Testimonials

Samantha BurroughsSite: Better Business Bureau

I chose Cornerstone DC because I wanted to take advantage of the valuable opportunities in the DC area. I was in the communications and public affairs department at The Better Business Bureau. I was able to gain an understanding of how non-profit organizations operate while building strong relationships with my supervisors and coworkers which has helped me land other opportunities.

Sophia BoisseauSite: Capitol Hill, Congressman Jared Huffman's Office

Cornerstone DC along with AU's campus and reputation was the reason I chose to attend. Out of all the schools I was choosing from AU gave me the best opportunities. During the program, I worked with a congressman on Capitol Hill and gained a lot of experience while getting adjusted to college classes. Now I am continuing my studies in biology and environmental science and hoping to use my experience when applying to future jobs.

Zachary GradisharSite: Youth Leadership Foundation

I decided to come to AU and join the program because I thought it would provide me with valuable experience through an internship. I was a part of a non-proft children's organization called "The Youth Leadership Foundation." During my time at YLF, I was able to create meaningful relationships and develop many professional skills. My internship made such a powerful impact on me that I decided to keep working there. Looking back now, I am happy I decided to come to AU and join the program because it gave me the foundation I needed to have a sucessful transition into college.

Anna RossSite: Neimand Collaborative

I chose to be a part of Cornerstone DC because I thought that having the opportunity to learn in a city like Washington, DC as a freshman was incredible. Neimand Collaborative focuses on using research, narrative, and strategy to create messaging that affects social change. With the skills I gained my first year, I was able to land an internship with the U.S. House of Representatives. On campus at AU, I am involved with College Democrats and Phi Mu sorority.

Emily BrolinSite: Washington National Cathedral

I chose Cornerstone DC because I wanted to get ahead and start my first year of college with an internship. I was a part of the Washington National Cathedral and it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Now, I am a sophomore Musical Theatre major with a minor in Business and Entertainment and I couldn't be happier with my choice. I also made two of my best friends through Cornerstone DC. Go Eagles!

Anne McKennaSite: US Senate

I chose Cornerstone DC because I wanted to utilize the incredible Practicum leads at AU and in the DC area as quickly as possible. I was a part of the US Senate, where I attended hearings and briefings for staff members, dealt with constituent communication and gave constituent tours of the US Capitol. I am currently a member of the College Democrats on campus. My experience led to a summer opportunity with Let America Vote, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting voter suppression.

Darien FiorinoSite: Smithsonian's Natural History Museum

I chose Cornerstone DC because I felt confident that I would be able to land an internship at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. Through the program, I landed another internship opportunity for a live web series, "Smithsonian Science How." Over the past few months, I have accrued responsibilities ranging from video editing, to directing, to script writing, to animating, to floor managing the live shows. In the near future, my mentor and I have discussed the possibility of having me in front of the camera. On campus, I am involved in AU Players, a student run theater company, and have participated in a few productions with them.

Davin RoseSite: Capitol Hill

I chose Cornerstone DC because I wanted to study Political Science and saw this as an amazing opportunity. This program also gave me an advantage – having an internship during my first year of college. Being on Capitol Hill has given me valuable firsthand experience to carry through the rest of my career. I worked with Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, and through this I was able to gain insight to how our political system actually works, and my experiences here have shaped what I want to study the remainder of college.

Haruka SatoSite: Youth for Understanding

I chose AU because it is the nation's capital, and I think the Cornerstone program is an opportunity within itself! Not only did I learn about the process of applying for an internship, but I was able to learn what it was like to be in an office environment during my first year of college. I am now looking for opportunities in Taiwan and Japan for the summer.

Sophia EltonSite: Environmental Protection Agency

I chose Cornerstone DC because it gave me the opportunity to experience DC as a freshman in college, which is pretty remarkable. I was a part of the Environmental Protection Agency and provided assistance in the Human Resources and Administration Division. Currently, I am studying to graduate with a degree in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG) and a minor in French. Cornerstone DC provided me with the best experience I could have had during my first year at AU.

Sarah LevinSite: Smart Electric Power Alliance

My name is Sarah Levin and I chose Cornerstone DC because I liked the idea of a close knit community. In Cornerstone, the students take classes together and I met my best friends in the program. Further, I gained networking skills while being a part of SEPA’s digital marketing department. I am still on track to graduate. Moreover, I am a history major and minoring in marketing, and I am also the philanthropy chair of my sorority.

Xiaoqin (Sherry) GuiSite: STEMconnector

I decided to enroll in Cornerstone DC because it was a rare and great opportunity for a freshman to have an internship experience. I was a part of STEMconnector's graphic design department. I gained lots of practical skills and got to know the industry before taking classes toward my major. Also because of Cornestone, I am familiar with developing a strong resume and cover letter. Now I am trying to keep myself active around campus and work with different student organizations.

Eli HernandezSite: Men's Health Network

As soon as I arrived to AU, I knew I made the right choice. Looking back now, I know Cornerstone DC truly fostered skills and characteristics which have been essential to my professional and personal development. It was honestly the best way to start college.