GVPT Undergraduate Newsletter

13. The Hyman S & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival at the Washington DCJCC

1. Undergraduate Research Experience

The PopIT project (http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~pwang/PopIT/) is a collaboration among organizational scientists, information scientists, and computer scientists to understand the dynamic social system underlying the development, diffusion, and use of Information Technology innovations. The National Science Foundation has provided funds for one talented undergraduate student to participate. The near-term focus of the project is on automating the process of detecting and classifying human sentiments expressed in written communication. The project will benefit from the participation of an undergraduate student who can assist in the process of independently annotating human sentiments. Participation in the annotation process will also be used to prepare the student to conduct quantitative analysis of qualitative data and apply this key scientific research capability to a subproject that fits the student's own interests.

Duties: The selected student will work as part of the PopIT project team consisting of faculty, graduate students, and other undergraduate students. The student will (1) attend weekly project team meetings on Tuesdays 2:30-3:30 pm and sub-team meetings arranged as necessary; (2) learn the annotation procedure; (3) annotate the data according to social and human factors (e.g., sentiment), as input to a machine-learning routine for automating the annotation process; (4) assess inter-coder reliabilities; (5) assess the output of the automated coding process; (6) apply the research skills to a subproject that fits the student's own interests.

Qualifications: University of Maryland undergraduate sophomore or junior. Intellectual curiosity. Enthusiasm about doing scientific research with relevance to the economy and society. Native English speaker with an excellent command of written and spoken English. Good organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and collaboratively. Ability to complete work promptly

Application Process: Send a resume and a cover letter further detailing qualifications to clisawards@gmail.com by 5 pm, Sunday, October 18, 2009. Please use the subject "PopIT REU." Students facing economic hardship and/or from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Accepted applicants will be paid 12$ an hour and are required to work 10 hours per week.

2. Green Corps

Green Corps 2010-2011 Field School for Environmental Organizing

Green Corps is looking for college graduates who are ready to take on the biggest environmental challenges of our day. In Green Corps’ year-long paid program, you’ll get intensive training in the skills you’ll need to make a difference in the world. You’ll get hands-on experience fighting to solve urgent environmental problems — global warming, deforestation, water pollution and many others — with groups such as Sierra Club and Greenpeace. And, when you graduate from Green Corps, we’ll help you find a career with one of the nation’s leading environmental and social change groups.

For more information, read below or visit our web site: www.greencorps.org. ** Applications due Oct. 18, 2009 – apply online today at http://www.greencorps.org **

3. MD Governors Internship

The Governor's Office of Policy is seeking an unpaid public policy intern for approximately 20hrs/week. The intern will report to the Director of Policy and provide assistance to the Director and other staff in researching, analyzing, and implementing policies related to the Governor's priorities: Security & Public Safety, Skills & Education, Sustainability, and Children & Health.

Responsibilities:

Assist in all aspects of policy development and implementation.
Research and develop policy proposals related to K-12 and higher education policy and finance, workforce development, alternative energy development, homeland security, economic development, and other state and regional objectives.
Prepare briefing materials for the Governor and the Director of Policy.
Provide general support to the Director of Policy, including: coordinating, staffing, and providing appropriate background information for policy meetings; assisting with the execution of decisions made at meetings; and drafting correspondence.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will be pursuing a graduate degree in public policy, political science, or a related field of study. Highly qualified undergraduate students with faculty recommendations will also be considered.

Contact Adrea Turner (410) 260- 3961

4. Legal Aid Office Internship

The Undergraduate Student Legal Aid Office has begun to accept applications for the *Spring 2010 Internship Program*. The closing date for the acceptance of applications is *October 23, 2009*.

On *October 13 at 4:00 P.M.*, we will be holding an open Informational Meeting in the* Edgar Allen Poe Room in the Stamp Student Union* for students who want to learn more about the Internship Program.

The Internship has both an office work component and a classroom component. For the work done in both the classroom and in the office, the student gets 3 hours of graded credit (EDCP 386). Besides the office hours (6-7 hours per week), the classroom component is held on Tuesdays from 4:00 to 5:15 P. M. To be eligible, the student must have *completed 56 credit hours* by the time they begin the internship (12 of which must have been at UMCP). A minimum *GPA of 3.0* is recommended. After completing the Internship semester, the Intern can apply to be s Student Defender. Student Defenders are paid employees of the Office and are trained to advise and represent students who have been charged by the Office of Student Conduct for violations of the Code of Academic Integrity and the Code of Student Conduct. Applications for the Internship Program can either be obtained from the Student Legal Aid Office in Room 1235 of the Stamp Student Union, or downloaded from our website at: www.studentorg.umd.edu/legalaid/.

