The EMU Washington Semester combines a full-time internship with academic coursework. Students are placed in internships across a wide range of fields, including government, nonprofit organizations, communications, business, and advocacy. These placements are tailored to each student’s interests and career goals, ensuring that every student gains meaningful, hands-on experience. No matter where they end up working, students develop practical skills that set them apart in a competitive job market.

One of the most impactful aspects of the EMU Washington Semester is the personal growth it fosters. Living in a new city, navigating professional environments, and building a network from the ground up pushes students out of their comfort zones. For many students, this experience opens doors they may not have previously imagined. 

Students live alongside peers who are also pursuing internships, creating a supportive environment where they can share experiences, challenges, and successes. These connections often last well beyond the semester, forming a network of driven individuals across diverse fields.

The EMU Washington Semester is more than just a study away program; it is a launching pad for future careers. By combining academic learning with professional immersion in the nation’s capital, it equips students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen paths.

The Washington Semester is intentionally interdisciplinary, welcoming students from a wide range of majors, and the spring 2026 semester is no exception. Spring 2026 participants span the breadth of majors at EMU, pursuing studies in political science, public health, engineering, and recreation and sport management. 

EMU Washington Semester Director Ryan Good noted: “Disciplinary diversity is a hallmark of the EMU Washington Semester and distinguishes us from other D.C.-based study away programs. Over the past two years, EMU Washington Semester students have pursued 31 different majors, hailed from six colleges and universities, and worked at over 40 internship sites around the D.C. region.”

This diversity shapes both internships and classroom learning. Students pursue opportunities aligned with their fields and learn alongside peers with different perspectives, creating a richer, more dynamic experience.

By embracing a wide scope of majors, the EMU Washington Semester ensures that students from all disciplines can gain valuable professional experience while exploring how their field connects to broader societal challenges.

Read on to learn more about the internship experiences of our spring 2026 students.

Leah Cap, from Spotsylvania, Virginia, is a senior majoring in political science. This spring, Leah is an intern at , a D.C.-based nonprofit that supports incarcerated and returning citizens with holistic reentry services. Her main tasks include helping clients find shelters and other programs, scheduling appointments, distributing food to people experiencing homelessness, and making phone calls.

Through her internship, Leah has gained a broader perspective on how systems work and a behind-the-scenes look at how to support at-risk clients. The highlight of her internship experience has been seeing clients come in down on their luck and later seeing them return happier and healthier.

Edwin Rios Sanchez, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a senior majoring in recreation and sport management, with minors in business administration and coaching. This spring, Edwin is working as an equipment manager for and football clubs. His main duties include preparing equipment for coaches, attending trainings, and setting up for games, including steaming players’ jerseys and ensuring they have their game-day gear.

One highlight of Edwin’s internship experience was traveling to Florida for a weeklong away trip with DC Power. During his time in D.C., Edwin has learned to feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Fortie Chipeta, from Mount Jackson, Virginia, is a junior majoring in public health with a minor in environmental science. This spring, Fortie is an intern at , working with its housing and homelessness prevention department. Her main duties include researching local resources and writing helpful tips for a weekly newsletter, handling medical records by scanning and uploading patient documents into eClinicalWorks (eCW), and answering calls and assisting with the patient intake process.

During her time in D.C., Fortie has focused on growing from her experiences rather than striving for perfection. Instead of stressing, she is learning to focus on how to fix problems and do things the right way the next time. One of the biggest highlights of her internship has been taking ownership of the weekly newsletter. She enjoys researching resources for residents and takes pride in ensuring each issue is finalized and sent out on time every Wednesday. 

Alexandre (Zander) Armstrong, from Waynesboro, Virginia, is a senior majoring in engineering. This spring, Zander is interning with the Clinical Engineering Department at .

One of the highlights of his internship has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at a hospital and learning how it operates. Life in the city has been challenging at times, but it has also given Zander the opportunity to navigate public transportation.

In addition to the four Washington Semester students, the Nelson Good House is home to two other students who have been important members of the community this semester.

Morgan Hutchens, a Goshen College senior, is majoring in Deaf Studies, the study of the origins of American Sign Language, Deaf community, and Deaf culture. The goal of the program is to promote awareness, social justice, and accessibility. As part of her program, Morgan is attending Gallaudet University for one semester. Gallaudet University is the only Deaf university in the world and also offers programs for hearing students.

Morgan describes living in the Nelson House as an amazing experience because it has given her the opportunity to build strong connections with others. One of her favorite things to do with her housemates is cook together, which brings her joy through good food and meaningful conversation. Morgan describes her time in D.C. as both challenging and exhilarating. Attending Gallaudet University has been a lifelong dream, and the experience has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful.

Leslie Meja is a graduate student at EMU’s Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). He is completing his CJP practicum at the Kenyan Embassy in D.C. The inclusion of graduate students in the Washington Semester community enriches the experience for everyone and creates additional opportunities for learning and exchange.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should visit for more information or to apply. Be sure to also check out the EMU Washington Semester to see what our students are up to.

The EMU Washington Semester program started off in the fall of 1976 as a “high-risk proposition,” recalls Phil Baker-Shenk ’79.  

“It was a high risk for the college, a high risk for us individual students, and certainly a high risk for (program founder and director) Nelson Good ’68 and Arden Shank, who staffed it,” said Baker-Shenk, one of the first students in the yearlong program (then known as the Washington Study-Service Year or WSSY) from 1976-77. “It was a high risk all around, and yet people with good ideas decided to plunge in, take that risk, and make it happen.”

Fifty years later, that big gamble has paid off.

Alumni of the urban studies program—the only such program offered at Anabaptist-affiliated institutions—credit it with giving them improved professional confidence, greater clarity about career direction, more comfort in working with people different than they are, and an increased awareness of systemic injustices.

Each semester and summer, students from EMU and partner schools such as Bethel College, Bluffton University, and Goshen College converge at the Nelson Good House in the culturally diverse and multiethnic Brookland neighborhood of Washington D.C. It’s there that they learn to live in a shared community, cooking and eating meals together, managing a collective budget and household responsibilities, and navigating conflict with maturity.

Students gain real-world professional experience in their chosen field of study through internship placements, study the history and social dynamics of the city, and immerse themselves in the rich culture and vibrancy of the nation’s capital.

Baker-Shenk was among the 60 alumni and supporters of the EMU Washington Semester, from its beginnings in the 1970s through today, who gathered at the Busboys and Poets restaurant in Brookland on Saturday, Feb. 14, to share their memories and experiences from their time in the program and celebrate its 50-year legacy. The milestone reunion included remarks from Program Director Ryan Good, EMU Interim President Rev. Dr. Shannon W. Dycus, Provost Dr. Tynisha Willingham, and many students and alumni from the past five decades. 

