GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced this week the opening of the application period for the 2006 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC. This year marks the 22nd 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 community. In addition to working at the ANCA national headquarters, just blocks away from the White House, interns also participate in a twice-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 ongoing 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 2006 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 19 and run through August 11. Applications for the internship are available on the ANCA website at www.anca.org and through the ANCA-WR headquarters. Applications must be postmarked by March 31 to be considered for the 2006 program. Applications will be reviewed and those deemed qualified will be invited for an interview before final selections are made in May 2006.

“The ANCA internship solidified my understanding of how Washington operates and how the Armenian Cause can be advanced through the political process,” said 1999 ANCA Leo Sarkisian intern Kris Demirjian. “It was the most fun I have had doing serious work,” commented Demirjian, who is currently completing his law degree.

For more information, or to request applications, please contact the ANCA–WR headquarters at (818) 500-1918 or at ancawr@anca.org.

The Armenian National Committee of America (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.