Seven Eastern Mennonite University students and two Goshen College students are at the Washington Community Scholars’ Center (WCSC) this spring, where they are gaining invaluable professional experience. The students represent nine different majors, reflecting the range of internship placement opportunities available through the program.
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 Institute for Policy Studies, 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 Catholic Charities 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 The Brand Guild 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 DC Department of Small and Local Business Development. 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 Skills on the Hill Pediatric Therapy. 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 CASA, 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 Christ House 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 Latin American Youth Center. 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 Tech Impact, 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 here for more information or to apply today!
Be sure to also check out the WCSC Instagram account to see what our students are up to.
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