VCU news

By Katie Keane

Paul Connet, a sophomore majoring in math in the Honors College at Virginia Commonwealth University, spent his summer with the White House Internship Program.

The internship provides students with the opportunity to gain professional experience and to build leadership skills in a program dedicated to giving emerging leaders the opportunity to serve the administration and work in the public service arena.

“Being a White House intern was a fantastic way for me to be able to support the president’s call for national service. It truly was an honor to be a part of the important work being done for this administration,” said Connet.

Throughout the 10-week program, Connet’s assignments in the White House Office of Presidential Correspondence involved staying in touch with thousands of Americans who wrote letters to the president each week, listening to top officials in the administration, learning new skills through a series of professional development seminars and helping to plan special events such as the president’s Fourth of July celebration.

The internship also required participants to spend time working with area children in a variety of community service projects.

For more information about the White House Internship Program and applying for the spring 2011 session, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships.