Here are the amazing youth empowerment programs that the Armenian National Committee of America offers in Washington DC!
ANCA Youth Empowerment Programs
Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (Recent Grads)
The ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) helps secure permanent employment and professional internships in Washington, DC for young Armenian American professionals and students. The CGP offers free housing, enrichment seminars, mentors, office space, & more! The CGP also offers internship program at the ANCA office in Washington, DC throughout the year.
Winter 2026 CGP Session (January 12 – April 6, 2026) – Application Deadline: December 11, 2025
Spring 2026 CGP Session (April 13 – June 8, 2026) – Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
Fall 2026 CGP Session (September 7 – December 7, 2026) – Application Deadline: July 15, 2026
Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship (University Students)
The 40th Year of the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship program provides student leaders and activists an opportunity to participate in a six-week intensive program designed to give them the tools necessary to effectively advance issues of concern to the Armenian American community on the federal, state, and local level. The Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship runs parallel to this program.
The 40th ANCA Leo Sarkisian / Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Internship Dates: June 15th to July 24th, 2026
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026
University Programs
The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) welcomes students enrolled in university-affiliated Semester-in-Washington programs—such as UCDC to apply for its University Internship Program.
These internships provide students with a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advocacy, public policy, and communications, while advancing issues of importance to the Armenian-American community. The ANCA will collaborate with participating universities to ensure that each internship meets both academic and programmatic requirements.
Applications for the Winter Semester in Washington close on November 27th, 2026 — Thanksgiving Day.
ANCA Rising Leaders (University Students)
ANCA Rising Leaders is a four-day seminar in Washington, DC, offering expert advice on careers in government, development, and media. The program includes the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day – a full day of Capitol Hill discussions with legislators and staff on strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties, supporting Artsakh freedom, and securing justice for the Armenian Genocide.
2026 Rising Leaders Session 1: March 14th to 17th, 2026
2026 Rising Leaders Session 2: March 28th to 31st, 2026
Application Deadline: February 24, 2026
Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy (High School Students)
The Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy is a one-week, intensive program that brings a select group of high school students 16-18 years of age with proven community leadership experience to Washington DC to learn more about the Armenian Cause and how our policy priorities are advanced within the framework of America’s federal government.
Kasparian Summer Academy – Session 1: August 3rd to August 7th of 2026
Kasparian Summer Academy – Session 2: August 10th to August 14th of 2026
Application Deadline: May 17, 2026
