler to the Treasurer and his Legislative Liaison.

Luster pointed out that like most interns she too was responsible for the general office tasks of mass mailings and photo copying. However, some highlights for her were participating in press conferences, attending legislative committee meetings, and learning from the individuals around her. "This internship was an incredible experience. Not only did I develop professional skills, but I also learned more about my own strengths and weaknesses. I also have a better sense about my own carrier interests, " said Luster.

Erica Cook, a senior studying political science, journalism, and English, worked at The Washington Times.

Unlike the majority of Washington interns who mostly sort mail and make information packets, Erica’s work directly impacted her development as a journalist. Erica worked as a general assignment reporter for the National Desk. Her only duty was to write and research stories. On her first day, she was immediately given a desk and a phone and put to work. Such an opportunity is rare in a major metropolitan publication.

Over the course of her internship, Erica published nine articles with a byline, seven of which were published on the second page of The Washington Times. Her pieces ranged from current trend pieces to covering congressional hearings.

"For seven weeks I lived a life that most aspiring journalists can only dream, " Erica said. "Not only was I a reporter at a major metropolitan newspaper, I was a reporter in the world’s greatest news making town."