TUSIAD-US and the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) are pleased to announce that 10 young Turkish Americans and one Azerbaijani American were elected as part of the 2008 Turkish American Capitol Hill Summer Internship Program to intern in Congress this Summer. The students’ internship lasts up to 8 weeks. TUSIAD-US and TCA sponsored five interns each as part of this joint program.
The program is designed as an opportunity for Turkish American students to live and work in Washington, DC and become exposed to U.S. governmental bodies and policymaking processes. TUSIAD-US and TCA, through this program, intend to contribute to the preparation of future Turkish American political leaders, and enhance the participation of the Turkish American community in the American political life. Internship responsibilities in congressional offices usually include monitoring congressional hearings, performing data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and performing other administrative duties. The interns will have opportunities to meet with House and Senate members and engage in dialogue on matters important to Turkish American relations.
TUSIAD-US and TCA hosted a seminar for the interns to learn about institutions in Washington, DC and their contribution to policymaking. The seminar included briefings from the Turkish Embassy, the State Department, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Washington Representative Office, and roundtable discussions with NGO Representatives, Think Tank scholars and the Turkish media.
The 2008 Turkish American Capitol Hill Summer Interns are Eren Akyar (PA), Leman Basak Ari (TX), Reyhan Bilici (CA), Erim Canligil (FL), Elif Selin Cila (MI), Tulin Gurer (CA), Derya Kirca (PA), Yenal Kucuker (NY), Emre Mangir (CA), and Deniz Polat (VA).
In addition to the 10 jointly sponsored interns, TCA has also sponsored an Azerbaijani American student, Ulduoz Berenjforoush (CA).
This is the fifth year that TUSIAD-US has participated in a program to sponsor Turkish American summer interns on the Hill.
The US Representative Office of the Turkish Industry and Business Association (TUSIAD-US) and the Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) are pleased to announce that they are now accepting applications for the “Summer Internship Program”, an up to 8-week internship program for students and recent college graduates to work in Washington at the offices of members of the US Congress and select governmental and non-governmental organizations in the summer of 2009.
TUSIAD-US and TCA will sponsor internships on Capitol Hill as well as at other select governmental and non-governmental organizations. All internships will last up to 8 weeks between June-August 2009. These internships will entail a monthly stipend between $250 and $750, based on the needs of the intern. No other costs will be covered by TUSIAD-US and TCA.
The program will provide an opportunity for Turkish-American students to live and work in Washington DC and become exposed to U.S. governmental bodies and policy-making processes. TUSIAD-US and TCA, through this program, intend to contribute to the preparation of future Turkish American political leaders, and enhance the participation of the Turkish American community in the American political life. Internship responsibilities in congressional offices usually include monitoring congressional hearings, performing data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and performing other administrative duties. At governmental and non-governmental organizations, it entails issue research, project assistance and other administrative duties.
The “Summer Internship Program” will provide opportunities for interns to meet with House and Senate members and engage in dialogue on matters important to Turkish American relations. Interns will attend an orientation at the beginning of their internship program and exchange ideas and experiences throughout their stay in Washington D.C. with the program organizers and each other. During this eight-week period, program participants will have the opportunity to attend intellectual, social and cultural events, such as meetings at think-tanks, congressional hearings, events at the Turkish Embassy and sightseeing tours of Washington D.C. monuments and museums.
At the conclusion of the program, interns will be required to present a short report evaluating their internship experience, together with recommendations to improve the program, and to remain generally engaged within the Turkish American community.
Requirements for application include:
1. Being an American citizen of Turkish descent
2. Relevant educational background and maturity
3. Excellent communication and writing skills
4. Past interest and experience in community and public service
How to Apply:
Applicants must submit the Application Form with most recent CV and a one-page cover letter explaining their interest in this internship and how they plan to use the experience gained.
Please Click Here to Download the Application Form
Applicants who have already secured an internship at a Congressional office through their own means will be given priority.
Applications should be e-mailed to Liam Hardy (Lhardy@tusiad.us).
Deadline for applications is January 16, 2009. The placement of interns will be decided by TUSIAD-US and TCA.
Applicants are expected to be informed of the details of their specific appointments by mid-April of 2009.
For further information, you may contact:
Liam Hardy
Phone: (202) 776-7770
Fax: (202) 776-7771
e-mail: Lhardy@tusiad.us