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Senior Interns in New York Union Semester Program


PLATTSBURGH, NY __ Tiara Williams, a State University of New York College at Plattsburgh senior political science major from Bronx, N.Y., is one of only 15 students in the country to be awarded an internship in the Queens College, City University of New York Union Semester Program this spring.

Tiara Williams As part of the program, Williams is attending classes surrounding the theme of labor unions in the United States at Queens College as well as writing articles for a union paper, advocating on behalf of the legal rights of immigrant workers, developing educational materials for adult literacy programs and researching industry trends.

"I was elated when I found out that I had received this internship," said Williams. "It is a wonderful opportunity for me, and I want to make the best of every minute of it."

Williams is very excited and optimistic about her participation in the program.

"I am getting a feel for the way that things are done," she said. "I help out around the office, and I am making pamphlets. I have also attended an executive board meeting where I observed the decision-making process on a number of important issues."

Williams is part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) at Plattsburgh State. Marlene Fields, director of EOP, is very proud of Williams' achievement.

"The receipt of this internship can certainly be viewed as a demonstration of the hard work and determination Tiara has shown towards maintaining her academic progress since she was first admitted to the EOP program," said Fields. "It is our hope that Tiara's opportunity will serve as a motivation for others to continue to reach toward their own goals and take advantage of the many opportunities that may be offered to them."

During her time at SUNY Plattsburgh, Williams has served as the president of the Organization of Women of Ethnicity (OWE) and helped in the establishment of the annual Women's Concern Week.

After she graduates this May, Williams hopes to pursue a master's degree in public administration and then move on to law school. 
New York Union Semester is an extremely competitive program. It is open to students who have completed 45 credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicants must submit a college transcript and a 500-word essay with their application.

Successful applicants receive a tuition scholarship of $1,700 and a weekly stipend of $210 while they work and attend classes in New York City.
     
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