I’m proud to lead The Washington Center as we celebrate 50 years of connecting students to life-changing, real-world pathways through experiential learning. What began in 1975 with a one-room office, our founders, and 51 students has become a national force for opportunity—almost 70,000 students impacted and counting!
For five decades, we've been the bridge between higher education and the world of work. Whether through semester-long internships or short-term immersive programs, our students gain hands-on experiential learning in policy, healthcare, cybersecurity and emerging fields. They build personal and professional networks that launch careers and build skills they didn't know they could muscle. As the largest, most established program of its kind, almost 90% of employer partners report they would work with our students again.
I want to especially express our gratitude to our higher education partners, employers, internship sites and supervisors, extraordinary faculty, incredible speakers, supporters, and partners—what a powerhouse of support! And a special shout-out to all our students, learners and accomplished alumni. Your passion for creating meaningful change inspires us every day. The future is brighter because of YOU!
As we step into our next chapter, we're expanding beyond the Beltway out into the country to serve employers and students where they are and where they will work, meeting the needs of skills to help close these gaps and ensure American competitiveness continues. Our legacy is the foundation; our future is the frontier.
Grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey.
Kim Churches
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