Alumni

Testimonials

2008 IPVS students

Alumni often say that the Institute dramatically changed their lives and impacted their careers.

“My experience in IPVS was one I will never forget. The slogan, “Live, Learn, Intern” could not summarize any better the true experience and life lessons shared during this program. Washington D.C. has so much to offer, and in addition to the classes and seminars organized by TFAS, one can not ask for a more diverse learning experience.”
Tyler Pihl
Eastern University
Intern, YMCA of Metropolitan Washington

“I feel like I have seen a whole different side of nonprofits than what my home school teaches. When I go back to start my senior year, I feel like I will have more to bring to the table. I have been stretched, challenged and taught so many wonderful things this summer.”
Mistie Conner
Northeastern University
Intern, Little Lights Urban Ministry

"I love TFAS and IPVS. This has been the best summer of my life!"
Abby Minch
Washington State University
Intern, Doorways for Women and Families

“Working with the Museum has allowed me to be fully immersed in the community and appreciate the commitment and hard work that goes into running a nonprofit, as well as observing the rewarding results. The skills, knowledge, and overall life and leadership experiences that I have gained have been incredible.”
Fiona Peterelli
Arizona State University
Intern, Discovery Creek Children’s Museum

“Take living at Georgetown with more than 300 other students who have various perspectives but still similar motivations and passions. Being around each other has given us the chance to make lifelong friends and meet many of the people that we’ll be working with down the road. We’ll always have that TFAS connection.”
Katie Fourmy
University of Arkansas
Intern, DC Central Kitchen

“The Fund allowed me to grow in my understanding of the nonprofit sector, while assisting me in finding an internship that really suited my passion for both children and literacy. As I embark on my junior year, I am inspired to continue my involvement in voluntary service, and have dedicated myself towards opening a chapter of First Book in my own community.”
Kathryn Fabian
University of Miami
Intern, First Book

“Working at N Street Village has been both humbling and encouraging because every day I am surrounded by individuals who share my passion for helping other people in need.”
Emily Brennan
Saint Louis University
Intern, N Street Village

“I connected with other individuals who share my passion to serve, not only in our own communities, but for our country. I received a wealth of resources from speakers, professors and The Fund for American Studies. I have been so inspired by my experience that I have already recruited at least three of my friends.”
Jamie Breaux
Southeastern Louisiana State University
Intern, International Child Art Foundation

“The Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service is committed to exposing its student to professionals in the nonprofit sector to further their understanding of how the field is run and of careers within the field.”
Dany Diaz Mejia
John Carroll University
Intern, Latin American Youth Center

“The Fund for American Studies is an opportunity any student should pursue – it offers a solid education on the public and non-profit sector, an area that is essential in present-day America. The networking and true Washington, DC experience only enhances this exceptional program.”
David Munn
Dickinson College
Intern, Best Buddies International

"IPVS has been an incredible opportunity and I am blessed to have been a part of it . The curriculum correlates perfectly with the hands on internship experience."
Emily Van Zant
Oklahoma State University
Intern, The Philanthropy Roundtable

“I don’t even know how to begin to describe the amazing experience I had this summer. To say it was a life impacting experience would be an understatement.”
Sofia Bahena
Trinity College
Intern, Hispanic College Fund

“IPVS provided me with one of the greatest learning experiences of my life – this summer has helped me to determine my academic and career goals and has led me to contemplate different vocations which I would have not considered before.”
Aimee Della Porta
Fordham University
Intern, Rachael’s Women’s Center

“It’s remarkable how much an individual can learn about themselves in just two months. I’ve grown to be more independent, how to network and how to organize and devote my time wisely.”
Kevin Leung
University of Florida
Intern, Character Education Partnership

“The most valuable part of this experience is that it has allowed me to learn more about who I am and what I want to do with my life.”
Sarah Goetz
Allegheny College
Intern, N Street Village