Since its inception, more than 1,000 students have called the program home for a season of their lives, said Dycus. They’ve taken courses at and built relationships with institutions such as Catholic University of America and Howard University. And students have learned to live with difference, practice shared leadership, and carry conviction into real work.

“We’re celebrating a living, evolving experiment in education,” Dycus told the crowd. “One that has asked generations of students to take learning seriously enough to put it to work. Since 1976, this program has woven together community living, academic study, and vocational reflection right in the complexity of our nation’s capital.”

As the story’s been told, shared Dycus, Nelson Good came to D.C. as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War era. “And, out of that experience, he helped build a program committed to servant leadership and social justice, and an education shaped by peace, responsibility, and courage to see the city as it is.”

Nelson Good directed the program until his retirement in 1987, mentoring it through major transitions. When the time came to find a new home closer to public transportation and academic partners, he personally helped find and secure the building at 836 Taylor Street that became the Nelson Good House. 

“He did that work even while facing a cancer diagnosis and died a few months before the facility’s dedication (on Aug. 20, 2005),” Dycus said.

Alumni of the EMU Washington Semester gather to celebrate the program’s 50-year legacy.

The EMU Washington Semester offers a built-in social and professional network for its alumni, many of whom find long-term careers in D.C., thanks to the web of connections and relationships they build through the program.

Aerlande Wontamo ’06 was among the first cohort of 15 students to live at the Nelson Good House during the spring of 2006. She interned at the Ethiopian Community Development Council while taking classes at Howard University.

“It was such a meaningful experience for me because I got on (Howard’s) campus and I looked like everybody else,” said Wontamo, who is originally from Ethiopia. “There was another person in our group, I think from Goshen, who was also at Howard, and she was white. We would go to school, and that was the first time she felt like a minority. It was this wonderful experience for both of us.”

Like many alumni of the EMU Washington Semester (it was known as the Washington Community Scholars’ Center or WCSC after 2002), Wontamo stayed in the city. Twenty years later, the economic development grad is still working in the refugee and immigrant services field as senior vice president of U.S. programs for World Relief, a global Christian humanitarian organization.

“It was my internship that was such a meaningful experience for me and led me through all of the steps to get to where I am,” she said. “So, I’m a huge fan of the program.”

Anisa Leonard ’21, a social work grad originally from Kenya, interned at Voices for a Second Chance, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals returning home from incarceration, during her spring 2021 semester in the program.

“The WCSC program was absolutely foundational in getting me to where I am now,” said the social worker. “It sparked my interest in working with people who are marginalized in so many ways, especially in a city so impacted by race and gentrification.”

Genesis Figueroa joined Ryan Good on stage for a conversation, reflecting on her experiences in the program during spring 2025. The EMU senior, who is double majoring in political science and Spanish, interned at Catholic Charities in its immigration legal services department, where she provided translation, interpretation, and administrative work. She said she hopes to become an immigration lawyer.

“It definitely solidified what I want to do after college and what type of work I want to do,” she said. “It solidified my passion for it.”

Another EMU senior, Dia Mekonnen, remembered living at the Nelson Good House with 13 other students during summer 2025. “It was really packed,” she said. “But it was really nice to connect with them. It was nice to cook together, to be able to share our perspectives, and we still hang out.”

Baker-Shenk credited Nelson Good, along with many other heroes, with the courage and vision to implement and sustain the idea of the D.C. program over the years.

“One of the many things he taught me, and it was a little hard for me to take back in the ’70s, was that institutions deserve our love and our commitment and our care,” he said. “Fifty years later, here’s an institution that has carried each of us in this room in one way or another, and it happened because it was nourished and encouraged.”

Kirk Shisler ’81, vice president for advancement, is a proud member of the third cohort of students in the program (1978-79). He told guests there were many ways to support the program. One such opportunity is through the Dr. Kimberly Schmidt Endowed Scholarship, which was dedicated during the program’s on-campus reunion at Homecoming 2025.

“Financial aid is such a critical part of the story for every student, and it’s an obstacle,” he said. “It’s an obstacle to participation in this program and others. And so what we can do to mitigate that through donor-funded aid is an opportunity we want to focus on.”

Learn more about the EMU Washington Semester at .

Read more:

• Sept. 2025: Rebranded EMU Washington Semester celebrates 50 years of career-building and community
• Nov. 2016: Forty years of service and learning celebrated at WCSC’s Nelson Good House
• Aug. 2015: Washington Community Scholars’ Center celebrates 10 years at the Nelson Good House in Brookland
• March 2014: The history of the Washington Community Scholars’ Center

On Oct. 11, during a homecoming celebration, the EMU Washington Semester program (formerly known as WCSC/WSSY) commemorated its 50th year with a special event held at the campus Student Union. The milestone gathering brought together students, alumni, faculty, and staff to celebrate five decades of experiential learning and community engagement in Washington D.C.

A highlight of the event was the renaming of the Washington Semester’s endowed scholarship in honor of Professor Emerita Kimberly Schmidt, who served as director of the program for 22 years. Dr. Schmidt was recognized for her outstanding leadership, innovative teaching, and commitment to student development throughout her tenure. The scholarship, now named the Dr. Kimberly Schmidt Endowed Scholarship, helps make it possible for all EMU students to access the opportunities available through the Washington Semester.

In presenting this honor, current Washington Semester Director Ryan Good noted Schmidt’s leadership in shepherding the program from a nine-month model to three terms per year to better accommodate shifting student needs and her critical role in moving the program to a new facility in 2005. “Over 22 years, Kim worked tirelessly to find internships for hundreds of students who came through the program during her tenure,” Good said. “She is a wise and authentic mentor, who gave generously of herself to support students as they worked to make sense of the city and themselves.”

“I am humbled and honored to have this important scholarship named for me,” said Schmidt. “This scholarship reflects EMU’s values and highest aspirations for its students. Expanding the Washington Semester’s vision of life-transforming, career-launching internships, community life, urban exploration, reflection, and analysis to first-generation college students is an appropriate expression of EMU’s emphasis on leadership and service.”

Schmidt also reflected on the changes she witnessed in the program over the years. “Almost 30 years ago, when I first started working for EMU, many of the students in the Washington Semester were born into Mennonite families, reflecting the general student body at EMU,” she said. “During my time, I saw significant shifts in student demographics. We went from being a predominantly white Mennonite program to one of true diversity and inclusion—not only in our subject matter and internship placements, but also in our student population.”

