GLENDALE— The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) announced this week the opening of the application period for the 2002 ANCA Leo Sarkissian Internship Program in Washington, DC. This year marks the 16th anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship program, which is considered to be one of the oldest Armenian American programs of its kind.

Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkissian, the six-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 diverse guest speakers, including US government officials and Armenian American leaders. 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 on how intricate and complex the political world in Washington, DC is, while at the same time, gaining a fresh understanding of the current issues facing the Armenian American community,” explained Alex Sardar, ANCA-WR Executive Director. “Also, 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.”

The 2001 Leo Sarkissian Internship program will commence on June 24, 2002 and will run through August 2, 2002. Applications for the internship are now available through the ANCA – WR headquarters, as well as other community outlets. Application postmark deadline is March 11, 2002.

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. The ANCA actively advances a broad range of issues of concern to the Armenian-American community.