Newswise — UNC Charlotte is offering a unique educational experience to students seeking internships and other learning opportunities during the upcoming 2020 Republican National Convention (RNC) in Charlotte. Through an exclusive partnership with The Washington Center (TWC), UNC Charlotte will host hundreds of students from across the country for an extraordinary two-week educational program from Aug.16-28, 2020. 

TWC, a respected nonpartisan, not-for-profit educational organization, partners with universities, government agencies and public and private organizations to introduce college-age students with an interest in government, media and related careers to an intensive, behind-the-scenes look into the political process during the national convention. They will provide a range of courses, forums and volunteer opportunities for UNC Charlotte students and those visiting from other campuses. Attendees who participate in the convention seminar will spend the first week of the program on UNC Charlotte’s campus learning the history of political campaigns, convention planning and procedures and the role of the media. The second half of the program will be spent at the convention, participating in fieldwork and internship assignments and attending convention receptions and events.

“UNC Charlotte is proud to again partner with The Washington Center. In 2012, our students were able to benefit from once-in-a-lifetime experiences by participating in the center's Democratic National Convention seminar. This partnership also provides a tremendous opportunity to highlight the University to visitors from across the country,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois. “Students will emerge with new skills and insights that will shape their development as citizens for the rest of their lives, and I’m excited for UNC Charlotte to play a key role in the process.”

“As in 2012, we are again thrilled to partner with UNC Charlotte for our in 2020 convention program,” said Kelly Eaton, Ph.D., senior vice president and chief academic officer of The Washington Center. “UNC Charlotte is a well-respected institution with top-notch facilities. The University shares The Washington Center’s goal of engaging students in the democratic process, and we welcome the participation of their student delegation next summer. This unique experiential learning opportunity, set in the environment of a major historical event, allows students to have engaged lessons in citizenship as well as opportunities to develop their professional identities.”

Student participants will have the opportunity to interact with political insiders, attend exclusive events and engage in on-site fieldwork with media outlets, advocacy groups, host committees, state delegations and other organizations connected to the convention. More than 120 students are expected to attend the academic seminar and will be eligible to receive academic credit for their work.

Through the partnership with TWC, interested UNC Charlotte students will have the opportunity to apply for one of 10 scholarships allotted to the University (valued at $4,300 each) for the two-week program. UNC Charlotte will host visiting students and faculty and utilize on-campus buildings for the academic portion of the program. Scholarship postings can be found through Hire-A-Niner (search for either “The Washington Center - Scholarship Program” or Job ID#48685). Applications for the scholarship are currently open and are due Wednesday, Feb. 19.

UNC Charlotte and TWC first partnered for this program during the 2012 Democratic National Convention, when Charlotte also served as the host city.

About UNC Charlotte:
With an enrollment of nearly 30,000 students, UNC Charlotte is North Carolina’s urban research university. It leverages its location in the state’s largest city to offer internationally competitive programs of research and creative activity, exemplary undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, and a focused set of community engagement initiatives. UNC Charlotte maintains a particular commitment to addressing the cultural, economic, educational, environmental, health, and social needs of the greater Charlotte region.

About The Washington Center:
The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since 1975, we’ve helped more than 55,000 college students translate their majors into thriving career paths. Since 1984, The Washington Center has been conducting academic seminars at the national nominating conventions of the two major political parties. We use our scale, our expertise and our passion to create customized, life-changing programs, seminars and professional development experiences for each and every student. 

Other Link: Hire-A-Niner