Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Seeks Outstanding Hispanic Students for Leadership Development Programs

Washington, DC –  Today, Congressman Joe Baca (D-Rialto) announced that applications are now being accepted for Congressional Internship, Fellowship and Scholarship programs through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).  Rep. Baca was elected by his peers to serve as the Chairman of the CHCI, the nation’s premier Hispanic educational and youth leadership development organization, for the current 110th Congress.

“The CHCI’s youth leadership programs are universally recognized for their development of the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Rep. Baca.  “The internships and fellowships they sponsor provide an excellent opportunity for our young people to gain hands-on insight into the policy-making process.”

This year, for the first time, applications for CHCI’s 2008 Congressional Internship, Fellowship, and Scholarship programs are all available online at www.chci.org. 

The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with Congressional placements on Capitol Hill, for a summer period of eight weeks from June to August 2008, and a winter period of twelve weeks from January to April 2009, to learn about our nation’s legislative processes.  Housing, travel, and a $2,500 stipend are all provided.  The application deadline for the Congressional Internship Program is January 31, 2008.  

CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program, conducted from September to May, provides college graduates with national, public policy experience in a congressional office, federal agency, nonprofit sector, or corporate setting.  Travel, healthcare and a $2,200 monthly stipend are all provided.  The application deadline for the Public Policy Fellowship Program is March 1, 2008.     

CHCI’s Scholarship Program is available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a two or four year accredited college or university.  Scholarships are available for students pursuing an associate’s, bachelor, or graduate degree at amounts of $1,000, $2,500, and $5,000.  The application deadline for the Scholarship Program is April 16, 2008.

“There is no greater legacy we can leave behind than what we do for our youth,” added Rep. Baca.  “I am proud of the work CHCI has done and will continue to do to open doors and make dreams come true for aspiring young Hispanics, and I encourage all interested Inland students to apply for these beneficial programs.”

To be eligible, all program applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, have at least a 3.0 GPA in their graduate or undergraduate studies, show leadership potential, and have demonstrated a strong commitment to community and public service.

CHCI was established in 1978 by Congressman Edward Roybal, Congressman E. “Kika” de la Garza and Congressman Baltasar Corrada to help increase opportunities for Hispanics to participate in and contribute to the American policy making process.  Rep. Baca serves as Chairman of both the CHCI and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a group composed of Democratic Members of Congress of Hispanic descent.