By the early 2010s, many Washington Semester students were students of color, including immigrants from Africa and Latin America. “They made a deep impression on me as they explored the legacies and realities of oppression in U.S. history and current culture and made connections to their own life experiences,” Schmidt added.

The endowed scholarship was first established 10 years ago to celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary and to promote inclusion and diversity. “Rising tuition costs made it clear that financial assistance was becoming ever more critical,” Schmidt explained. “The scholarship has grown from supporting one or two students annually to five or six. We hope to continue expanding it to reach more students and offer additional assistance and career-launching opportunities.”

As it has for 50 years, the Washington Semester supports EMU’s ongoing commitment to transformative education, leadership, and service—values that continue to guide the program’s mission in preparing students for meaningful engagement in their communities and professions.

For more information about the EMU Washington Semester, visit .

The Washington Semester offers students the chance to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in their fields through internships at nonprofits, government agencies, advocacy groups, and other key institutions across the city. Each placement is thoughtfully matched to align with the student’s academic focus and career goals, providing not only practical skills but also real-world perspective that complements and extends their classroom learning.

Read on to learn more about the placements of our Fall 2025 students and their goals for their time in D.C.

Mwamini Bayongwa is a social work major at EMU with a minor in psychology from Riverdale Park, Maryland. This semester Mimi is interning in the social services department at , where she is working on care plans, discharges, resource connections, and different interventions. She is also involved in mental health sessions, which has given her hands-on experience with clients and how support is provided in practice. Through her internship, Mimi hopes to gain real-world experience that connects what she has learned in class to professional practice. She also wants to grow more confident in a workplace setting and learn how to communicate and work with others effectively. Most of all, Mimi hopes that this experience helps her see what path she wants to take in her future career.

Beckham Jantzi, from Hesston, Kansas, is a photography major at EMU. This semester Beckham is interning with , a youth powered environmental action program, working on event photography and editing a documentary. Through his internship, Beck hopes to expand his skills in photography and help the environment. Through his time in D.C., Beckham wants to expand his social circle.

Willem Hedrick from Waterloo, Canada, is a digital media major at EMU. This semester he is interning at as a lead podcast producer where he is producing a podcast, conducting event videography and photography, livestreaming events, and creating short-form content to promote the company. Through his internship, Willem hopes to learn from the hands-on experiences of an internship where he is learning new skills, working as a team, and discovering where his interests lie in the digital media industry.

Lynnzey Young, from Gas City, Indiana, is a Bethel College student majoring in mathematical science and elementary education. This semester she is doing student teaching at where she is working with second, third, and sixth grade math students. Through her internship, Lynnzey hopes to gain more confidence in leading a classroom.

Anisa Sharhabeel, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a student at EMU double majoring in business administration and health science. This semester, Anisa is interning at . Anisa’s responsibilities include creating appointments, checking patients in, and getting their charts ready for the doctors. Through her internship, Anisa hopes to gain knowledge and experience in her field, particularly in patient care, and to enhance her communication skills.

Charlie Aldrich, from Capac, Michigan, is a Goshen College communications major with a minor in writing. This semester, Charlie is working as a corporate communication intern with the where he is working on writing press releases, public relations, and media writing. Through his internship, Charlie is hoping to develop his writing and media skills in a fast-paced, professional environment.

Chase Comer, from Timberville, Virginia, is a political science and history major with a minor in pre-law at EMU. This semester, Chase is interning as an election analyst at . Chase’s responsibilities include helping to oversee State House and Senate elections in Maryland and Virginia as well as helping oversee the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election. Through his internship, Chase hopes to gain professional experience in election analysis.

Ethan Neufeld, from Newton, Kansas, is an EMU student majoring in biology and chemistry. This semester, Ethan is interning as a Kairos support assistant at where he is leading wellness workshops on nutrition and cooking, documenting Kairos resident stories, and assisting broadly with wellness-related goals at Kairos house. Through his internship, Ethan is hoping to gain communication skills about lifestyle medicine and nutrition and listening skills from his time hearing patient stories.

Tre Uzzle, from Chesterfield, Virginia, is an EMU student majoring in business administration with a minor in marketing. This semester, Tre is interning as a marketing assistant with where he is working on graphic design and providing corporate sponsorship assistance. Through his internship, Tre is hoping to walk away with proficient skills in business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing.

Kate Castillo, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an EMU student double majoring in accounting and business analytics. This semester, Kate is interning with as an accounting intern where she is working on enhancing her technical skills and working toward providing tools for training people. Through her internship, Kate hopes to gain a better understanding of what she wants to do in the accounting field as well as developing lasting connections with individuals at her internship.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should go here for more information or to apply today! Be sure to also check out the EMU Washington Semester account to see what our students are up to.

WHEN ML LORMEJUSTE ’25 arrived at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) during the fall of 2024, he admits he wasn’t there to make friends. “I was just there to do what I needed to do and move on,” recalled the public health major. As the semester progressed, Lormejuste was nudged out of his comfort zone by social outings and group activities—and found himself forming close friendships with his eight housemates and discovering the value of community. Reflecting on that semester spent in Washington, DC, he said, “I love that group… They became a part of me.” 

Lormejuste is one of more than 1,000 students whose lives have been transformed through EMU’s longest-running intercultural program, which is celebrating its 50th year of connecting students with internships, urban studies coursework, and shared community life. Launched in 1976, the program originally operated as the Washington Study-Service Year (WSSY) until 2002, when it was renamed Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) as part of a shift from a yearlong format to three shorter terms per year. 

These transitions have allowed the program to stay relevant and responsive. Program staff spent the past two years gathering input for a new name from its alumni, EMU students, and campus faculty and staff stakeholders. In April, the Provost’s Council and President’s Cabinet approved rebranding the program to the EMU Washington Semester. 

The EMU Washington Semester offers fall and spring semester terms and a 10-week summer session. It remains the only urban studies program among Anabaptist-affiliated institutions and draws students from schools across the country, including Bethel College, Bluffton University, Goshen College, and Viterbo University. 

Living, learning, and launching careers

Up to 15 students in the EMU Washington Semester share cooking responsibilities, manage a collective food budget, and work together to maintain their home at the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast DC. Alumni over the past five decades point to their experiences in the program as a highlight of their college careers, if not their lives. 

“I never realized what a great program this was. I learned valuable lessons in adulting, from navigating a large city to living in community,” said Meredith Lehman ’25, EMU’s first Rhodes Scholar. 

Like many students, her internship paved the way to a future career opportunity. She interned at the Institute for Policy Studies this spring and returned to DC over the summer to work as a fellow at the progressive think tank. “Everyone should do this program, no matter their major,” said Lehman, who double majored in political science and biology. 

