The Washington Center’s Alaska Native/American Indian Initiative prepares Native students from colleges and universities across the country to assume leadership positions in the public sector. Students participate in internships tailored to their interests, interact with successful government representatives, and develop leadership skills. The Washington Center partners with tribal colleges and tribal nations across the country to identify and recruit top students.
Initiative Goals are to encourage Alaska Natives/American Indians to consider an internship and possible career with the federal government, identify and acquaint students with positive Native role models, help students define personal, academic and professional goals, and integrate academic theory with professional experience for a deeper understanding of public policy formation and students’ roles in that process, engage Native students in professional networking opportunities and encourage students to contribute to society through service.
Application Requirements are: be an enrolled member of a federally or state recognized tribe to qualify for the program, specify interest in this initiative on The Washington Center’s general application, submit an application by the proper deadline, applications are welcome after that date, but will be processed on a space-available basis, students are placed in federal agencies and receive a full scholarship to cover the program and housing fees as well as a weekly stipend.
Students are officially accepted into the program under this initiative only when an offer from an agency has been received and accepted. Students who wish to intern outside of the federal government or who are not offered a position through this initiative may still be accepted in the general Washington Center program. However, program and housing fees apply.
If you are interested the Alaska Native/American Indian Initiative, please contact Danielle Mahan at [email protected] by phone at 202-238-7967.