GLENDALE—The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region announced today that it will begin accepting applications for the Spring session of its internship program. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, January 4, 2016 at 5:00PM. Interested individuals may apply online at ancawr.org/internship.

“My experience with the ANCA WR Internship has been unforgettable and truly inspirational. It has helped me grow as an individual and has taught me the importance of participating in the Armenian community. It was motivational to organize and take part in the ANCA Grassroots Conference which involved more than 600 community leaders and members. I’m am honored to have had the opportunity to work with individuals that are passionate and dedicated to furthering the Armenian cause. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the ANCA long after my internship comes to an end,” stated 2015 ANCA WR Fall Intern Alyssa Dermenjian.

As part of the program, interns will learn the nuts and bolts of community organizing through weekly workshops and lectures with community leaders, assignments ranging from assisting organizational committees that implement policy, programs and events to registering community members to vote and working with local chapters on issues that affect the Armenian-American community.

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.

“The ANCA WR Internship has truly been a remarkable, inspiring, and fulfilling experience. I have always wanted to be a part of the ANCA and make a difference in the Armenian community and this internship felt like a huge stepping stone towards that goal. The friendships and bonds I created within the organization will last me a lifetime. Reflecting upon my experience as a fall intern, I highly recommend this internship to anyone yearning to do their part in benefitting our Cause,” noted 2015 ANCA WR Fall Intern Diana Dzheragyan.

The spring session of the internship program will run from January 18, 2016 to May 13, 2016. 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 January 4, 2016 to be considered.

“Through my participation in the ANCA Western Region Summer Internship, I grew personally and professionally.The projects and workshops I was engulfed in amplified my pride as an Armenian living within the diaspora and strengthened my identity. The benefits of partaking in events such as our trip to Sacramento challenged me professionally, as I met with elected officials and advocated on behalf of a renowned organization and my community in Los Angeles. The ANCA Western Region Internship not only provided me with multiple resources for success but also challenged me in ways which contributed to my professional development,” noted 2015 summer intern Sarin Keosian.

For more information about the 2016 Spring Session of the ANCA-WR Internship Program, e-mail the program coordinator at elen@ancawr.org or call 818.500.1919. To read about some of the experiences and reflections of former interns, visit ancawr.org.

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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