Cynthia Lapp ’86, a music education graduate and pastor at Hyattsville Mennonite Church in Maryland, has benefited from the program in multiple ways. She was a student from 1983 to 1984, later served on staff for four years, and continues to support program interns at her church. Many of those interns have gone on to become pastors themselves. 

Lapp said her internship at Elizabeth Seton High School opened the door to a teaching position after college. She added that the program is especially meaningful for students new to community living. “Surrounding ourselves with people from different cultures and backgrounds helps us see beyond the way we think and live, including how our decisions impact those around us.” 

Some students find their perfect match through the program—not just professionally, but romantically. Alumnus Micah Shristi ’00, an English major who now works as director of International Student Services at EMU, met his wife, Charlotte Gingerich Shristi, a Goshen College alumna, while in the program from 1998 to 1999. Many of his housemates from that year are among his closest friends, including Nathan Musselman ’00, who now lives next door. 

“What’s wild is that there’s another couple from our year,” he said. “Jenelle Hershey ’99 and Keith Hoover ’00 also got married after their time together in the program.” 

A ‘Good’ start 

In the fall of 1976, a scrappy academic program began immersing students in the cultured community of the nation’s capital. Nelson Good ’68, who came to DC as a conscientious objector during the Vietnam War, founded and directed the program until his retirement in 1987. 

The program, like the city around it, has seen plenty of changes. From the shift to three shorter terms and an accompanying name change in 2002 to a 2005 move from South Dakota Avenue to its current location on Taylor Street, the program has continued to evolve to meet the needs of its students and an ever-changing higher education landscape. 

“The new name more clearly communicates the program as a university-run academic offering, is grounded in the context of our nation’s capital, and is easy to remember and say. It also aligns with common naming conventions used by other universities’ DC-based programs, making it more recognizable regionally and beyond,” said Ryan Good, EMU Washington Semester director and son of the late Nelson Good. 

While evolving, the program has remained committed to supporting students’ personal and career development. Students consistently report leaving the program with improved professional confidence, greater clarity about career direction, more comfort in working with people who are different than they are, and increased awareness of systemic injustices, said Good. 

“Dad would be thrilled to see the ways this program has evolved over the years. Though much has changed, the bones of the program he envisioned remain the same… supporting students as they make sense of who they are in a complex world, both personally and professionally.” 

Two events will celebrate the program’s 50th anniversary: a reunion during Homecoming 2025 on Saturday, Oct. 11, from 1-3 p.m. in the Student Union, and a spring gathering at the Nelson Good House on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. 

For more information about the EMU Washington Semester, visit:

This story appears in the Summer 2025 issue of Crossroads magazine.

“This renaming is more than a cosmetic change; it’s a strategic move that enhances clarity and reinforces the direct connection between this transformative experience and ��ݮ����’s mission,” said Provost Tynisha Willingham. “The EMU Washington Semester is a vital extension of our campus, embodying our commitment to preparing students for purposeful lives through experiential learning, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. This new name clearly signals that this immersive experience is unequivocally EMU.”

The rebranding follows two years of work by EMU Washington Semester staff, engaging campus faculty and staff stakeholders, program alums, and current students. The new name aims to support effective marketing by communicating more transparently that the program is a credit-earning academic term run by a university. It additionally aligns with common naming conventions used by other universities’ D.C.-based programs, making it more recognizable within the region.

Launched in 1976, the program originally operated as the Washington Study Service Year (WSSY) until 2002, when it was renamed the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) as part of a shift from a year-long format to three shorter terms per year

For the past 50 years, the program has been a cornerstone of experiential learning, offering students opportunities to live, learn, and intern in the nation’s capital. Washington, D.C. serves as a dynamic living laboratory where students engage with policy, advocacy, community development, and justice initiatives, directly applying classroom theory to real-world challenges.

Open to students from EMU and colleges and universities around the world, the EMU Washington Semester offers a full-semester or 10-week summer experience that combines internships, urban studies coursework, career development, and community living in the Nelson Good House in the heart of Washington, D.C. 

The EMU Washington Semester will continue to provide a unique educational experience, empowering students to engage with complex societal issues, develop professional competencies, and cultivate a deeper understanding of their role in contributing to a more just world.

For more information about the program, visit or follow the experiences of current students at .

WCSC provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on professional experience in their respective fields through meaningful internships at nonprofit organizations, government agencies, advocacy groups, and other institutions across the city. These internships are carefully matched to each student’s academic background and career interests, offering them practical skills and real-world insight that extend far beyond the classroom.

In addition to their internships, students live together in a residential community that fosters collaboration, personal growth, and mutual support. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of living in a large and vibrant urban setting, they also engage in reflective seminars and community-building activities designed to deepen their understanding of social justice, civic engagement, and career development.

Through this holistic experience, WCSC not only helps students advance their professional goals but also encourages them to think critically about their roles in society and the impact they can make in their future careers.

Read on to learn more about the Summer 2025 WCSC students and their internship placements.

Kimberly Mojarro Gamino, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an EMU nursing major and psychology minor interning at . At her internship, Kimberly’s main duties include conducting a research project on hospitals, organizing baby pantry rooms, and shadowing a nurse while conducting home visits. Kimberly is hoping to expand her knowledge on lactation by observing lactation consults.

Meredith Atkinson, from Mechanicsville, Virginia, is an EMU political science and psychology major who is interning as a law clerk at . Through her internship, Meredith is assisting with case research, drafting, and document preparation along with attending court cases and conducting ward visits. Meredith plans to take advantage of every opportunity during her time in D.C. as she’s exposed to so many different people.

Logan Daugherty, from Bradford, Ohio, is a Bluffton University student studying biology and chemistry with a minor in psychology. This summer, Logan is interning at the medical clinic. Logan’s primary role this summer is to assist with the referrals team, help send referrals to doctor’s offices, and schedule patients for appointments. Logan is hoping to gain better skills in communication and working with others, as well as getting a better idea of what it’s like to work in the medical field and what goes on behind the scenes from a patient’s first to their last appointment.

Claire Hurst, from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is a public health and environmental science major at EMU and a recipient of the Climate Cohort Scholarship. This summer, Claire is a climate advocacy intern at of Mennonite Central Committee. Claire has been working on several different projects, which include creating a one-page informational handout for MCC on climate and peace, helping to plan a lobby day in Washington, D.C., leading a workshop about effective communication strategies for talking with senators, putting together a workshop for MennoCon in North Carolina and attending that conference for a few days. Claire is excited to learn more about political activism in D.C. and hopes to develop skills in organizing large groups of people and becoming more comfortable with talking to representatives.

