Congress Welcomes 2nd Class Of Latino Interns
WASHINGTON -- The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's premier Latino youth leadership development and educational services organization, welcomed the arrival of its second Spring Congressional Internship class to Washington, D.C., today. Sixteen undergraduates arrived from 11 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to take part in the nationally recognized and award-winning CHCI Congressional Internship Program (CIP).
With the support of Walmart, the CIP offers three internship sessions each year that provides Latino college students unmatched job opportunities in congressional offices on Capitol Hill as well as an opportunity to participate in CHCI's nationally renowned leadership and professional training program. The goal of the program is to expose talented Latino college students to the inner-workings of the federal government while preparing them to become part of the workforce pipeline to fill leadership positions in all sectors – private, public, and nonprofit. "CHCI is committed to creating opportunities for young Latinos to come to Washington, D.C., and learn not only how the federal government operates, but how they can work to impact public policy for the betterment of their communities," said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO. "Thanks to Walmart's support, we are keeping the promise to the next generation of leaders, doubling the number of congressional interns over two years, and ensuring that future halls of Congress accurately represent the growing Hispanic population in America." The 2011 Spring Congressional Internship class reflects the national diversity of the Latino community, representing nine ethnic backgrounds, 16 academic institutions, and eight academic majors. Nearly 40 percent of the class is the first generation to attend college and 56 percent come from homes with total income below $30,000. "This internship is going to change my life," said Tatiana Medina, CHCI Spring Congressional Intern and Wesley Chapel, Florida native. "With this amazing opportunity, I am going to gain the experience that I need to succeed. I am thrilled to know that I am part of this incredible opportunity that provides first-hand experience about the legislative process of our country." The CIP provides Latino college students with work placement on Capitol Hill four days a week, where they gain substantive work and networking experience. Interns also participate in once-a-week educational programs and leadership training at CHCI headquarters, where they meet with national public- and private-sector leaders and engage in national policy discussions. Interns are required to complete a community service project and are provided with housing, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a stipend. All of this is possible through longstanding support from Walmart and Southwest Airlines – official airline of CHCI's Congressional Internship Program. About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c) (3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit, union and corporate leaders
