While some college students are soaking up rays on the beach this summer, several GW students are tasked with administrative work and policy research at one of the District’s – and the nation’s – most recognizable addresses: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

Five students were chosen for the highly coveted summer 2010 White House internship programs. Corey Jones, Daniel Kessler, Alexandra Levin, Rebecca Wexler and Caroline Wilson were among 137 students selected nationwide for the internship.

The unpaid interns work in one of fifteen White House departments, including the Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Vice President and the Office of the First Lady. Interns also participate in a long-term service project to aid the surrounding community as well as a speaker series with senior staff members, according to the White House website.

Students are selected for the internship based on several criteria, including a commitment to public service, demonstrated leadership in the community and a commitment to the mission of President Obama’s administration, according the White House website.

The students could not be reached for comment.

The University will also have another connection to the White House, as the appointment of a GW graduate to serve as a White House Fellow was announced on Tuesday. Holly Harrison received her master’s in educational technology leadership from the University and is a native of Vienna, Va. A lieutenant commander in the United States Coast Guard, Harrison was the first woman to command a Coast Guard vessel during combat operations and was the first woman to receive the Bronze Star medal for her service at the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.