Internship Programs

Washington, D.C.
R. J. Reynolds Industries Internship Programs

One of the first internships the Foundation received was from R. J. Reynolds Industries to help establish a legislative intern program in Washington, D.C. The program provided opportunities for graduate students to work on Congressional committee staffs and improve their knowledge and understanding of policy making at the national level. Students received graduate credit and a small stipend for living expenses. Dennis Durden, Vice President of R.J. Reynolds Industries, presented the check to NIAF with these words: "We are pleased to be able to sponsor such an internship program. R.J. Reynolds Industries strongly believes in fostering the education of young Americans, and encouraging them to participate more directly in the government process." A similar opportunity was established by the NIAF's Silvio Conte Internship, and the FBI Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

A special feature of the NIAF Education Program had been the excellent quality of our interns who have volunteered to work on specific education projects for college credit. Amongst the numerous interns were Wendy James and Maria Recine.

Worked with universities, supervising students and writing reports for the purpose of having students receive university credit for Independent Studies.

Worked with the Washington Center of Washington D.C., in orienting Italian American students conducting their college internship in the Washington, D.C. area

Student Membership

Soon after the inception of the National Italian American Foundation, Lombardo established a student membership program. Her vision was to have Italian American students belong to an organization where they could network as well as receive services. She invited young people to take part in conferences, academic student exchange programs, mentoring, internships and the scholarship program. She encouraged students to conduct community service, giving them the opportunity to assist the Italian American community.