Watertown, MA — The Armenian National Committee of America Leo Sarkisian Internship Program deadline has been extended to April 1, 2013.

The ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship (LSI) Program is a cornerstone of the ANCA’s nationwide efforts to educate, motivate, and activate Armenian American youth to expand advocacy efforts in their hometowns and campuses.

During the eight-week Washington, DC program, interns live at the ANCA Hovig Saghdejian Capital Gateway House, located a short distance from the ANCA National Headquarters. The participants work on a wide variety of projects based on their individual interests, while gaining hands-on experiences within the American political system. A bi-weekly lecture series features guest lecturers, including Members of Congress, ambassadors, and Armenian-American leaders.

Established in 1985 after the late Leo Sarkisian, an ANCA Eastern U.S. leader who spearheaded grassroots activism for more than four decades, the program has hundreds of alumni across the world, spreading the message of truth and justice for the Armenian Genocide, freedom for Artsakh, and a secure, prosperous, and democratic Armenian homeland.

On March 2, Armenian students and young adults gathered at NYU in New York City for the Armenian Relief Society’s Youth Connect program. Attendees learned about a variety of topics during the day-long conference, including social media and cultural awareness with the rise of technology.

Armen Sahakyan, an LSI intern in 2012 and a current ANCA activist, spoke at Youth Connect on behalf of the ANCA to promote the LSI Program.

“ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program is a great opportunity to learn more about Hai Tahd, meet national legislators and attend special events in Washington, DC. It gives the interns a chance to have a direct positive effect on ANCA’s day-to-day activities and help our Cause to reach its just resolution. I can confidently say that it was the best summer experience of my life and will recommend it for every Armenian student,” Sahakyan said.

For Leo Sarkisian Internship applications, please go to http://anca.org/gateway/gateway_application.php .