News: The New England Council Announces May Deadline for Scholarship Program
Regional Business Group to Help Capitol Hill Interns
The New England Council – the nation’s oldest regional business organization – has opened the application process for the 2007 Washington Summer Scholars Program. The program, now in its second year, provides a summer stipend for housing and expenses to undergraduate students who have secured positions to work as interns in the offices of members of the New England Congressional delegation.
Ten (10) students – at least one from each New England state – will be selected. The students must demonstrate a commitment to the region and to public service. The deadline for applications for this year’s program is May 15, 2007.
"The future economy and quality of life in New England depends on the education of its youth. Beyond the classroom, internships provide a meaningful and practical learning experience which enhances the basic curriculum. The Washington Summer Scholars Award will help students as they work in DC and gain valuable exposure to the inner-workings of our federal government," explained James T. Brett, President and CEO, The New England Council. "In the initial year of the program, we received a tremendous response and awarded the stipends to six students."
The New England Council is an alliance of large and small companies, colleges and universities, nonprofit and other agencies dedicated to promoting economic development and a high quality of life in the six-state region. The Council works closely with the New England congressional delegation on federal issues and regional initiatives that have an impact on the regional economy.
Tom Samoluk, Vice President, Government Relations, John Hancock Financial Services, and member of the Council’s Board of Directors, will again serve as the chairman of the Award Selection Committee.
"John Hancock is a longtime and proud member of The New England Council. Once again, I am pleased to be able to participate in this scholarship program. The Council has always been committed to furthering education excellence and this program is another way of demonstrating its importance to the region. Last year the Council selected an outstanding group of winners. We expect to have a similarly high caliber pool of applicants representing all of New England from which the winners will be chosen this year," commented Samoluk. "There is no better education for a student interested in government than to work in a congressional office. Once again, the Council will assist New England students learning about our government in Washington." Download the application today or visit the Council’s web site at www.newenglandcouncil.com.
"Once again, applicants will be evaluated for a demonstrated commitment to the region and to public service based on their essay as well as their overall academic performance. Candidates will also be selected based on extracurricular achievement and financial need will be taken into consideration," Samoluk explained.
Anyone who would like more information on the program can contact Julie Dawson at the Council’s Washington office at (202) 547-0048 or by email: [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by May 15, 2007.
