Nine UWF students attend national security seminar in Washington D.C.

Nine students from the University of West Florida participated in The Washington Center's National Security Seminar, a weeklong event that brings students from around the world to explore current national security challenges. Made possible through UWF Career Development and Community Engagement's longstanding partnership with The Washington Center, each student received a $2,295 scholarship covering the full cost of the seminar with additional financial support allocated to offset travel and professional expenses.

"Programs like this allow students to gain experience outside of the classroom while exposing them to new perspectives, valuable networking opportunities and potential career paths they may not have previously considered," said Jessica Prather, CDCE's coordinator and liaison. "These experiences help students connect what they are learning in the classroom to real-world challenges and careers. It's incredibly rewarding to help students access opportunities that broaden their perspectives, build confidence and create professional connections."

From May 15-23, students experienced impactful career-building opportunities by engaging directly with national security experts, visiting organizations throughout the city and exploring career pathways in their respective field. The curriculum covered a broad range of critical topics, including U.S. national security strategy, the national security ecosystem, and the role of alliances, partnerships and multilateral institutions as instruments of U.S. power.

"Participating in the Washington Center National Security Seminar exposed me to a completely different lifestyle, from traveling by train and walking long distances to engaging with people that broadened my perspective," said Zack Gray, a UWF student pursuing a master's degree in criminal justice. "From visiting the National Guard Museum, being a part of a discussion at the Chinese Embassy and meeting Senator Ashley Moody, I learned that national security is far more complex than it appears and that real change requires active engagement, not bystanders."

Leading up to the event, the CDCE held campus classroom visits from The Washington Center's admissions counselor, hosted information sessions and sent Handshake emails promoting the fully funded experience to students, generating strong student interest in the opportunity. These initiatives showcase UWF's ability to not only connect students to national-level experiences, but also support them through the application process, funding navigation and career preparation.

"Receiving this scholarship was incredibly meaningful," said Valerie Dogbe, a UWF student pursuing a bachelor's degree in international studies. "Without this vital financial support, attending the seminar would not have been feasible for me. I am deeply grateful for the university's investment in my academic and professional growth. The knowledge and exposure I gained have given me an excellent foundation for a future career in international relations and national security."

Throughout the year, The Washington Center serves hundreds of universities and colleges from more than 25 countries with both academic seminars and internships. With more than 600 higher education institutions, corporations, government agencies, foundations and employers, The Washington Center is one of the largest and most well-established internship programs in the nation.

To learn more about UWF's Career Development and Community Engagement center, visit uwf.edu/career.