During the spring 2025 semester, Waynesburg University senior criminal justice major Lana Jordan will complete an internship with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) through The Washington Center’s (TWC) Academic Internship Program.
The internship will be with the Missing Children Division of NCMEC at its headquarters in Alexandria, Virginia.
“The Washington Center’s Academic Internship Program provides students with the unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning academic credit toward their degree,” shared Sarah Bell, director of the Pathways Center at Waynesburg University. “This immersive program equips students with practical skills that enhance their readiness for life after graduation, encouraging them to step outside their comfort zones, connect with new professionals and expand their networks. The value of this internship experience is immeasurable, offering students a transformative path to personal and professional growth.”
After attending the National Security Seminar and learning about the other programs that TWC hosted, I immediately went home and started seeing how I could rearrange my schedule to open up a semester to do their Academic Internship Program."
NCMEC is a nonprofit organization that works alongside law enforcement, victims and families to locate missing and runaway children, address child abductions and fight child sexual exploitation.
Their hands-on internships provide invaluable real-world experience, which is what initially led Jordan to apply for the position. She was also drawn to how well the opportunity would align with her future career goals.
“It is my plan to work in federal law enforcement combating child sex trafficking, so this internship is a way to get experience in this field and work towards accomplishing these goals,” Jordan said.
As part of the Missing Children Division, Jordan will work closely with case workers and law enforcement on active missing children cases.
“During my internship, I will be working on active cases of missing, abducted and runaway children, and I will gain invaluable hands-on experience in liaising with law enforcement, working with families and social workers of victims, and learning case management and analysis,” she added.
In May 2023, Jordan attended TWC’s National Security Seminar in Washington, D.C., where she had the opportunity to spend a week with other college students from across the country to learn and discuss topics on national security challenges from professionals in the field.
After a week with TWC, Jordan knew she wanted to pursue one of their Academic Internship Programs.
“Before hearing about and signing up for the National Security Seminar, I had never heard of The Washington Center or even considered doing an internship in Washington, D.C.,” she shared. “After attending the National Security Seminar and learning about the other programs that TWC hosted, I immediately went home and started seeing how I could rearrange my schedule to open up a semester to do their Academic Internship Program.”
Jordan will receive a total of 12 credits through TWC’s Academic Internship Program, which consists of the completion of her internship, a night class and professional development through workshops and connecting with professionals at various TWC events.
At the completion of the semester, she hopes to move to Washington, D.C., to begin her career. She believes the opportunities available to her through TWC will help her connect with potential employers and gain contacts within the industry.
“If there is anyone at WU who is interested in going into criminal justice, law or even journalism and business, I would highly recommend The Washington Center,” Jordan said. “They are a great way to learn more about the rapidly progressing world we live in, to gain contacts in your field of interest, and to get experience in the transition from college to the workforce.”
Waynesburg University has partnered with TWC since 2018, providing conference, internship and networking opportunities to students in various fields. For more information on how to get involved, contact Bell at sbell@waynesburg.edu.
