NASA intern
Austin Every, an information technology major and graphic design minor, worked alongside graphic designers and social media managers to “get people excited about space technology in different ways.”
Academic information
The Washington Community Scholars' Center is committed to providing strong academic programs grounded in practical experiences in the diverse neighborhoods of Washington, DC.
Dates
Fall (end of August to mid December)
Spring (mid January to end of April)
Summer (mid May to end of July)
Credits
Semester:
WCSC Seminar Classes: 9 credits
Internship: 6 credits
15 credits
Summer:
WCSC Seminar Classes: 4 credits
Internship: 6 credits
10 credits
Classes
WCS 285: INTERNSHIP THEORY AND PRACTICE (1)
Through readings, analytical reflection, journals, and guest speakers, students will
explore multiple dimensions of service internships in Washington, D.C.
WCS 300 INTERNSHIP (6)
Students can use internships to gain work experience and build a strong resume with
impressive job skills. Many WCSC students intern in culturally diverse settings, with
organizations working to address racism, injustice, violence and other social problems.
Internships are available in any major. Satisfies BENV 300 requirement.
WCS 375 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (3)
In this course we consider how communities differ from place to place and learn about
community-based organizations working in and around Washington, D.C. to improve local
neighborhoods. Community development focuses on meeting the needs of places that have
been marginalized from political and economic power: communities with limited access
to good schools, jobs, adequate housing, quality food and other resources that make
life easier and more fulfilling. We learn about the ways people work together to improve
neighborhoods, to access external resources, and to more fully meet the needs of their
neighbors.
WCS 384 RACE, SPACE AND INEQUALITY (3)
This course is an introduction to urban studies, focused in particular on questions
of space and place. Through fieldwork, readings and discussion, we explore the urban
landscape of Washington, D.C. seeking to understand the spatial organization of the
city, the inequalities it reflects, and the implications for people and communities.
What drives racial and economic segregation? How do we make sense of cycles of neighborhood
development and disinvestment? This course asks students to consider the breadth of
actors and forces that shape the city, and to reflect on what it means to seek justice
within this context. Satisfies Understanding Self and Society competency.
WCS 485 SERVANT LEADERSHIP (2)
How are leaders made? In these critical times, what kinds of leaders does our society
need? How is leadership best practiced? College students, at the cusp of adulthood
in American society stand at many crossroads. Life-altering decisions, vocational
choices, questions about how and whom to serve can stimulate or, conversely, inhibit
creativity, a willingness to engage in the serious issues of our day and a commitment
to serve others. This course is taught in tandem with WCS 285. Satisfies BENV 300 requirement.
Internships
Students can use internships to gain work experience and build a strong resume with
impressive job skills. Many WCSC students intern in culturally diverse settings, with
organizations working to address racism, injustice, violence and other social problems. Internships
are available in any major.
Contact
Marathana Prothro (fall 2024) or Paul Neufeld Weaver (spring 2025)
NASA intern
Austin Every, an information technology major and graphic design minor, worked alongside graphic designers and social media managers to “get people excited about space technology in different ways.”