W&M Washington Center

Started in 2001, the Washington Center partners with faculty from departments and schools across William & Mary to offer high-impact learning experiences for students in all majors.

Among the diverse topics offered are government, policy, culture, business, education, and more. Since its inception, the Center has grown to become W&M’s “Campus in the City,” running Study in D.C. academic opportunities for 350+ undergraduate students year-round, with a growing scholarship fund to support them.

Study in D.C. opportunities feature connections with W&M’s robust D.C.-area alumni network. These committed alumni offer students a chance to learn directly from topic-specific experts and practitioners in the field. Alumni also serve as mentors, counseling students in a one-on-one setting as they prepare to take their experiences to life beyond W&M.  The small Center team offers individualized support to each student who comes through the door, with room for 350+ in an academic year.  Students have a personal relationship with the staff and faculty in D.C., which enhances the quality of the overall student experience.

With a focus on diversity and inclusion, the Center is raising more funds each year for its Study in D.C. Scholarship Fund so that all students who want to learn in D.C., are afforded the opportunity. For 2020-2021 alone, the scholarship fund awarded $101,488 in student scholarships. We are hoping to give more in the subsequent years with the help of an Advisory Board.  In partnership with this Board and University Advancement, the Center is planning to better bring D.C.-area alumni together to more cohesively support one another and our growing student body. 

Together with many partners, the Center prepares students for life after W&M, and provides a home for the entire W&M family.