LOS ANGELES, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region (ANCA-WR) recently wrapped up its Annual Summer Internship Program, which took place at the regional offices in Glendale, CA.

The internship program is an opportunity for Armenian American youth to gain the experience of grassroots community outreach by working on a variety of issues of concern to Armenian American communities such as increasing Armenian American political activism at the local level and developing economic links between California and the Republic of Armenia.

“This internship allows us to further advance our grassroots efforts in the Armenian American communities. Having the opportunity to help the youth perfect its grassroots and advocacy skills will ensure that the Armenian Cause will continue to advance,” said ANCA-WR Board member Leonard Manoukian.

This year’s interns were chosen from a large pool of young Armenian American community-leaders and activists. Through the extensive application process completed by the ANCA-WR Executive Board, Kaiane Habeshian and Shant Krikorian were selected for the six-week program.

Kaiane Habeshian, a resident of Waltham, MA, is in her second year at Brandeis University in Massachusetts where she plans on double majoring in Biology and Spanish. She is currently playing a key role in establishing an Armenian Student Association at her university.

Shant Krikorian who is a resident of Glendale, CA is in his first year at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). He has grown up as an active member of the Armenian American community, having been a Patrol Leader in the Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter’s Scouting Division. He was also most recently a board member of the Transnational Council of the European Union Center of California.

The ANCA is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian-American community on a broad range of issues.