Dibora Mekonnen, from Silver Spring, Maryland, is an EMU student studying political science and social work with a pre-law minor. This summer, Dibora is interning at as a policy researcher. Dibora’s duties include picking up different immigration cases, working closely with historically Black colleges or universities in Maryland to help advocate for marginalized people, and advocating for the passage of bills among state delegates and the House of Representatives. The skills that Dibora hopes to gain are networking with different people and learning how to communicate professionally.

Alessandra Nagarajaan, from Newton, Massachusetts, is a sophomore at Suffolk University in Boston. She is an environmental studies major and one of the recipients of the Climate Cohort Scholarship. This summer, she is an intern with as a social media and advocacy intern. Her main duties are analyzing the organization’s social media accounts to find ways to boost engagement, running online campaigns for different bills they support, attending lobbying events, and supporting their interfaith coalition. Alessandra believes that her most significant learning experience will be in finding ways to engage local communities in issues that directly impact them and learning how to best address those needs.

Sergio Arteaga Torrez, from Sterling, Virginia, is a rising EMU sophomore studying biology (pre-med track). This summer, he is interning at, where he is working on medical records and referrals, as well as shadowing a doctor. Sergio is also learning about the processes involved in making referrals to hospitals in the area.

Guadalupe Tenorio Ramirez, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an EMU student majoring in accounting and business administration. This summer, Guadalupe is an intern at the. The projects she is working on include cleaning up outstanding checks, conducting compliance checks of vendors in the System for Award Management (SAM), assembling invoice packets from grantors, and assisting with accounts payable tasks. Guadalupe hopes to gain a deeper understanding of how financial operations function within a real-world organizational setting. She is also learning the importance of accuracy, time management, and collaboration, all of which are essential skills for a successful career in accounting.

Emily Jones, from Mount Vernon, Ohio, is a Bluffton University junior majoring in studio art and pre-art therapy. Emily is a recipient of the Climate Cohort Scholarship and is completing her internship at where she is designing digital art for flyers, banners, and signs, working with the Birds of Prey Program, and helping with youth media art and habitat restoration. Through her time in D.C., Emily believes that her most significant learning experience will be learning how to expand her opportunities in a work environment.

Isaac Greenleaf, from Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, is an engineering and computer science major at EMU. This summer, Isaac is interning at the Service Desk where he helps users with their IT questions and needs. His duties include assigning tickets that come in, working on some of the tickets himself, and troubleshooting various software issues. Isaac also answers the phone and takes calls to assist users. Through this, he is hoping to learn better customer management skills.

Jacqueline Jackson, from Staunton, Virginia, is a nursing student at EMU. This summer, Jackie is interning at , a nonprofit organization that provides medical services to homeless men in the D.C. area. Through her internship, Jacqueline is practicing her skills in treating wounds and identifying infections. She also believes that her most significant learning experience will be interacting with a health population that she has never worked with before.

Rebekah Copeland, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an EMU student studying computer science with a minor in English. This summer, Rebekah is an intern with the where she is becoming familiar with interfaces between databases, various file types, and webpages. Rebekah is also practicing HTML for webpage design along with formatting across various email platforms.

Damon Morgan, from Anniston, Alabama, is an EMU senior studying digital media and communications. Damon is completing an internship as a videographer/editor at . Through his internship, Damon hopes to make connections with professionals in his field while working in an actual digital media studio.

Alexander Belisle, from Newport News, Virginia, is an EMU political science and biology major. Alex is a recipient of the Climate Cohort Scholarship and is working as a publishing intern at on an upcoming issue focused on the impacts of climate change on human health. Through his internship, Alex has researched potential funders for the issue and compiled a list of key issues in the realm of climate change and public health.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should go  for more information or to apply today! Be sure to also check out the WCSC  account to see what our students are up to.

The two-part workshop series was held during both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters, offering students and staff practical tools for resolving interpersonal conflict in healthy and constructive ways. The sessions emphasized peaceful communication, self-awareness, and community accountability—skills that extend far beyond the shared WCSC house.

Kirstin and Merwyn De Mello bring deep experience and commitment to this work. Kirstin serves as the climate advocacy and education coordinator with Mennonite Central Committee’s National Peace & Justice Ministries office. Merwyn works as a peacebuilding consultant, supporting various organizations in the D.C. metro area and internationally. Together, they model a lifestyle rooted in nonviolence, community organizing, and harmony with the natural world.

Each semester, up to 15 students participate in the WCSC program, which includes not only internships and academic coursework but also intentional community living. Students share cooking responsibilities, manage a collective food budget, and work together to maintain their home. These responsibilities are often an intercultural learning experience, as participants navigate diverse communication styles, expectations, and traditions.

“WCSC students consistently report that during the program they become more comfortable interacting with people who are different from themselves, and supporting our students in doing the brave work of living in community with people they didn’t know is something we take seriously,” said Ryan Good, WCSC program director. “This training was an excellent opportunity to expand their toolbox for working through misunderstandings and conflicts.”

The WCSC program continues to prioritize personal growth, cross-cultural understanding, and peacebuilding as central components of its mission.

The mural was the result of a collaboration between WCSC staff and Spring 2025 students in an effort to counter narratives of exclusion and reclaim public space for inclusive representation. The mural also reflects the journey of WCSC students from EMU into D.C. and the impact that life in the city has on them.

Spearheaded by WCSC’s artistic genius and associate director of student life and program administration, Ann Butwell, the mural project was a semester-long effort that invited deep reflection and creative expression from all involved. More than a visual installation, it became a community-building experience rooted in storytelling, identity, and social justice.

“The mural encapsulates the experience students have in putting together the pieces of their journey through the city,” said Butwell.  “The community response has been overwhelmingly positive; 25 neighbors have taken the time to have conversations with us. They are excited about having a new piece of local, communal art, and they are feeling inspired to do something similar to their property.”

The mural features several student-designed elements, including a striking image of a woman originally doodled on a whiteboard by WCSC student Genesis Figueroa. When staff saw the sketch the next morning, it immediately inspired the final composition and became one of its central figures. The mural also bears a powerful message—“May you never forget how desperately the world needs you”—a quote contributed by WCSC student Meredith Lehman ’25 and selected from several options she proposed.

“The mural was an opportunity to showcase the diversity and different parts of the city everyone captured during the semester,” said one student participant. Another shared, “Working on the mural made me feel like a part of me will always be in D.C.”

The piece culminates in a symbolic garden—not filled with painted flowers, but with the handprints of WCSC students and staff, representing their shared labor, presence, and legacy.

