Enrichment Programs

A Washington and Lee education is rich with learning opportunities - both in the traditional classroom setting, and in many non-traditional settings and creative, real-world scenarios. For example, internships and special off-campus programs are important ways Washington and Lee students broaden and deepen their liberal arts education.

Donors may choose to name and endow one of Washington and Lee's many enrichment programs. A specific naming level for each program is available from the Office of University Development. Programs include: 

• Williams Investment Society.  Of all the out-of-class programs initiated by the Williams School, this student-run organization has generated the greatest excitement and involvement by students. This remarkable extra-curricular program gives students the opportunity to manage a portion of W&L's endowment in equity securities.  Students must research industries and particular companies, and then present their investment recommendations to an audience of their peers for a majority vote. This organization very naturally and effectively integrates W&L's core values of student leadership and responsible behavior.
• New York Internship Program in International Finance and Commerce During the Spring Term students serve as interns with prominent organizations in New York for four days per week. Students meet one day per week with visiting Washington and Lee faculty members and guest speakers to discuss a broad international topic affecting the world. The internship portion of this program typically extends through the summer.
• Washington Term Program. Students intern for six weeks in Congressional offices, the White House and leading think tanks. Similar to the New York Program, Washington interns work four days per week and meet one day per week with Washington and Lee Professors and guest lecturers. Students have interned with the U.S. Supreme Court, various offices within the White House, and the offices of many senators and congressional leaders including many of those chairing committees.
• Week on Wall Street.  This shorter program of experiential learning allows approximately 20 students to visit leading financial institutions in New York City each year.  The trip also provides significant contacts and benefits in terms of job and internship placements for students.
• Washington and Lee Student Consulting.  This student-managed organization provides pro bono consulting services to for-profit and not-for-profit business and community organizations. Students provide consulting services to clients comparable to what they would receive from a professional consultant. This provides the students an opportunity to put classroom concepts into practice. Projects have included business and marketing plans, assessment of accounting methods, web site design and development, economic assessment, and human resource consulting. Students are advised by and receive professional development seminars from several consulting firms. These firms regularly hire participating students for internships and full-time positions.
• Science, Society and the Arts.  This campus-wide festival of the mind is a multi-disciplinary conference of Washington and Lee students presenting their work before an audience of their peers and the faculty. Undergraduate and law students make oral presentations of original research, participate in traditional academic conference-style panels, and present artwork, performance pieces, and readings. Students also participate in poster sessions highlighting service-learning, internships, and study abroad experiences. The conference also features book colloquia - small reading groups discussing books proposed by faculty, students and staff.

To learn more about supporting enrichment programs at W&L please contact Dennis Cross, Vice President for University Advancement, at (540) 458-8232 or dcross@wlu.edu.