WASHINGTON, DC - The Armenian Assembly of America announced last week that it is now accepting applications for its 2001 Washington, DC Summer Internship Program. Effective immediately, college students of Armenian descent who have completed at least two years of full-time study at an accredited college or university may apply.

The Assembly gives undergraduates of upper-class standing and graduate students an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill, in government offices, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, public relations firms, the Armenian Embassy, the Armenian Assembly and the Armenian National Institute.

Now in its twenty-fourth year, the Armenian Assembly Summer Internship Program combines summer employment in Washington, DC with a full schedule of educational, cultural and social activities. Those students selected by the Assembly are placed in internships based on their educational background and work experience. Interns meet with members of Congress, policy makers, noted academics and media personalities to learn more about the US-Armenia relationship and developments in Armenia.

"The Congressional experience has not only given me the initiative to pursue a career in international relations, but has further secured my commitment to help my people achieve their goals. As a member of the Armenian Assembly of America, I feel privileged to be able to help in the revival of our homeland," said Luder T. Sahagian, Class of 2000, who interned for Congressman John Olver (D-MA).

"As a former intern and now an employee of the Armenian Assembly of America, I found the Summer Internship Program to be an amazing opportunity for Armenian-American youth to gain the unique experience of working in the most powerful and prestigious city in the world," said Internship Program Director Sarin Hacatoryan. "I forged lifelong friendships with fellow Armenian youth. The summer spent in Washington was the best time of my life!"

Those interested in applying for an internship through the Armenian Assembly's Summer Internship Program may call Sarin Hacatoryan at (202) 393-3434, apply online at http://www.aaainc.org/, or write to the Armenian Assembly of America, 122 C Street, NW, Suite 350, Washington, DC, 20001.

Internship Program alumni interested in applying for the Intern Coordinator position should contact Hacatoryan. Responsibilities include organizing all aspects of the intern program, including advising interns on matters of employment, housing, transportation and supervising social activities. The Intern Program Coordinator is given free summer housing and a monthly stipend.

The Armenian Assembly of America is a nationwide, nonprofit, membership organization, which promotes public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues.