Monumental Milestones
From an inaugural group of 51 students in 1975 to a powerhouse program of more than 550 virtual participants in the summer of 2020, TWC has come a long way. Here are some of the highlights from our first 45 years.
1970s
1975
The Washington Center for Learning Alternatives is founded by William M. “Bill” Burke and Sheila McRevey. A staff of four recruits 51 students from 35 colleges for internships that fall.
1976
TWC receives its first major grant courtesy of the Exxon Education Foundation.
1977
TWC launches its first academic seminar with a three-week symposium called “Politics: Domestic and International Affairs.”
1979
Student housing is expanded to contribute to living and learning in Washington, D.C.
1980s
1980–1982
Grants from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, Minority Scholarship Fund, MacArthur Foundation, and National Scholarship Fund create significant financial aid opportunities.
1984
Academic seminars become core programming with the launch of the Women as Leaders Academic Seminar and the first National Convention Seminars at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
1985
First Inside Washington Presidential Inauguration seminar is launched, serving more than 500 students.
1986
The Washington Center for Learning Alternatives is renamed The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars.
1988
The International Business School of Sweden begins an internship program in collaboration with TWC.
1989
The Minority Leaders Fellowship Program is established through funding from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Henry Luce Foundation, Fannie Mae Foundation, Coca Cola Foundation, and Rockefeller Brothers Foundation.
1990s
1990
A national TWC alumni network is established.
1992
TWC partners with the Environmental Protection Agency to launch the Environmental Internship Program, offering substantial funding for internships at the agency.
1993
The Ford Foundation, Ford Motor Company Fund, Carnegie Corporation of New York, and AT&T establish the Minority Internships in Congress Program (later renamed the Diversity in Congress Program).
1995
TWC partners with the Puerto Rican Legislative Assembly to establish the Córdova y Fernós Congressional Internship Program for Puerto Rican students.
TWC expands its international program, enabling students from Canada, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, and other countries to participate in internship programming.
1996
The NAFTA Leaders Program is established for students of the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
TWC organizes a state initiative fund to develop scholarships for students from participating states. By the end of the decade, TWC will establish partnerships with Florida, Maryland, Massachusett, Ohio, and West Virginia.
1999
State governors of Mexico partner with TWC to establish the Governors Internship Program, designed to encourage students from Mexico to participate in TWC experiences.
2000s
2000
Over 75 college presidents support funding for 125 students to attend the National Convention Seminars.
2003
TWC receives Department of State designation as a J1 visa sponsor.
TWC expands its partnership with federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Defense, and Department of Labor, to provide additional funding for internships.
2004
Founder Bill Burke passes away. Michael B. Smith becomes president.
TWC launches the Students with Disabilities Program through funding from the Department of Labor.
TWC enrollment surpasses 1,300 students.
2005
TWC celebrates its 30th anniversary.
2007
TWC offices move to the current headquarters at 1333 16th Street NW, in Washington, D.C. Goldman Sachs and other generous funders made this move possible.
2009
Construction begins at the Michael B. Smith Residential and Academic (RAF) in the quickly growing NoMa neighborhood of Washington. Sam Rose provides substantial financial backing of the building and would later establish the Sam Rose Scholarship, which has been distributed to hundreds of students.
2010s
2010
The RAF is completed and opened.
2011
The President’s Lecture Series becomes the Alan K. Simpson – Norman Y. Mineta Leaders Series. It focuses on civil discourse, features speakers with track records of successful leadership, and showcases a diversity of experiences and ideas.
2014
The Mexico100 program is launched. Over the next two years, it will bring 220 students from public institutions in Mexico to Washington.
A U.S.-Japan Council partnership establishes Building the TOMODACHI Generation, a two-week program for Japanese students interested in leadership, cross-cultural exchange, and entrepreneurial approaches to social challenges.
2015
TWC is awarded the administration of the Thomas R. Pickering Fellowship Program by the State Department.
The Ford Motor Company launches the John Dingell Fellows Program in support of Michigan students.
2016
TWC names Christopher Norton as president.
2017
With support from Prudential Financial, TWC launches the Veterans Employment Trajectory Initiative to assist veterans with their transition to the civilian working world.
TWC is awarded the administration of the Foreign Affairs IT Fellowship Program by the State Department.
2020s
2020
TWC celebrates its 45th Anniversary on Feb. 28.
Over the summer, TWC launches the largest virtual academic internship program in the country with more than 550 students participating.