WATERTOWN, MA – The February 28, 2001 deadline for the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) 2001 Summer Internship Program is fast approaching. However, the selection process will not begin until March 1 and the ANCA encourages individuals to submit their applications on time.

The ANCA places interns in its national office in Washington, DC and the Eastern Region headquarters in Watertown, Massachusetts. The program is open to college and university students over the age of 18. The ANCA also offers a limited number of placement internships in governmental and non-governmental offices as well as in Armenian cultural and archival institutions.

During the six-week ANCA Summer Internship program, which runs from June 18 through July 27, interns participate in a wide variety of projects that are greatly determined by their own interests and goals. Interns are given an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the American political system and work with media, human rights, and non-governmental organizations while pursuing issues of concern to the Armenian American community.

“The ANCA Internship Program offers college students an opportunity to promote Armenian-American concerns while actively participating in the American political process,” stated Grace Kehetian-Kulegian, Executive Director of the ANCA Eastern Region. “This year we are particularly excited because the Congress is in a new session,” she added.

Previous interns have not only gained knowledge and experience in a number of areas including researching the Armenian Genocide, human rights violations in Turkey, mass media, peace talks, Congressional initiatives, and other diverse issues of concern to Armenian Americans, but have also become active leaders in their communities.

The internship appointments are full-time positions. Interns are provided housing and a stipend. Applications must be received by Wednesday, February 28, 2001.

For applications and information, contact the offices of the ANCA Eastern Region, 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA 02472, 617-923-1918, ANCER@compuserve.com.