Alumnus Scott Colburn has returned "home" to the College of Communications as a full-time staff member -- although he's working some 200 miles away from the University Park campus in the nation's capital.
Colburn, who earned a degree in journalism in 2007, was named coordinator of the Penn State Washington Program, effective April 1.
Established in 1995, the Washington Program was established to give students a complete Washington, D.C., experience, including internship placement and academic credit as well as housing, and participation in special events and programs.
Students from all areas of the University have participated in the program. Over the years, they have worked for organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, CNN, the Environmental Protection Agency, the office of Sen. Arlen Specter and the Organization of American States.
As coordinator of the program, Colburn's duties include: developing internship opportunities with government and industry; overseeing the application process for the program; recruiting students for the program; supervision of student interns in the program; work in the nation's capital throughout the year; and much more.
The Washington Program is open to juniors and seniors in any major. Sophomores are considered on a case-by-case basis. Interested students participate in a thorough selection process and are selected based on interest, academic standing, writing samples, references and an interview.
If selected, students are placed in internships according to their majors, interests, experience and career goals. Throughout the year, information sessions are held to discuss the opportunities available through the Washington Program.