ANCA YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS SPOTLIGHTED AT ARS YOUTH CONNECT
ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program Deadline Extended Until April 1
March 2, 2015NEW YORK, NY — The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) commitment to youth civic development was spotlighted at this year’s groundbreaking Armenian Relief Society Youth Connect Program, which attracted over 80 college students and recent graduates for a weekend of interactive presentation and dialogue about Armenian national identity and community development.
The ANCA ER’s Armen Sahakyan shared insights, milestones and achievements of the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Summer Program and Capital Gateway Program as he chaired a panel which featured representatives from the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF), Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) and Habitat for Humanity.
“ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program is a great opportunity to learn more about the Armenian Cause (Hai Tahd), meet national leaders and participate in special events in Washington, DC. It provides the interns a chance to have a direct positive effect on ANCA’s day-to-day activities, develop their professional skills and take advantage of the great opportunities available in Washington, DC. As an alum of the program, I can confidently recommend it to all students interested in politics, economics, media, and civic engagement,” Sahakyan told enthusiastic attendees.
Inspired by participant response, the ANCA Eastern Region extended the application deadline for the 2015 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program to April 1, 2015, giving attendees and participating organizations the opportunity to spread the word and apply for this year’s summer session.
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 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, the ANCA Summer Internship Program is named 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.
For Leo Sarkisian Internship applications, please visit: http://anca.org/assets/capital_gateway/LSI_Application_2015.pdf .