CSULB Student Receives Scholarship to Attend TWC Academic Seminar Program at Republican National Convention

California State University, Long Beach student Phiphi Tran has been awarded a $3,500 scholarship to attend The Washington Center's (TWC) academic seminar program at the Republican National Convention in New York City.

Slated for Aug. 22 through Sept. 3, the two-week program is specifically designed to give students the opportunity to be in the midst of the political frenzy that happens only once every four years. Program organizers work closely with party officials, candidates, public officials, the media, political consultants, corporations, and the host cities to create an exciting environment for students interested in learning about and being part of the political process.

Part of the program includes at least six hours of fieldwork, and Tran, a senior public relations major, will be working as a runner for CNN during its convention coverage.

"I wasn't really expecting to get (the scholarship). So, I was very shocked but excited and flattered when I found out I had been selected," said Tran, who noted that she's never been to the east coast and has always wanted to go to New York. "I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to take part in this program. I think it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Tran stated that she hopes to meet a lot of people and is looking forward to the learning experience. "I am very curious about what goes on," she pointed out. "I really have no idea about what to expect at the convention, and I'm very eager to see how the whole process works."

In addition to the fieldwork, Tran will be expected to attend some 30 hours of lectures, briefings and panel discussions, another 10 hours of small group discussions, two hours of workshops and issue forums, six hours of convention sessions and host city events and a four-hour orientation and overview, which includes an overview and analysis of the presidential race presented by the faculty director and faculty leaders.

The scholarship will cover the cost of the program and housing at Pace University in Manhattan. Aside from the scholarship, Tran will also receive academic credit for her participation in the convention program.

For more than 29 years, The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars has played a crucial role in preparing young people for leadership and promoting civic participation by connecting motivated students with companies, organizations, congressional and federal agencies that exemplify the values of leadership and community service.

Founded in 1975, The Washington Center is the largest independent, nonprofit educational organization dedicated to enabling students to earn college credit for substantive internships and short-term academic seminars in the nation's capital. In addition, for over 20 years, The Washington Center has organized academic seminars at both political major national political conventions.

Media Contacts: Rick Gloady, (562) 985-5454, rgloady@csulb.edu Shayne Schroeder, (562) 985-1727, schroede@csulb.edu