5. Washington DC Law Firm Internship Opportunity

Brownstein-Hyatt-Farber-Schreck is a DC law firm that is seeking unpaid interns for the Spring of 2010. The internship provides an array of opportunities to gain a deeper understanding of the political system with hands-on experience in a variety of subject areas, including energy, telecom, healthcare, antitrust, financial services and others.

Duties and Responsibilities: Conducting research on potential clients; providing research on federal legislation; delivering documents/letters to Capitol Hill and elsewhere; covering Congressional committee hearings, markups and press conferences and drafting memos on the same; the assembly of presentations; and other writing and minor administrative tasks.

Necessary Skills: Applicant must be proficient in Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel. Must be deadline-oriented, attentive to detail and must possess excellent oral and written communication skills. *Applicants with a background or major/minor in government affairs, American politics and public administration are encouraged to apply*

Application Process: Please send cover letter, resume (complete with current GPA and contact information), writing sample, dates/hours of availability and any other inquiries to Jack Jacobson: jjacobson@bhfs.com. Application materials due no later than October 30, 2009.

6. Japan Culture Center Internship

The Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan, is seeking a highly motivated, team-oriented individual for the position of Cultural Affairs Coordinator. Among other responsibilities, this position will be responsible for coordinating cultural events held at JICC. Please see below for a complete listing of responsibilities.

The Embassy offers group health insurance coverage, 15 days of paid vacation per year, a number of paid U.S./Japanese holidays, and sick leave. Working hours are from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with weeknight and/or weekend events several times a month (paid overtime). Salary is commensurate with experience.

Please note: Candidates must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. green card holder. Only successful candidates will be contacted. Screening will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Responsibilities:

Assisting the JICC diplomats in coordinating cultural events, including lectures and performances.
Composing diplomatic correspondence in Japanese and English.
Translating reports of Japan-related lectures or panel discussions into Japanese.
Inventory and control of Public Relations materials.
Disseminating information on Japan to the public; responding to public inquiries on Japan
Assisting other JICC staff in the preparation of other projects besides cultural events

Requirements:

Bilingual in Japanese and English
Knowledge of Japanese culture
Flexibility and resourcefulness
Superior communication skills
Computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Team-oriented self-starter
Bachelor’s degree in related field

Only those with the authority to work in the United States will be considered. OPT does not qualify.

To apply: E-mail or mail your cover letter, resume (as Word attachments only), and a copy of university transcript to: jicchr@embjapan.org

7. Internship with Global Terrorism Database

The Global Terrorism Database (GTD) is an open source, unclassified database including information on terrorist events around the world since 1970 (currently updated through 2007). The database is maintained by researchers at the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence.

currently seeking graduate students and exceptional undergraduate students with an interest in terrorism research and public policy for a number of projects. These projects include geo-spatial patterns and terrorism, situational determinants of maritime security, police as paramilitary, country coding and terrorism, terrorism in India, desistance patterns of terrorist organizations, historic and contemporary terrorism data verification, and etiology of eco-terrorism. In addition to the BSOS credits received, there are several advantages to be gained from this internship experience including acquiring knowledge regarding the problem of terrorism and the nature of global terrorist violence, working with students and faculty who specialize in the study of terrorism, and directly participating in research that is having a policy impact. Interns will also experience what it is like to be a member of a large, multi-year social science research project through working with a team of homeland security practitioners and researchers in a supportive working environment.

Requirements: Applicants should be self-motivated and responsible; any regional expertise or language skills would be a definite asset. Applicants must also have a minimum of 60 university credits, a record of academic achievement, a strong interest in research, and be willing to sign up for the BSOS internship program. Upon selection, interns will be required to attend relevant training and biweekly meetings (every other Monday 1:30-3pm), to commit 10 hours a week of their time to projects, and to communicate frequently with their assigned project manager.

Application Process: Send a resume and unofficial transcript as well as a cover letter outlining interest and qualifications to Jennifer Varriale Carson at jvarriale@crim.umd.edu.

8. Capitol Partners, Inc Internship Program

Capitol Partners Inc seeks interns who will work directly with the president of the firm, attend congressional hearings, report to firm members among other duties.

