Annenberg Washington Summer Internship Program
The Annenberg Washington Summer Internship Program (AWSIP) aims to develop skills and knowledge related to the use of
communication in public service through internships at selected government, political, nonprofit, advocacy, media, and
private organizations based in Washington, D.C.
Read about experiences from former students.
The program, which is administered through the school’s
Institute for Public Service,will accept up to 12 Communication majors
for Summer 2013. This summer’s program will run from May 26th through August 3rd . Preference is given to
those students who have declared the Communication and Public Service (ComPS) concentration. Students who are undeclared, but have
intentions to declare the major in the following school year are also welcome to apply.
Accepted students are assisted in finding appropriate internships in the D.C. area, but are also encouraged to conduct their
own search. Students who are unable to be placed in an internship by April 26th will not be eligible to participate in AWSIP.
Accepted applicants are responsible for regular correspondence with
Ms. Alison Berstecher, Director of Student Services,, in regards to the status of their internship search. Failure to
remain in touch with Ms. Berstecher may result in the student’s spot being granted to a waitlisted applicant.
Annenberg has made arrangements for students to stay in apartment style housing at George Washington University (GWU).
The apartments provide housing for four students (same sex, co-ed living arrangements are not allowed). Apartments are
air-conditioned and include two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a common living space and kitchen. Internet, cable, and local
phone service is provided. Students will need to provide their own linens and housewares. Students will be able to select
their own roommates with other group participants. Any vacant spaces will be filled by other college students who are also
interning in the Washington, D.C area for the summer.
Participating students will be responsible for making their own housing arrangements through GWU and paying for the initial
deposit ($1,007.32). With proof of receipt the deposit will then be reimbursed by the school. Annenberg will directly pay
the balance of the housing expense to GWU on the student’s behalf.
A stipend of $2,000 will be provided for all unpaid internships, payable in two installments. Stipends will be sent on
June 28th and July31st. Students who qualify for the stipend will be responsible for providing the Annenberg business
office with all required paperwork. Please note that this stipend is subject to state and federal income tax.
Students may also register for the seminar, COMM309: Washington Politics and the Media. The course is taught by Presidential
Historian Alvin Felzenberg, Ph.D., and meets on Wednesday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. The School covers the cost of the tuition.
COMM309 is designed to enhance students' understanding of the role the media plays influencing the course of public policy
in the nation's capital. It will provide students with opportunities to assess major issues, currently in the news, from
multiple perspectives (those of Congress, the President, interest groups, the old and new media, lobbyists, political
consultants and others). They will explore the emergence of multiple "narratives" the media uses to frame policy debates,
how these are formed, and how they change over time. Readings and class discussions will be supplemented by appearances by
guests who have participated in important ongoing and past policy debates.
This year’s applications are due on February 28, 2013. APPLY HERE
Questions may be directed to Ms. Alison Berstecher, Director of Student Services and Register, aberstecher@asc.upenn.edu.