GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting applications for the 2007 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program in Washington, DC.

This year marks the 23rd anniversary of this competitive and prestigious internship program, which is considered to be one of the best programs of its kind for Armenian American students. Named after long-time ANCA activist Leo Sarkisian, the eight-week intensive program 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.

“The Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program provides young adults with a valuable experience that cannot be attained with any other internship,” said Pattyl Aposhian Kasparian. “It’s a unique opportunity to work for the Armenian cause in the nation’s capital while creating life-long friendships,” explained Pattyl Aposhian-Kasparian, ANCA-WR Board member and past Leo Sarkisian Intern.

In addition to working at the ANCA national headquarters, just blocks away from the White House, Leo Sarkisian interns participate in bi-weekly lecture series featuring a variety of guest speakers, including public officials and Armenian American leaders from various professions. Interns are also exposed to legislative offices and participate in meetings with prominent political officials as part of the ANCA’s on-going advocacy work.

“It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Vache Thomassian, 2006 ANCA Leo Sarkisian intern. “Working alongside the dedicated staff of the ANCA, I learned about the inner workings of the U.S. government and applied this knowledge on a daily basis.”

The 2007 Leo Sarkisian Internship program will begin on June 18 and run through August 10th. Applications for the internship are available through the ANCA website at http://anca.org, click on the Capital Gateway link. Applications must be postmarked by March 1st to be considered for the 2007 program. After applications are reviewed, those deemed qualified will be invited for an interview before final selections are made in May 2007.

For more information, or to request applications, please contact the ANCA–WR headquarters at (818) 500-1918 or by emailing us 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.