The Washington Center Gives University Students a Front Row Seat at The National Conventions

WASHINGTON, Aug. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Students from across the country are taking advantage of an opportunity that only comes around once every four years and for some, only once in a lifetime. As part of a two-week seminar program, students will travel to Charlotte, N.C. and Tampa, Fla. to participate in The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars' Democratic and Republican National Convention Seminars.

Through academic partnerships with UNC Charlotte and Hillsborough Community College, participants will attend guest lectures led by prominent political leaders and scholars and then volunteer on-site on the convention grounds.

"The national convention is an integral part of the U.S. political process and a piece of preserved history," said Mike Smith, president of The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars. "The academic seminars teach students about the process, but not from the sidelines. Students learn from within, in the thick of it. And UNC Charlotte and Hillsborough Community College made it all possible."

Over 250 students from 17 schools are expected to attend the two week seminars. Prominent speakers will lead discussion on the history of political campaigns, convention procedures and the role of the media. The second half of the program will be spent at the convention, participating in field work assignments and attending convention receptions and rallies.

The Washington Center's Republican National Convention seminar will be held from Aug. 18 – 31, 2012 and the Democratic National Convention seminar will be held from Aug. 25 – Sept. 7, 2012.

Since 1984, over 2,500 students from over 300 academic institutions have attended the two-week academic seminars at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. To date, this remains the only national academic program of its kind and size.

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 more than 50,000 alumni who have become leaders in numerous professions and nations around the world. It was established in 1975. For more information visit: www.twc.edu.

SOURCE The Washington Center