PACE and ADCRI Announce a New Joint Summer Congressional Internship Program
The Project for American Civic Engagement (PACE) and the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee Research Institute (ADCRI) are happy to announce a Summer Congressional Internship Program. This is an exciting opportunity for college students and recent graduates to gain a better understanding of the workings of the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Government. Many Members of Congress and their staff began their careers as interns in U.S. Congressional Offices.
This program is designed to mentor and train youth from underrepresented communities so that they can develop the right skills to launch their careers in government. ADCRI will help match the candidates’ skills with available internships on Capitol Hill.
Candidates must be at least a senior in College or higher with an interest in government, law, public administration, or public policy. They must be in good standing at the Institution at which they study and show a commitment to a rigorous work schedule that will include reading assignments, reports, research and fieldwork. Candidates must also show a long term commitment to working on Capitol Hill. Positions are open to Arab-Americans as well as all Americans with an interest in Middle East politics. Deadline for all applications is March 15, 2010.
PACE was founded by the late Mr. Marwan Burgan to encourage the youth of our communities to be more active and involved in Government. He believed in the power of the American Democratic System, and how it could be a force of good, if people participate in it. Marwan was a Palestinian born in Jordan and later became a U.S. Citizen. After receiving his Masters in Sociology from American University, Marwan worked in Congress from June 1985 – January 1993, first as a foreign policy Legislative Assistant, then Legislative Director, and finally Administrative Assistant (Chief of Staff) in the Washington, DC Office of Congressman Marvyn M. Dymally, a ranking Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.
PACE’s internship program was inspired by Marwan’s journey which proved that by dedication, commitment, and persistent drive, the young generation of leaders can make a difference. As a staffer on Capitol Hill, Marwan contributed to amending the Hate Crimes Act so as to extend prison sentences to cover attacks on mosques & Islamic centers as well as Hindu and Buddhist shrines. He was also able to advocate for an increase in aid to the West Bank & Gaza by over $ 32 million dollars between 1992 and1994. Marwan’s career in Congress demonstrates the important role that a Congressional staffer makes in affecting public policy. Marwan made a difference then! Do you want to make a difference next summer?
If you are interested in applying for the PACE/ADCRI Summer Internship Program, visit the ADC Website www.adc.org. All necessary information as well as the application is posted on the website. For more information or inquiries please contact ADC’s Director of Government Relations Tom Albert albert@adc.org