Necas Collins, a Rogers State University junior, has been selected for a summer internship through the Washington Center, a nationally-recognized internship program that places students with private, public and nonprofit organizations in Washington, D.C. Collins is the first student-athlete in school history to earn the prestigious scholarship.
A graduate from Tivoli Gardens High School in Kingston, Jamaica, Collins is interviewing with several agencies to determine where he will land for his 10-week internship. Collins hopes the internship will lead to a job with the Drug Enforcement Administration or the Department of Homeland Security.
The Washington Center is an independent, nonprofit organization that provides internship programs and academic seminars to college students. The organization arranges 2,000 to 3,000 internship placements annually. Collins, who is majoring in justice administration, will earn college credit for successfully completing the internship program.
“This is an exciting opportunity for me, and I am honored to be representing RSU while gaining first-hand law enforcement experience,” he said. “It was an exceptional feeling receiving that email that said I was accepted into the program.”
Collins is on track to graduate from RSU with a bachelor’s degree in May 2015. He also excels outside the classroom, playing forward for the Hillcat men’s soccer team. In 2013, he led the team in assists with seven on the season and, in 2012, he earned all-conference honors.
Washington Center internships are comprised of internship placement, an academic course and the Leadership Forum. All students are enrolled in a particular program according to their area of interest. Each program focuses learning on concepts closely related to students’ intended professional fields. Activities and special programming, such as panels or tours of embassies or businesses, are tailored to the program’s core learning objectives and areas of study.
“The Washington Center Program provides students with an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience and begin developing a broad professional network,” said RSU Professor Dr. Carolyn Taylor. “Necas has worked hard to earn this honor and I’m proud that he is able to represent RSU in our nation’s capital.”
For more information on the program contact Taylor at [email protected].