Hispanic Students Gain National Competitive Edge

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Seeks Applicants for 2010 Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships

Application Available Online

Washington, DC – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s premier Hispanic educational and youth leadership development organization, launched a national campaign to recruit Hispanic students — college-bound, undergraduate and graduate — for its nationally recognized leadership development programs and scholarships.

Applications for CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program, Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program, Public Policy Fellowship Program, and Scholarship Program are available now at www.CHCI.org.

“For almost three decades, CHCI has made a difference in the lives of young Hispanics – providing unparalleled, hands-on work experience and a national competitive edge,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President and CEO. “CHCI continues to meet the demands of a growing Latino youth population through innovative leadership development opportunities that prepare the next generation of Latino youth and our nation’s future leaders.”

The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with Congressional work placements on Capitol Hill to learn first-hand about our nation’s legislative processes. Interns are responsible for conducting extensive legislative research, monitoring day-to-day hearings, managing constituent communications and assisting with general office matters. Additionally, interns participate in weekly CHCI leadership and professional development sessions and meet with corporate representatives, national elected officials and foreign dignitaries.

CHCI is proud to announce that with the generous support of Walmart, it is expanding its Congressional Internship Program to three semesters throughout the year.

The Congressional Internship Program application deadlines are:

Spring 2010 semester: November 13, 2009

Summer 2010 semester: February 5, 2010

Fall 2010 semester: April 30, 2010

The twelve (fall and spring) and ten (summer) week summer internships include housing, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a stipend of $3750 for semester participants and $2500 for summer interns.

The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program offers exceptional Latino graduates and young professionals unparalleled exposure to experience in the underserved public policy areas of health, housing, law, international affairs, and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The fellowship is open to applicants with a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution or equivalent three years professional experience in chosen policy field. This competitive program is comprised of a nine-month fellowship including a substantive work placement at a legislative office, federal agency, national non-profit advocacy organization, or corporate office. The International Affairs Fellowship includes three months abroad in Mexico. Travel, health insurance and a $2,700 monthly stipend is provided. The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program application deadline is February 19, 2010.

CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program, conducted from September to May, provides college graduates with national hands-on public policy experience in a congressional office, federal agency, nonprofit sector, or corporate setting. Fellowship participants are provided with health insurance, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a monthly stipend of $2,200. The Public Policy Fellowship Program application deadline is February 19, 2010.

With more than $2 million in need-based scholarships awarded to Hispanic students since 2001, CHCI’s Scholarship Program is available to students enrolled in a two or four year accredited college or university. Students pursing an associate’s degree may apply for a grant in the amount of $1,000; $2,500 for bachelors candidates; and $5,000 for graduate students. The Scholarship Program application deadline is April 16, 2010.

To be eligible, all program applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have remarkable leadership potential, and have a demonstrated history and commitment to community and public service.

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. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.