The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region announced today it will begin accepting applications for the fall session of its internship program. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 18, 2014. Interested individuals may apply online at www.ancawr.org/internship.

“Working as an intern for the ANCA Western Region office challenged me to become a more engaged and informed participant of the Armenian community. It was a wonderful experience that both surpassed my expectations and bolstered my pride to be an Armenian. Having the opportunity to plan landmark events such as the 2013 ANCA Grassroots conference and gala also helped me decide that I wanted to aid this organization on a national level by serving as a Leo Sarkisian intern in Washington, D.C.” said fall intern Alina Sarkissian

As part of the 13 week program, interns will work directly with the Executive Director, ANCA-WR staff, and with the various committees that the ANCA-WR comprises and will gain experience in non-profit management, government affairs, community organizing and education, media relations, and planning and executing events.

In addition to individual and joint projects, interns will participate in workshops featuring a variety of guest speakers including public officials, ANCA leadership, and specialists from the community. In successfully completing all internship program requirements, participants may receive school credit.

“My involvement with ANCA has opened more doors for me than I would have ever expected. I was only sixteen when I first walked into the ANCA Glendale office as an inexperienced and shy intern. At a very young age, I met elected officials and community leaders, worked on several projects with my internship class, and made lifelong friends. My internship was a life changing experience. Since then, I have worked on several local political campaigns and worked as staff for ANCA Western Region. I currently serve as the Campaign Coordinator for Anthony Potantino’s State Senate campaign,” said former intern Ani Nazaryan.

The fall session of the internship program will run from September 8, 2014 to December 12, 2014. Applicants must be between 17 and 23 and be able to devote at least 20 hours a week to the program. Applications must be submitted online by August 18, 2014 to be considered.

For more information about the 2014 Fall Session of the ANCA-WR Internship Program, e-mail the program coordinator at elen@ancawr.org or call 818.500.1918. To read about some of the experiences and reflections of former interns, visit http://ancawrold.wpengine.com.

Established in Summer 2006, the ANCA Western Region Internship Program is a selective part-time leadership program, which introduces high school seniors, college students, and recent college graduates to all aspects of the public affairs arena. The program provides an opportunity for student leaders and activists to gain an in-depth understanding of the American political system, Armenian-American issues and advocacy efforts on the local, state and federal levels.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.
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