The Washington Center’s 45th Anniversary

Yearlong ‘45 Years of Monumental Impact’ Celebration Commences

monumental
adjective
exceptionally great in quantity, quality, extent or degree of historical or enduring significance

On Friday, February 28, 2020, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars (TWC) will commemorate its founding. The 45th anniversary — 45 Years of Monumental Impact — kicks off with today’s birthday festivities and the launch of the organization’s blog that focuses on the connection between higher education and early careers. The celebration features special observances throughout the year, culminating in a special Monumental Impact event in October.

Bill and Sheila Burke founded The Washington Center for Learning Alternatives in 1975 with a vision to transform student learning beyond the classroom. At the time, the idea of getting real-world work experience through an internship was as rare as cable television. Today, internships have become commonplace, as ubiquitous as streaming services. And yet, TWC remains influential in both higher education and early-career employment. 

TWC’s enduring success is attributable to its commitment to relationships. TWC is dedicated to ushering students, colleges and universities, and employers along their journeys to becoming, graduating, and hiring the career-ready adults of the 21st century. In January of 2020, TWC welcomed: its 400th U.S. affiliated college partner, 134th total intern cohort and hosted its 75th seminar.

"TWC’s continued vitality is a testament to Bill’s vision and the organization he and I created — and which so many others helped shape and grow," said Sheila Burke, co-founder, The Washington Center. "Being part of this organization for 45 years has been my distinct honor. I am overjoyed that the venture undertaken in 1975 has helped so many young people, regardless of means or background, find their passions and become the professionals and leaders we envisioned. It's a great feeling to have been part of a positive impact on our society through our 60,000 alumni. I look forward to TWC and its exceptional leadership, staff and partners forge ahead to achieve more and reach even greater heights in the future."

Aspects of the anniversary celebration will feature TWC partners and their contributions to the organization’s enduring relevance. Special acknowledgements of gratitude will focus on state and federal governments, colleges and universities, corporate and private donors, and parents, students, and alumni.

“The 45th anniversary is such a wonderful moment in TWC’s history to reflect, assess and look ahead,” said Chris Norton, president, The Washington Center. “I am exceedingly proud to be part of an organization that has influenced innumerable students, schools, donors, employers and communities. And I’m honored to lead a devoted staff who have worked, and who continue to work, so passionately to realize TWC’s mission. Together, we have empowered students to launch their career journeys, and become engaged citizens and successful professionals. We look forward to expanding our impact with each of our partners, our alumni and students who are yet to join the TWC family.”

More than 60,000 students from across the United States and around the world have capitalized on TWC’s experiential learning opportunities and translated their college major into their career path. TWC will honor these life-changing, academically-rewarding, career-defining semesters, summers, and seminars that alumni have experienced, along with the staff and partners that have made it possible, on the TWC website, social media channels and in-person events throughout 2020.

Learn more about The Washington Center's 45 Years of Monumental Impact at twc.edu/45.

About the Author

The Washington Center is the largest and most established student internship program in Washington, D.C. Since our founding, we've helped more than 60,000 individuals from across the U.S. and around the globe expand their academic pursuits into rewarding jobs and careers. We use our scale and expertise to deliver solutions that open career pathways for learners, solve recruitment challenges for employers, while helping create greater access, equity, advancement and representation.

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