Colby Birkes, a second-year political science major and Winchester native, received a $1,500 study abroad scholarship from Pi Kappa Phi International Scholars Program.

Birkes plans to use the financial award this summer to participate in the Canadian Parliament Internship program, a five-week program in Ottawa, Canada.

During the internship, Birkes will work in the office of Judy Sgro, a Liberal Party member of Parliament, where he will assist in writing constituent newsletters, press releases and speeches to deliver in the House of Commons. He also will conduct research for a paper on sexual harassment in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

“I have always been interested in government and helping others,” Birkes said. “This internship offers a close and hands-on approach to government that I will value.”

The Winchester native says he feels very fortunate to earn this scholarship.

“My parents are paying for two kids in college at the same time. My mom is an elementary school teacher of 30 years. With all of the uncertainty that she is going through with Frankfort, I was hoping to take one more worry off of her shoulders.”

After graduation, Birkes hopes to attend law school.