FIU-led internship initiative recognized by The Washington Center

The Washington Center (TWC), which provides Washington, D.C. internship opportunities for students, has named Florida the 2014 State Partnership of the Year. FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg accepted the award on Monday.

For the 2013-2014 academic year, Florida sent 107 students – 23 of them students from FlU – to Washington, D.C. to work at government, corporate and nonprofit organizations. Florida sent the largest number of students in the nation. Data shows that students who participate in paid internships are more likely to get a job offer within one year of graduation and on average obtain a higher starting salary.

Since 2012, FIU’s School of International and Public Affairs, along with the University of South Florida, have worked together to administer the scholarship funds associated with the internship opportunities for all students in the Florida State University System.

The Florida Legislature provides $7,500 in scholarship funds per student in addition to a minimum of $1,000 provided by TWC. Florida students are therefore eligible to receive at least $8,500 to offset costs associated with these opportunities.

“Students who have quality internship opportunities are better prepared for the workforce and find jobs more readily,” said FIU President Mark B. Rosenberg. “At FIU we’re committed to providing our students with cutting-edge opportunities, such as the ones made available through TWC, to help them succeed.”

Florida State Sen. Anitere Flores, who attended the Academic Affairs Awards Luncheon in Washington D.C., worked with State Rep. Erik Fresen to ensure that a large number of Florida students can find the financial support to participate.