WATERTOWN, MA – The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region (ANCA ER) is accepting applications for the ANCA 2003 Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program, which places interns in the Washington, DC office of the Armenian National Committee of America, and the Watertown, Massachusetts Eastern Region headquarters. The program is open to college and university students at least 18 years of age.

During the Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship, which begins in late June, interns are involved in a wide variety of projects determined in part by their own interests and goals. Participation in the program entails working on specific ANCA projects, conducting research, attending press conferences, writing reports, participating in open lecture forums, and meeting with Members of Congress and Administration officials. Lecture topics range from discussion of Armenian foreign policy issues to hands-on seminars geared toward developing key communication and writing skills.

“For two decades, the ANCA internship program has proved to be a valuable experience for college-aged students. Interns are given an opportunity to gain practical experience within the American political system and work with mass media, human rights, and non-governmental organizations,” commented Sharistan Ardhaldjian, Chairperson of the ANCA ER. “Interns not only gain valuable skills, but they also learn a great deal about issues of special concern to Armenian Americans and current events in Armenia and Karabagh.”

“We are pleased to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for future community leaders to learn and experience working with the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots organization,” concluded Ardhaldjian.

The internship appointments are full-time positions. Interns are provided housing and a nominal stipend. Application packets may be requested by contacting the ANCA ER (Tel: 617-923-1918; Fax: 617-926-5525; ancaer@anca.org; 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, 02472). The ANCA Eastern Region office must receive applications no later than Friday, March 31, 2002.

The Armenian National Committee of America 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.

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