Application Deadline Extended to March 31 for Immersive Academic and Professional Opportunity in Nation’s Capital

The Webb in Washington Offers Unique Living and Learning Experience

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials at Gardner-Webb University recently announced a new immersive academic and professional opportunity: The Webb in Washington. This semester-long program in Washington, D.C., is open to students in all Colleges and Schools at Gardner-Webb and will launch in Fall 2022 with an inaugural four-student cohort. Applications are due by Thursday, March 31, at 5 p.m.

Students chosen to participate in The Webb in Washington will take courses through a partnership with American University and gain professional, resume-building experience at an internship in an area of interest. All credit hours earned will apply to graduation requirements at GWU. American University has a long-established tradition of partnering with peer institutions looking for DC-based immersion experiences for their students.

This innovative program is launching with an initial donation from Gardner-Webb alumnus, Chris Meekins, and his wife, Amanda, who live and work in the D.C. area. After graduating from GWU in 2006 with a degree in political science and economics, Meekins moved to D.C. He is a former senior Department of Health and Human Services official, congressional chief of staff, and health policy advisor, who now works as a Washington health policy research analyst at Raymond James. 

“Nowhere else in the world can you make more of an impact for God and humanity than in our nation’s capital.” Meekins said. “My hope is this will provide opportunities not available when I was at Gardner-Webb and therefore make it easier for students as they transition from the Webb to the career path of their choosing.”

As a unique component to Webb in Washington, students will attend networking events with Meekins and other Gardner-Webb alumni who live and work in the D.C. area. Through these interactions, students will gain invaluable insights into career development.

“In addition to our existing array of study abroad opportunities, Gardner-Webb has long needed a signature domestic immersion experience for our students,” explained GWU President William Downs.  “For students of any academic discipline, The Webb in Washington will be life-changing. Learning and working in such close proximity to the epicenters of so many institutions and agencies should empower our students and drive their passions for leadership and service.”

Students will take eight credit hours of seminar-related courses with American University along with seven credit hours of internship with Gardner-Webb University. Internships may be related to politics, healthcare, journalism and communication, foreign policy, business and finance, the arts and museums, education, social justice, environmental causes, and more.

The overall costs for The Webb in Washington will be consistent with Gardner-Webb University costs for the Fall 2022 semester with the exception of a one-time non-refundable $400 deposit paid directly to American University to indicate the student’s commitment to attend. If applicable, students are encouraged to file their FASFA as soon as possible as financial aid will be awarded through Gardner-Webb.

This is a highly-selective process. Successful applications are dependent upon a variety of factors that include GPA, extracurricular activities, letter of recommendation, and a 500-word essay explaining how participation in the program will advance their academic and professional goals. Ultimately, a University committee will select those students deemed to have the greatest potential to represent Gardner-Webb University as The Webb in Washington Ambassadors. Traditional undergraduate students at the rank of junior after the Spring 2022 semester (>60 credit hours) are eligible to apply.

Housing will be made available through American University in which students will live in suites (with roommates). All furniture, kitchen, and linens are provided. Students may provide their own meals or choose a meal plan through American University at an additional cost.  

For more information, contact Dr. Shawn Holt at [email protected].