By transforming a blank wall into a bold statement of inclusion and solidarity, the WCSC mural stands as a lasting reminder of the center’s mission: to cultivate justice, community, and intercultural understanding through lived experience and creative collaboration.

Check out the WCSC  account to see what our students are up to!

The WCSC program presents students with the opportunity to acquire work experience in their field of study through internships, while living together in a student community and learning to navigate a large and diverse city. 

Three highlights from the students’ community life illustrate the ways the Spring 2025 group is taking advantage of their time at WCSC, building new relationships and friendships along the way. 

Each WCSC term begins with a week of orientation, giving WCSC students the opportunity to explore the city, build confidence navigating public transit, and have fun and get to know each other as a group. One highlight of the WCSC orientation is a citywide scavenger hunt that introduces students to the incredible breadth that Washington, D.C., offers.

Living in the student community is at the heart of the WCSC experience. And community life at WCSC revolves around the kitchen, where students take turns cooking dinner for the group. For example, two students collaborated on a colorful stuffed pepper dinner. 

Another example of student-initiated D.C. adventures was an outing to the Let Freedom Ring Celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Read on to learn more about the Spring 2025 WCSC students and their internship placements.

Meredith Lehman, from Dover, Ohio, is a political science and biology double major. This semester, Meredith is interning at the, where she is working on a project on trade and mining, and another on climate policy. Through her time at WCSC, Meredith hopes to learn how think tanks operate, be more immersed in government structures, and be part of an intentional living community. 

Genesis Figueroa, from Millersburg, Ohio, is a political science major and pre-law minor. Genesis is interning with in the Immigration Legal Services department. Her work this semester has included translating, interpreting, administrative work, and supporting the department’s legal work. Genesis hopes to learn how to set boundaries in the workplace and learn more about working in a nonprofit.   

Sadie Brenneman, a Goshen College student from Goshen, Indiana, is a journalism major. Sadie is interning at as a public relations intern in the commercial real estate sector. Through her internship, she has compiled research on potential and existing clients, assisting with creating materials such as pitches, media lists and press releases, and monitoring and tracking press coverage for clients.

Alaiyis Jasper, from Queens, New York, is a business analytics and psychology double major. Alaiyis is an intern at the. Through his internship Alaiyis is helping with the creation of District Capitalized Hub, an app created to connect small businesses with growth opportunities. Alaiyis is hoping to enhance his data management and analytics skills during his time in D.C.

Jaelyn Amhdar, a Goshen College student from Richmond, Michigan, is an exercise science major with disability studies and psychology minors. This semester, Jaelyn is an occupational therapy intern at. Jaelyn hopes to learn how to collaborate with other professionals within the therapy realm and make sure that services do not overlap with each other while also ensuring goals are met.

Anya Bobrowski, from Stafford, Virginia, is a political science major. Anya is interning with where she is working on public policy issues and immigration services. Through her internship, Anya is hoping to learn how to work with new people and also learn how to navigate public policy.

Rita Toto, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a social work major with a business administration minor. This semester, Rita is interning with as a case manager where she works with homeless individuals who need respite care for medical needs. Rita also helps verify patients’ health insurance and helps them apply for a plan if they don’t have one. 

Lisbet Sanchez-Garcia, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a liberal arts major and business administration minor. Lisbet is interning with the . Through her internship, Lisbet is hoping to learn how nonprofits work and secure grants for their mission as well as learn marketing strategies to appeal to the eyes of the community.

Ravi Holsinger, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a computer science major. Ravi is interning at , where he is working at the IT help desk. Ravi hopes to learn how to work in a team and communicate effectively and properly in a work setting.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should go for more information or to apply today!

Be sure to also check out the WCSC account to see what our students are up to.

The center, located in the nation’s capital since 1976, is a program of ��ݮ����.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. The semester’s placements included several organizations that are longtime hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they were involved with. 

Ella Brubaker, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was an advocacy intern with . She assisted staff with main campaigns by helping with social media, writing news alerts, assisting with research, attending meetings with human rights defenders, and supporting any events planned by the organization. She said her most significant learning experience was in gaining a deeper understanding of the advocacy world and learning from human rights defenders and their stories.

Adrian Delgadillo, of Dakota, Illinois, taught photography class at . His most significant learning experience was in helping young artists grow as well as learning to appreciate various aspects of life through photography.

Andrew Graber, of Divide, Colorado, was a marketing intern for Some of the projects he worked on last semester included marketing outreach materials and events. He said his most significant learning experience was in learning how to navigate new spaces. 

“Learning how to be confident without being cocky, bold but not mean, and comfortable while still being aware of those around you is an important skill no matter where you go,” the Bethel College student said. “This will help shape how I approach new spaces for the rest of my life.”

Sara Kennel, of Souderton, Pennsylvania, was a climate justice intern with the . She constructed  newsletters, participated in NYC Climate Week, wrote action alerts, collaborated to organize climate awareness demonstrations and attended global webinars. She said her most significant learning experience was in gaining a better understanding of Catholic social teaching and learning how to build connections with other organizations working to collaborate effectively.

ML Lormejuste, of Fairfax, Virginia, was a health care policy and advocacy intern with . He created blogs and advocated on issues facing young adults from ages 24-34, bringing awareness to issues not only to the public, but also to senators and representatives. He said his most significant learning experience was in learning effective ways to make policy, as well as different strategies to make voices heard.

Lauryn Moore, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, was with , where she worked on “a little bit of everything,” including administrative work and community outreach. She said her most significant learning experience was in learning how to organize the community to help fight for change. 

Eli Regier, of Newton, Kansas, was placed with ’s student-teaching music department. He taught band, orchestra, percussion, jazz band and AP music theory. His most significant learning experience was in how to manage work-life balance.

Caleb Stoltzfus, of Manheim, Pennsylvania, was with , where he wrote articles, worked on lobbying (specifically on issues of immigration), and did data entry. He said his most significant learning experience was in learning how advocacy work happens and “seeing how the sausage is made, to an extent.”

Jordyn L. Thompson, of Broadway, Virginia, was with the , where she worked on projects including yearbook inventory, Western High School history and inventory, artifact care and management and oral history. She said her most significant learning experience was in inventorying and artifact care and management.

Dima Kassem, WCSC’s associate director of communication and recruitment, collaborated on this article.

The center, located in the nation’s capital since 1976, is a program of ��ݮ����.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. This semester’s placements include several organizations that are longtime hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

AJ Bagby, from Urbanna, Virginia, is an intern with ‘s medical, animal care and behavioral department. He works in the vet wing learning about vaccinations, medication, sicknesses and anatomy.

“I think the vet part so far [has been my most significant learning experience],” Bagby said.

