CALAIS – A college student from Indian Township will soon be packing his suitcase, bound for a summer internship in Washington, D.C.

Nakoma Gabriel, 26, competed with thousands of students nationwide for the position, which will involve working in public policy for an organization called the Council for Opportunity in Education.

“I was shocked,” Gabriel said. “I never thought I would even get an interview. I never thought I’d be in the top four. Just receiving that information was an honor. When I found out [Monday] I got the job, I was even more shocked.”

The third-semester Washington County Community College student said he will participate in a nine-week internship beginning May 23.

“This is a great opportunity to … see what is out there for me,” he said. “This can just open more doors for me over the future as I graduate.”

Gabriel is enrolled in the school’s office information systems associate degree program and expects to graduate in 2005.

The nonprofit Council for Opportunity in Education was established in 1981. It is dedicated to furthering the expansion of educational opportunities throughout the country.

Through its numerous membership services, the council works with colleges, universities and agencies that host programs to specifically help those who are first-generation or low-income college students.

Gabriel will work closely with the council’s public policy vice president, who coordinates government relations activities.

He will assist in monitoring action on federal issues that can involve attending congressional hearings, U.S. Department of Education briefings and higher education association meetings. He also will work with other divisions of the council, including academic affairs, communications and member services.

He will receive a $3,500 stipend for his work, which covers round-trip transportation to Washington, his housing and basic living expenses.

Melissa Mitchell, counselor at the community college, said she had urged Gabriel to apply. She “said it was a long-shot, but it doesn’t hurt to apply,” he said.

He was nominated by the staff at Washington County Community College involved with the federally funded TRIO program, which provides services in academic advising, career and transfer planning, personal counseling, tutoring and cultural enrichment. The program serves 130 students.