Qualifications: Junior or Senior. Public Affairs, International Relations and/or Political Science major (or related field). Strong research and writing skills. Computer/web/marketing skills are a plus but not required.

Requirements: Conducting research, attending congressional hearings on the Hill and reporting back to firm about what occurred duringthese hearings. Researching and reporting on policy areas and congressional news, client follow up, potential client research, research for proposals, marketing, assist with website. Some assistance with bookkeeping, handling some expenses, invoices, lobbying reports, etc. Scheduling meetings, compiling itineraries, running errands, coordinating events, fundraisers, etc.

A small stipend and a daily paid meal is available.

Application Process: Interested candidates should email a resume, cover letter and relevant writing sample to Laura Jones, ljones@capitol-partners.com

9. Maryland Internship Program

The Maryland Internship Program is currently accepting applications for the Spring 2010 semester. Students can intern for various officials in the Maryland state government while earning course credit. Possible internship placements include the Offices of the Governor and Lt. Governor, the MD Attorney General, the MD Department of Education, and members of the Maryland House of Delegates and State Senate. By interning 20 hours/week and attending a weekly seminar, students can earn nine credit hours.

Visit the Maryland Internship Program website at www.capc.umd.edu/MIP for more information or to apply online. Applications are due Friday, October 23, 2009.

10. Woodrow Wilson Center Internship Opportunities

The Latin American Program of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars seeks interns with an interest in, coursework related to, and/or experience working on Latin American issues. The Latin American Program will be hiring graduate or undergraduate interns for the spring. Students who have graduated within the past year may also apply. Seeking either one person who will work on a full-time basis or two interns to work on a part-time basis, so please indicate availability and desired schedule in application. This is a paid internship.

Qualifications: Successful applicants should have strong research and/or administrative skills, be detail-oriented, be able to work independently and collectively as part of group, and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate degree program, a recent graduate (within the last year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Strong writing skills, language ability in Spanish, and translation experience are preferred.

Application Process: To apply, send a resume, covert letter, and a 3-5 page English writing sample in one Word file. Clearly indicate availability. All materials should be submitted together by Sunday, November 15, 2009 to Nikki Nichols at nikki.nichols@wilsoncenter.org. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about the Latin American Program and the Woodrow Wilson Center, visit www.wilsoncenter.org/lap.

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The Mexico Institute at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars seeks an intern with an interest in, coursework related to, and/or experience working on Mexico. The internships are designed to provide the individuals selected with the opportunity for practical experience in an environment that successfully mixes academic study with public policy. Interns will gain valuable experience in a variety of projects such as conference organization, library and Internet research, assistance with the preparation of publications, and administrative assignments in support of Center activities. Additionally, interns will assist in the Mexico Institute’s development of multimedia resources, contributing to a podcast series and managing content on the Mexico Portal (www.wilsoncenter.org/mexicoportal). Internships also provide opportunities to attend events within the Wilson Center and around Washington.

Qualifications: Successful applicants should have strong research and/or administrative skills, be detail-oriented, be able to work independently and collectively as part of group, and be currently enrolled in an undergraduate/graduate degree program, a recent graduate (within the last year), and/or have been accepted to enter an advanced degree program. Strong writing skills and language ability in both English and Spanish are essential. Translation experience will be considered an asset. The Mexico Institute hires one graduate or undergraduate intern for each semester. This is a paid internship.

Application Process: To apply, send a resume, cover letter, and a 3-5 page English writing sample in one Word file. Clearly indicate availability. All materials should be submitted together by November 15, 2009 to Katie Putnam at kate.putnam@wilsoncenter.org. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information about the Mexico Institute and the Woodrow Wilson Center, visit our website at www.wilsoncenter.org/mexico.

11. Suicide Terrorism Database Project seeking Research Assistants

Students seeking to attend graduate school and those interested in modern intergroup conflicts and the use of violence therein are encouraged to join Kristen Klein's graduate team as a research assistant for the summer 2009 and/or the 2009-2010 academic year. Students will have the opportunity to read through the project's database on suicide attacks in many of the major ethnic, political, and religious conflicts in the modern world, including: Palestine&Israel, Sri Lanka&the Tamil Tigers, Iraq&America, Chechnya&Russia. Assistants will gain knowledge of the individual and organizational accounts of these attacks and attackers, will gain experience in using primary and secondary source materials to verify critical information, and will learn much about the human causes and consequences of suicide terrorism in intergroup conflicts.

