PHILADELPHIA--The College of Arts and Sciences, the Office of Career Services and the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania have launched the new Washington Internship Program.  Based at Fels, the program will help undergraduate students at Penn select and apply for government and private-sector summer internships in Washington, D.C.

"This program brings together the ongoing efforts across campus that support students who want to learn more about how Washington works," Dennis DeTurck, dean of the college, said.  "By working closely with the Political Science Department's Washington Semester Program, Career Services' Penn in Washington program and alumni clubs in D.C., the new program offers a seamless, integrated experience that provides students with a deep understanding of the daily functioning of our nation's capital."

DeTurck said the program will build strong relationships between Penn and the key players in Washington, increasing opportunities for students and enhancing Penn's presence in Washington.

"We're creating a wrap-around program that prepares students for their Washington experience, ensures that their internships are successful and connects their experience in Washington to their academic work here at Penn," said Donald Kettl, Fels director.

Additional information is at www.fels.upenn.edu/introduction.htm.  

The application deadline for summer 2006 internships is Feb. 15.