• Apply (Deadline: July 1)
• Additional information: www.TheIHS.org/journalism

The U.S. Department of Education is currently seeking applicants for Fall 2013 internships. As you may know, this program has been developed for students to gain practical training and hands-on experience that will help them meet their educational and professional goals.  These internships are unpaid positions, but all interns are eligible to receive transit benefits and school credit may be provided upon request.

The Department of Education (ED) is the place where you can explore your interests in education policy research and analysis, or intergovernmental relations and public affairs, or even work with social media while learning about the role Federal Government plays in education.

If the above appeals to you, then an internship at ED may be right for you. Not only will an internship at ED provide an opportunity to learn first-hand about federal education policy while developing a variety of other skills, including writing, researching, communication and time-management skills, but interns also participate in group intern events, such as brownbag lunches with ED officials, movie nights and local tours. One of the many advantages to an ED internship is the proximity to some of the most historic and celebrated sites in our nation’s capital, all accessible by walking or taking the metro.

ED is accepting applications for Fall 2013, starting June 1^st through July 15^th. If you are interested in interning for the upcoming fall term, there are three materials you must send before being considered for an interview:

A.    A cover letter summarizing why you wish to work at ED and stating your previous experiences in the line of education, if any. Include here what particular offices interest you, keeping in mind that due to the volume of applications received, you may not be awarded with your first-choice office upon acceptance.

B.     An updated resume.

C.     A completed copy of the Intern Application.

Once these three documents are finalized, prospective interns should send them in one email to StudentInterns@ed.gov with the subject line formatted as follows: Last Name, First Name: Fall Intern Application.

(Note: For candidates also interested in applying specifically to the Office of General Counsel (OGC), please see application requirements here)

An internship at ED is one of the best ways a student can learn about education policy and working in the civil service, but it is not limited to this. Your internship at ED is where you will develop crucial workplace skills that will help you in whatever career path you choose, and it is also where you will meet fellow students like yourself, who share your passions for education, learning, and engagement.

Every week we feature a set of comics created exclusively for WDD.

The content revolves around web design, blogging and funny situations that we encounter in our daily lives as designers.

These great cartoons are created by Jerry King, an award-winning cartoonist who’s one of the most published, prolific and versatile cartoonists in the world today.

So for a few moments, take a break from your daily routine, have a laugh and enjoy these funny cartoons.

Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions below as well as any related stories of your own…

Whatever works

Left, right team

Next time send an email

Can you relate to these situations? Please share your funny stories and comments below…

Ventography Script Font by Måns Grebäck – only $15!

The history of the creation of the 35^th state, West Virginia, was the topic of conversation at a Lunch with Books Program presentation at the Ohio County Public Library, held on Tues., June 19. According to David Zimring, history instructor at UMBC, it was described as “Secession in favor of the Constitution.”

Zimring recounted the series of events that led to western Virginia seceding from Virginia at a time when the nation was becoming increasingly divided about the constitutionality of slavery. “West Virginia’s leaders needed to convince the federal government that West Virginia statehood was a legal and necessary measure that helped the Union,” said Zimring.

Read the full article »

Wednesday night’s finale of the Discovery Channel’s “Big Brain Theory” included a drop-in by astronaut Buzz Aldrin and the destruction of a 34-foot bridge. But, for Corey Fleischer ’05, ’08, mechanical engineering, the most exciting point of being declared the season’s big winner was a bit less, well, explosive.

“The most exciting outcome is having my kids think their dad is ‘the next great American innovator’ as I was labeled on the show,” said Fleischer, a father of two and a senior mechanical engineer at Lockheed Martin. “That’s the best; my kids are going to think their dad is sooo smart…hah!”

Besides the admiration of his kids, Fleischer also walked away from the engineering-based reality show $50,000 richer, and with a one-year contract to work with WET Design, which specializes in innovative water-based designed environments. Over the course of eight weeks and working in teams, the 10 brainy contestants faced challenges of design and execution to see whose ideas would ultimately rise to the top.

“I went out there not knowing what the challenges were going to be like or who the competition was,” said Fleischer, who outside of his work at Lockheed Martin enjoys tinkering on inventions in his garage. While a student at UMBC, he faced regular challenges as a member of the Mini-Baja (now SAE) team.

“I was just hoping not to be the first person eliminated.  Then once I got out there and saw the people I was working with and the magnitude of the challenges I relaxed and knew regardless of the outcome I was going to have a blast.  Winning the competition was just a bonus!”

Fleischer was the only contestant to never experience a loss. His favorite challenge — which he led — involved designing a robot that could compete in a foot race, throw a javelin and perform a long jump.

“It was the first time I was a team leader and it was the first time a team had completed a challenge,” he said.  “I was very proud of what we created.   After our robot jumped 16 ft, we had camera-men, producers, technical advisers and all sorts of people high-fiving us and yelling ‘good job.'”

– Read about Corey’s latest venture – a “makerspace” in Baltimore

– Read an interview with Corey from before the “Big Brain Theory” aired