Jason Dwyer, from Fairfax, Virginia, is interning on Capitol Hill. He is working in U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton’s office and fulfilling tasks and assignments, including answering constituents’ phone calls.

“I think the most significant learning experience is the opportunity to work in an office setting and interact and build connections with those in and around the fields I am interested in,” Dwyer said.

Leah Frankenfield, from Moraga, California, is a marketing intern with . She has been developing videos for social media content, scheduling and developing social media posts for holidays and events, and organizing blog posts.

“Being a part of of how the organization develops its media content and schedule will be crucial toward my learning,” Frankenfield said. “I will also develop familiarity with tools such as Airtable and Teams that can translate to future jobs.”

Emarie Jacobson, a Viterbo student from Peterson, Minnesota, is a policy intern with . She conducts research and advocacy for the Farm Bill, other climate policy concerns and, possibly, nutrition and food insecurity research.

Jacobson said her most significant learning experience will be “learning how to do advocacy work, as well as networking with coworkers and others.”

Jalen Jones, from Chesterfield, Virginia, is interning in the nursing assistance department at . He conducts routine checks, takes vitals, administers wound care and some physical therapy.

“Getting a little demo of the medical world and getting to learn about this career path and what they do on a daily basis [has been my most significant learning experience]” Jones said.

Joseph Mounsithiraj, a Goshen student from Goshen, Indiana, is interning as a set build and production electrician with , where he helps with set construction and with lighting.

“The biggest learning experience is simply practice in the world of professional theatre,” Mounsithiraj said.

Isaac North-Sandel, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is interning with the . He works on accounts payable management, vendor review and acceptance, and AI accounting integration.

“Figuring out what it means to work an actual job in accounting and gain experience working with nonprofits [is a significant learning experience for me],” North-Sandel said.

Madison Stockner, from Fancy Gap, Virginia, is with . She gathers contact information and basic background info on board members from partner organizations, and attends events and Zoom calls with those organizations.

“Learning more about different religions will be eye-opening and meaningful, personally,” Stockner said. “I think, for my career and major, learning more about climate change and climate issues will be significant.”

Jose Verde, a Viterbo student from Arcadia, Wisconsin, is with , where he helps lobby for bills and research the community impacted by environmental racism.

“Seeing behind the scenes of how organizations work to get a bill passed through advocacy” has been a significant learning experience, Verde said.

Ally Welty Peachey, from Champaign, Illinois, is a climate advocacy intern through with Mennonite Central Committee. She assists in climate policy monitoring and analysis, creates resources for lobbying policymakers and educating constituents, attends local events about climate change, and writes articles and briefs about federal government policies related to climate change.

“I am excited to gain a deeper understanding of how climate advocacy works,” Welty Peachey said.

Dima Kassem, WCSC’s associate director of communications & recruitment, collaborated on this article.

The center, located in the nation’s capital since 1976, is a program of ��ݮ����.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. This semester’s placements include several organizations that are longtime hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

Rebecca Arias, a political science major from Springfield, Virginia, is with . She works with the immigration legal services department, assisting with translating documents, helping clients fill their visa applications, and doing administrative tasks.

“My most significant learning experience will be learning the basics of immigration law and being able to use that knowledge for future jobs,” Arias said.

Ariel Bonilla, a political science and history major from Richmond, Virginia, is with (LAWG), where he works with grassroots organizers, human rights defenders, and NGOs in policymaking efforts in Latin America. He said he’s following the presidential and legislative election in El Salvador, the Guatemalan democratic transition, and the peace processes in Colombia.

“My tasks vary from interacting with these leaders in hearings to doing media and academic research,” Bonilla said. “The most significant learning experience will be interacting with community leaders and human rights defenders and seeing the personal and on-the-ground side of policymaking.”

Bryce Huffman, a computer science major from Fairfield, Virginia, is with , where he works with IT organizations, involving computer work (troubleshooting, emails, and network support). He said he is trying to learn programming in the workspace.

Meadow Kirkdorffer, a political science major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the , where she works on policywork, research and blog writing.

“At the moment, I’m seeing a strong need for digital marketing and social media marketing,” Kirkdorffer said. “I’m seriously considering doing the homework to add this skill to my resume.”

Lexus Rutledge, a social work and psychology major from Henderson, Kentucky, is with , where she works with homeless individuals who need respite care for medical needs. During their stay, she aids in connecting them with critical resources to receive things such as insurance, forms of identification and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). At the sister location, Kairos House, she works with previously homeless men who are battling substance abuse disorders and now live onsite.

“I help to keep their Individual Recovery Plans on track and assist them with numerous things, such as setting up their cell phones, making online purchases, and replacing missing identification or insurance cards,” Rutledge said. “At both locations, I aid my supervisors in daily case management tasks in order to increase the residents’ quality of life and help get them back to/keep them on the right path.”

Rachael Saeli, a social work major from Baltimore, Maryland, is with , where she works with service coordinators in Resident Services to manage the walk-in center, helps residents with daily needs, assists with applications and plans events. She also co-facilitates Jubilee Housing’s Senior Digital Equity Project, where they will be distributing devices, providing training sessions and creating educational materials to enhance digital literacy.

“I think my most significant learning experience will be in navigating the complexities of community-based social work,” Saeli said. “I look forward to developing relationships with residents and learning more about how to best provide quality services.”

Greta Schrag, a political science major from Harleysville, Pennsylvania, is with (Organizing Neighborhood Equity), where she is learning what it’s like to work in community grassroots organizing, as well as the administrative and resource work that goes into managing a nonprofit.

Sophia Sherrill, a political science and history major from Goshen, Indiana, is with the , where she works on various media and academic research projects to support the staff as they are testifying at city council performance oversight and budget hearings.

“My most significant learning experience will be going to these hearings and learning how the local, state, and federal government intertwine and are distinct,” Sherrill said.

Leah Walker, a sociology major from Richmond, Virginia, is with , where she works with victim services to get clients the resources they might need to better their situations.

“My most significant learning experience will probably be learning and seeing how local agencies treat victims and how to create networks for clients,” Walker said.

Ann Butwell, WCSC’s associate director of student life and program administration, collaborated on this article.

The center, located in the nation’s capital since 1976, is a program of ��ݮ����.

The semester-long experience is also a community-building endeavor, with students living together in the Nelson Good House in the Brookland neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C. This semester’s placements include several organizations that are longtime hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC.

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with. 

Iris Anderson, a psychology and sociology major from Corvallis, Oregon, is with the peace education program . She helps facilitate circles at after-school programs, a mens shelter and other groups to teach “skills for peace” or education on social-emotional health.

