WASHINGTON, DC – University of Michigan Armenian American students learned about career and internship opportunities in the nation’s capital, last week, during a special presentation by Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Capital Gateway Director Serouj Aprahamian, organized by the University of Michigan Armenian Students Cultural Association (ASCA).

The April 1st presentation was part of the ANCA’s ongoing effort to promote public service careers in government and the media on campuses across the United States. Aprahamian, a 2004 Capital Gateway program alumnus himself, gave personal insight on a wide variety of options available to students in Washington DC and how the Program helps individuals take advantage of those opportunities.

“Living and working in DC is an invaluable experience – no matter what field you’re in,” said Aprahamian. “Not only does the city offer great career opportunities, but it also allows you to get directly involved in the public policy issues which matter the most to our community.”

Student reaction to Aprahamian’s presentation was enthusiastic with many seriously considering internship and career prospects in Washington, DC for the first time. After giving the students a brief overview of the Capital Gateway Program, Aprahamian screened a short documentary featuring past participants and highlighting the main components of this unique program. The talk concluded with Aprahamian leading a lively question and answer session with several students submitting their applications on the spot.

“Mr. Aprahamian’s presentation really gave us a sense of the wide range of opportunities there are for students and recent graduates in Washington DC,” said ASCA member Lily Papakhian. “It is great to know that there are initiatives out there – like the ANCA Capital Gateway Program – that can help students explore those options.”

The Capital Gateway Program has been opening up doors for young people interested in pursuing careers in politics and public policy since 2003. Upon acceptance, Gateway Fellows receive three months of free housing, personalized job search training, and an introduction to the ANCA’s vast network of resources and contacts in Washington, DC. To date, more than 40 participants in the program have obtained positions in various fields including Capitol Hill, government affairs, lobbying, media, consulting, advocacy and political marketing.

Established through a generous donation from the Cafesjian Family Foundation, the Capital Gateway Program, over the years, has benefited tremendously from the generosity of donors committed to creating public service opportunities for young Armenian Americans. The leading financial contributor to the Program has been the family of Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a 23-year old youth leader and community activist from Fresno, California, who lost his life in 2004 in a tragic car accident. His family established the Hovig Apo Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory. Substantial support has also been provided by longtime ANCA benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Frank and Barbara Hekimian and the Armenian American Veterans Post of Milford, Massachusetts (AAVO).

To download an application or gain more information on the opportunities available through the ANCA’s Capital Gateway Program, please visit www.anca.org and click on the “Capital Gateway” link, or call (202) 775-1918.

Photo Caption [DSCF0353.jpg] – Members of the University of Michigan Armenian Student Cultural Association gather with ANCA Capital Gateway Program director, Serouj Aprahamian.