Washington Summer Scholars Award

The New England Council is an alliance of businesses, colleges and universities, non-profits and other organizations dedicated to promoting economic development and a high quality of life in the six-state region. The Council recognizes that the future of New England 's economy depends largely on the education of its youth and that, beyond the classroom, work internships provide meaningful, participatory learning which serves to enhance basic academic foundations.

Committed to the region's next generation of leaders, the New England Council will award a summer stipend of $2,000 for housing and expenses to twelve selected undergraduate students who have obtained an internship in a New England delegation congressional office in order to gain valuable exposure to the inner-workings of our federal government. One candidate per New England state will be selected based on a demonstrated clear commitment to the region and public service, as well as academic and extracurricular achievement. Financial need will also be taken into consideration.

The following is a summary of information regarding the award benefits and requirements:

Stipend and Benefits

• Summer stipend of $2,000 to cover housing and local expenses

Work Experience

• Participants will be asked to secure their own placement in a congressional office with the New England delegation

Application Deadline

• Application must be received or postmarked by May 15 th (Earlier submission of application is encouraged)

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Copy of the applicant's current resume
• Copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcript
• Two letters of recommendation (At least one must be from a professor.)
• Proof of full-time internship (A letter from employer and contact information for verification purposes)
• One essay selected from the following three options:
  • What does your state (or New England ) mean to you?
  • How have you served as a leader in your community?
  • In your opinion, what is the most important public policy issue facing your local, state or regional community today and what should be done to address it?

Qualifications for Candidates

• Must be a legal resident of a New England state; or
• Must be attending an accredited four year college or university in the six-state region
• Must have completed their sophomore year
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to their state/the region (Ex: involvement in community service and/or state programs)
• Maintain a 3.0 grade point average
• Financial need will also be taken into consideration

Activities

• Participants will be invited to participate in hill events hosted by the New England Council and a luncheon with the Council's President & CEO Jim Brett

Download the PDF application here.

Download the MS Word application here.