“I have been going to a wide variety of schools and have learned a lot about how a child’s environment can impact the way they interact with and learn about the world around them,” she said.

Tatiana Ayala, a social work major from Stafford, Virginia, is with the (LAYC). She is teaching, case managing and providing translation services at the organization, which provides services to youth such as safe housing, food, mental health, and virtual learning opportunities.

“I think the most significant learning experience I have had is helping clients with SNAP and Medicaid benefits as well as helping them navigate the DMV to get an ID and social security number,” she said.

Micaiah Coleman, a business administration major from Farmville, Virginia, is with the (WACIF). The nonprofit organization’s mission is to promote equity and economic opportunity in underserved neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region by getting financial capital and business advice to low- and moderate-income entrepreneurs. Read more about student experiences at WACIF.

Nardos Haile, a social work major from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, is with . She shadows case managers and team members at the nonprofit, which supports incarcerated and newly released individuals in their transition back to the community. Some of her day-to-day work includes assisting clients with resume building and navigating government forms for SNAP and Medicaid, finding housing solutions, and scheduling appointments for intake sessions or workforce development meetings.

“This internship is a constant learning experience for me, from paperwork to setting up TracFones for clients,” Haile said. “It’s a dynamic environment where I pick up new skills every day, including practicing de-escalation techniques to meet clients right where they are.”

Abigail Hickok, a history education major from Hickory, North Carolina, is with the . She archives the work of the center’s longtime education specialist to make it accessible for researchers after her retirement.

“It’s been helpful to get a sense of what museum work entails and to be involved in meetings concerning archives and artifacts, as well as getting to meet researchers and learn more about their work,” Hickok said.

Kervens Hyppolite, a computer science major from Richmond, Virginia, is with . He works with the cybersecurity team to set up client devices on Azure, trains clients how to use KnowBe4 and runs vulnerability assessments on client networks and websites.

“Being able to communicate with clients and educate them is a big part of what most analysts do on a day-to-day basis, and having that experience is going to be key for me as I enter the field,” he said.

Zachary Kennell, a Bethel College biology and business major from Newton, Kansas, is with . He works with certified prosthetists and orthotists to provide care to patients who have lost function in one or more extremities. Observing how clinicians interact and adapt to the needs of different patients has led to many learning experiences, he said.

Natalie Ladd, a social work major from Waldron, Michigan, and Hesston, Kansas, is with , an organization that provides legal, social and language services to low-income immigrants in the D.C. area. Some of her tasks include helping clients fill out forms for Medicaid, SNAP or online therapy; researching resources for clients; assessing their needs at intake sessions; and attending events to provide information about resources.

“I really enjoy working as a case manager and am looking for a similar job for after I graduate,” Ladd said. “I also have used this semester to work on my Spanish more as the majority of our clients speak Spanish.”

Anna Tieszen, an accounting and mathematics major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the , where she assists the finance department in matching invoices and getting them approved to be paid. She said she has also worked on transferring information between systems.

“Getting to dip my toes into the accounting field for a few months has given me the chance to see how accounting works throughout a business and keeps that business running behind the scenes,” Tieszen said.

Aidan Yoder, a political science and history major from Kalona, Iowa, is with the ‘s Washington office. At MCC he’s focused on the issues of climate change and militarism, which involves being active in several interfaith working groups to coordinate their efforts. He’s written articles, made educational TikToks and processed organizational sign-on letters to indicate MCC’s support for certain issues.

“My most significant experience from my internship at MCC has been learning how organizations can work together in a way to multiply the impact that they would have had on their own,” Yoder said.

Summer 2023 placements included:

• Justin Aggrey, a digital media and communication major from Culpeper, Virginia, at video production company Washington Digital Media.
• Laura Benner, an engineering and computer science major from Telford, Pennsylvania, at the Smithsonian National Zoo.
• Ben Childers, a liberal arts major from Chesterfield, Virginia, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington.
• Gelila Dibekulu, an economics and political science major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at nonprofit financial reform organization Jubilee USA Network.
• Clare Henschel, a Viterbo University psychology major from Kiel, Wisconsin, at Little Friends for Peace.
• Ethan Klassen, an engineering major from Mountain Lake, Minnesota, at HVAC and plumbing contractor Shapiro & Duncan Inc.
• Zoey Mongold, a history & social science and secondary education major from Mathias, West Virginia, at Sumner School Museum and Archives.
• Isaac Sawin, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, at Bread for the City, which provides food, clothing, medical care, and legal and social services to low-income residents.
• Lily Simpson, a social work major from Limerick, Pennsylvania, at affordable housing nonprofit Jubilee Housing.
• Will Stutzman, a music interdisciplinary studies major from Denver, Colorado, at The Keegan Theatre.

Jamie Reich, WCSC’s associate director of communications and recruitment, collaborated on this article.

The semester-long experience is also a “community-building endeavor” with students living together in the Nelson Good House in Northeast Washington, DC. This semester’s placements include several organizations that are long-time hosts of EMU students, highlighting WCSC’s deep ties within the region. Many alumni can trace their careers back to a pivotal experience at WCSC. 

Read on to learn more about the students, their placements and the organizations they are involved with.

Alex Click, a history major from Singers Glen, Virginia, is with the and is currently working on a card catalog data cleanup project. She recently helped finish a large microfilm cataloging project.

Andrew Nord, a political science and math double major from Albany, Oregon, is interning at the , a nonprofit organization whose mission is to protect and restore the Anacostia River. He is working on policy and legislation analysis and advocacy for beverage container redemption legislation. His most significant learning experience has been “learning how to quickly read and digest legislation.”

Capri Stevenson-Bisom, an art and chemistry double major at Bethel College from Barrington, New Jersey, is with the , a research center of the Smithsonian Institution. Stevenson-Bisom is doing research and making schedules and materials for this summer’s Living Religions Festival. 

Ethan McGee, a psychology major from Williamsburg, Virginia, is interning with , a provider of physical, occupational, speech and sports medicine services throughout the East Coast.

Jacob Hess, a computer engineering major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the , which equips members of the Smithsonian community with technology tools, services, and applications. He is assisting with “moving people between Smithsonian buildings and updating systems in the new building.”

Joy Parakuo, a business administration major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with the . Parakuo has done a variety of jobs so far, creating spreadsheets of organizations and resources available to DC resident entrepreneurs, updating the organization’s business toolkit, shadowing consultation meetings with clients, and researching grants available to minorities.

Noel Parakuo, a nursing major from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is with , a community health center. Parakuo shadows nurses in their daily routines and has also been making and reviewing patient educational materials. “This internship has helped me learn more about the healthcare workplace culture and is preparing me for what to expect in nursing school,” she said.