About
The Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) is a small, personalized internship program through which students can pursue academic and professional opportunities in the nation’s capital. As a consortium of thirteen institutions of higher education, LCWS brings students together from across the country, and around the world, for experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C. Fall and spring semester students intern four full days per week for fourteen weeks. Through the internship, students strengthen their skills, deepen their understanding of the professional world, and gain unparalleled experience that will set them apart when seeking full-time employment after graduation. Students also pursue two academic courses in a variety of subject areas to augment their professional endeavors. The coursework and the internship complement one another, enabling students to gain valuable insight and experience in their chosen field of study. Upon successful completion of the semester, students earn a full semester of academic credit from their college or university.
LCWS encourages students to become active and engaged citizens of the world. Through professional engagement, academic inquiry, and wholehearted participation in the day-to-day life of Washington, D.C., students gain a new perspective on what it means to be an active member of society in a culturally diverse world. Students of the program leave Washington, D.C., with a newfound confidence in who they are and a better sense of their purpose in life.
Our Mission
As a consortium of thirteen Lutheran private institutions of higher education, we strive to connect students with internship opportunities to help provide real-world experience to further their educational and professional goals. We also strive to prepare students for life after college, and to make them better people and more active citizens in their communities.