The SMPA Career Access Network (SMPA CAN) enhances the value of an SMPA education by supporting experiential learning, enhancing professional connections and creating community between current students and alumni. SMPA CAN has three components, an internship fund, mentoring program and networking events.
SMPA CAN Internship Fund
The fund provides support for unpaid or low-paid internships that students might not otherwise be able to afford. These awards are given during the spring semester to rising seniors and graduate students in the dual degree program to support an internship experience in the summer. Prizes range from $1,000 up to $3,000 and the application deadline is April 1.
SMPA Internship Award (3 awards) Award recipients are judged based on merit, professional promise and need.
J. Michael Shanahan Journalism Internship Award (3 awards) Open to rising seniors, applicants must be in good academic standing and interning for an established media organization.
Kwittken Internship Award (3 awards) Provides support for students in the field of strategic communications and media.
SMPA CAN Mentoring Program
Acquire practical, real-world advice from distinguished alumni and friends of SMPA, including members of our National Council, the principal advisory board to SMPA.
This program connects SMPA sophomore and junior undergraduate and first-year graduate students with mentors from news organizations, political communications organizations, government agencies, advertising/PR firms, non-profits and the corporate and academic worlds to learn the skills needed to succeed in life after GW. Mentors will be matched with SMPA students based on industry and similar objectives and goals for the mentorship.
Applications are closed for the 2017-2018 school year. Please contact Jasmine Tall for more information about the program at smpacan@gwu.edu.
SMPA CAN Networking Events
These events provide opportunities for SMPA students to connect with alumni and other experts in the field to strengthen the ties and create a thriving network of people creating change in the world. Events will be held on and off campus with SMPA students, alumni and friends of SMPA.
For more information on SMPA CAN programs please contact smpacan@gwu.edu.
