Campus News

Kentucky Named University System of the Year by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Sept. 19, 2011) – All eight of the four-year, public universities in Kentucky have been selected as the 2011 University System of the Year by The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. Recognized for its strong, continued partnership with The Washington Center, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education will receive the award during The Washington Center’s annual awards luncheon in Washington, D.C. at the National Press Club on Oct. 3, 2011.

“The Washington Center program provides enriching hands-on work and education experiences for our students,” said CPE President Bob King. “Internship opportunities like these open doors and expand interests in very positive ways.”

Over the past seven years, Kentucky and its state universities have partnered with The Washington Center to send 130 students to the nation’s capital to participate in an academic internship, working together to pair on the job learning with classroom education for academic credit. Students test drive their careers, listen to guest lecturers led by business and political leaders, participate in classroom discussion, attend professional development workshops and network with peers, all in one semester.

“Kentucky’s university system has worked hard to make The Washington Center program within reach for students, offering scholarships and academic credit arrangements,” said Mike Smith, president of TWC. “Kentucky is one of The Washington Center’s best champions and is a true role model for other states, showing that the most well rounded academic experience is one enhanced by experiential learning.”

Former Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton who now serves as chair of the CPE will accept the award on behalf of the Kentucky Council Postsecondary Education.

About The Washington Center

The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars is an independent, nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of colleges and universities in the United States and other countries by providing selected students challenging opportunities to work and learn in Washington, D.C. for academic credit.  The largest program of its kind, The Washington Center has close to 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world.  It was established in 1975.