Qualifications: Students must be responsible and self-motivated. Fluency in languages involved in these conflicts (Arabic, Hebrew, Tamil, etc.) is a plus, but neither required nor necessary.

Duties: Students will comb through the database for specific types of information about the attacks and the attackers.

Interested students should contact Kristen Klein at kleinkm@umd.edu.

12. Thimun Youth Assembly seeks Participants

The THIMUN Youth Assembly (TYA) is a program of the THIMUN Youth Network. Every January, it brings together young people from all over the world in The Hague, The Netherlands to create project-oriented, realizable, concrete action. The TYA is an international youth think tank that strives to strengthen and broaden youth participation in the community. Each session consists of anywhere from 5 to 9 committees which focus on a specific issue. Past committees have included HIV/AIDS, water, the Millennium Development Goals, and the media. Each committee is led by two Co-Coordinators. The coordinators organize the work of the committees, asking critical questions to ensure project-based outcomes are realizable, and help maintain cohesion within the 8 - 15 person committees. The committee's participants are the ones who run the Youth Assembly. Candidates will develop the solutions to the pressing questions of today, will network with local community efforts to help execute these projects and will benefit from this multicultural setting of like-minded young people.

Apply for the 14th session which runs from January 24-29, 2009. The application can be found online at www.youthassembly.org.

13. The Hyman S & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival at the Washington DCJCC

The Hyman S & Freda Bernstein Jewish Literary Festival, October 18-28, presents the year's best in Jewish writing by both emerging and established authors from across the globe. A celebration of Jewish literature, the Festival features engaging author panels, readings, films and talks for lovers of fiction, poetry, history, humor, children's stories and much more. This year's Festival includes acclaimed novelists Zoë Heller, Binnie Kirshenbaum and Dara Horn and groundbreaking books on Louis D. Brandeis and the capture of Adolf Eichmann. Don't miss opening night; Literary Confessions: An Evening of Philip Roth, and the closing night Gerald L. Bernstein Memorial Lecture given by historian Howard M. Sachar, Current Israeli Myths and Realities: The Way to Peace.

For more information and to purchase discounted student tickets go to www.washingtondcjcc.org/litfest or call (202) 777-3251.

14. SGA Hosting T.Boone Pickens

The Student Government Association is proud to announce that it is hosting T. Boone Pickens. The founder of the Pickens Plan will speak about his plan for reducing reliance on foreign oil and the future of energy in the United States.

The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 16 in the Atrium of the Stamp Student Union. To RSVP or for more information, please e-mail SGAcommunications@gmail.com. To learn more about Mr. Pickens and his plan, visit: http://www.pickensplan.com.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information about the SGA's upcoming events, please visit their blog at http://www.sga.umd.edu/blog.

15. Boren Scholarship

The National Security Education Program's Boren Scholarship is aimed at undergraduate students interested in studying abroad for one or two semesters in 2010-11 in non-traditional regions and countries, and in learning the languages of those areas. The Boren Scholarship provides up to $20,000 for two semester of study abroad, and up to $10,000 for one semester. Eligible regions include Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin American, and the Middle East. (Proposals for study in the countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.) The Boren Scholarship is a U.S. Government-funded award thatapplicants who have a strong interest in future Government service ;the award carries a one-year service expectation. A representative from the Boren Scholarship Program will be on campus Tuesday, October 6, 2009 to present an overview of the Boren Scholarship and answer your questions:

BOREN SCHOLARSHIP REPRESENTATIVE - Tuesday, October 6 at 2:00 pm - Language House Multipurpose Room (0105 St. Mary's Hall) - RSVP to nsepboren@umd.edu If you are interested but cannot attend please write to the same address to receive more information.)

Refreshments Provided!!!

All Maryland applicants for the Boren Scholarship must take part in a campus review process which is designed to help you strengthen your application. The deadline for Maryland's review process is JANUARY 25, 2010. If you are interested in learning more about the Maryland review process for the Boren Scholarship, please contact the National Scholarships Office at: nsepboren@umd.edu.

16. Gemstone Team CP2 Requests Student Opinions

CP2 is a group of undergraduate students in the Gemstone program conducting a study concerning crime in College Park. Students who frequent Route 1 and its surrounding areas are eligible to take the following survey at http://teams.gemstone.umd.edu/classof2011/cp2/project.html.

Questions or concerns can be relayed to the team at cp2.umd@gmail.com.