ESU Students Attend The Washington Center’s Inside Washington Seminar

Earlier this month, six East Stroudsburg University students attended the Washington Center (TWC's) Inside Washington academic seminar. ESU students were part of a group of nearly 200 learners from around the country who gathered in-person for a unique insider's view into the state of politics, the 2026 min-term elections, policy, and the future of democracy in America. They were accompanied by Kimberly S. Adams, Ph.D., professor of political science, who also supervised 5 Stockon University and four students from various schools across the U.S.

The ESU students who attended the trip were Brian Akonu, a graduate student studying management and leadership; Gonzalo Perea Rivera, a senior majoring in political science from East Stroudsburg, Pa; Daniel Rossi, a junior majoring in political science from Bethlehem, Pa.; Daniel Schmidt, a senior majoring in history from Dunmore, Pa.; Cinnsire Warner, a sophomore majoring in political science from Bushkill, Pa.; and Ciera Wilkerson, a junior meta major from Scotrun, Pa.

The students interacted with political leaders, Congressional staffers, governmental agencies, and non-profit organizations to build connections that will enhance their academic and professional careers.

The students participated in the Inside Washington program at no cost to them or the University. "State funding for TWC programming has been quite generous over the last two years. We owe a debt of gratitude to those legislators in Harrisburg who see the value of supporting such a transformative academic experience. Our students' lives are forever changed," Dr. Adams said.

The students visited the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, the Whistleblower Law Firm Kohn, Kohn, and Colapinto, made several visits to Capitol Hill, and attended educational briefings at the Stimson Center and the Delegation of the European Union. The students heard from an impressive list of speakers including Sahil Kapur, senior policy reporter at NBC News, Leland Vittert, Chief Washington Anchor at NewsNation, Dr. Nadia Brown, Professor and Director of the Women and Gender Studies Program at Georgetown University, and Maria Cordona, principal at Dewey Square Group.
Speakers and discussion examined topics such as the elections; healthcare; immigration reform; tariffs, trade wars and diplomacy; education reform; and more.

"The Washington Center is committed to building access, equity, and opportunity for all leaners as they chart their path from college to career," said Kim Churches, president of the Washington Center.

For more information on the Washington Center for Internships and Academic seminars, please contact Dr. Adams at [email protected].