GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced this week the opening of the application period for the 2005 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC. This year marks the 21st anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship program, which is considered to be one of the best Armenian American programs of its kind.

Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkisian, the eight-week intensive public affairs internship brings together numerous young Armenian Americans from across the country to gain first-hand experience in the American political system, while working on issues of concern to the Armenian American community. In addition to working at the ANCA national headquarters, just blocks away from the White House, interns also participate in a bi-weekly lecture series featuring a wide variety of guest speakers, including US government officials and Armenian American leaders and professionals from various fields. Interns are also exposed to legislative offices and meetings with national figures as part of the ANCA’s on-going advocacy work on behalf of the Armenian American community.

“The ANCA internship program is truly a unique opportunity for young Armenian Americans to gain an insider’s perspective of the intricate and complex political world in Washington, DC, while at the same time, gaining a fresh understanding of the current issues facing the Armenian American community,” explained Steven Dadaian, Chairman of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors. “The lecture series and Washington’s stimulating professional and social environment allow interns to spend an enriching and fun summer working to advance the Armenian Cause,” stated Dadaian.

The 2005 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 20 and run through August 12 this year. Applications for the internship are available on the ANCA website, through the ANCA-WR headquarters, as well as other community outlets. Applications must be postmarked by March 31 to be considered for the 2005 program.

For more information, or to request applications, please contact the ANCA-WR headquarters at 818.500.1918 or at ancawr@anca.org.