The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and The George Washington University (GW) Semester in Washington Politics Program

Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute partners with George Washington University to provide dual-faceted program for academic credit and Congressional work experience

Semester in Washington Program provides undergraduate and graduate students with a strong interest in the U.S. Hispanic community unique insights into public policy

Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) and The George Washington University (GW) Semester in Washington Politics Program seek qualified student candidates from throughout the United States and Puerto Rico to apply for the CHLI Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program for Spring, 2011 Semester in Washington, D.C.

The CHLI Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program is a unique program which seeks to help strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation between the rising generation of leaders and thinkers in the U.S., and corporations with a strong presence in Washington, D.C.

“The CHLI Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program provides outstanding young Americans from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to expand their professional horizons and enhance their understanding of government and business by conducting policy research as well as related professional activities in Washington, D.C.,” said Octavio A. Hinojosa Mier, CHLI Executive Director. “This exciting initiative continues to offer a unique leadership and professional development opportunity for future global leaders.”

Through this semester program, qualified undergraduate and graduate students will have the opportunity to spend 12-15 weeks in the fall and spring semesters working closely with Congress and corporations in Washington, D.C. Students will also take classes on applied politics at The George Washington University for which they can receive up to six academic credit hours.

“GW’s partnership with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute allows students to earn academic credit through the university and participate in professional internships in the nation’s capital,” said Greg Lebel, director of Semester in Washington Politics at GW. “The breadth of experiences and perspectives to which students are exposed only enhances the value of their academic experience here at GW. We are proud to join the leaders of CHLI in this important initiative.”

CHLI Global Leaders Program interns and fellows will perform project-focused assignments that provide hands-on experience and enhance their education. Specifically, the internship provides students with a broad overview of the federal operations of a major corporation. In addition, selected students will have the opportunity to intern with a Congressional office for the first half of the semester and with a corporation the second half of the semester. Compensation for selected interns and fellows includes: round-trip airfare to Washington, D.C., housing, local transportation, books/research expenses, stipend for living expenses, and enrollment at The George Washington University (up to six academic credit hours).

“The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute has played a decisive role in my professional journey. Less than one year after graduating from Florida International University (FIU), I have a full time job in my field of study and have created strong network relationships as a result of my internship. As a recent graduate—during a critical point in my career—CHLI recognized my potential and my desire to strive. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to participate in such holistic and remarkable program. I am proud to be part CHIL’s continued success in empowering the new leaders of the Hispanic community in the US and the world,” said Maria Luque, Spring 2010 CHLI Global Fellow.

To apply for the spring 2011 CHLI Global Leaders Program, visit ww.chli.org. All applications must be postmarked by Monday, November 29, 2010. Spring 2011 program begins January 10, 2011.

The CHLI Global Leaders Internship and Fellowship Program is made possible with the general support of Altria Client Services, The Coca-Cola Company, Comcast Foundation, MillerCoors, Pacific Gas & Electric Corporation, PepsiCo, Southwest Airlines and Verizon among others.

About CHLI:

The Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI, pronounced “chili”) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization, based in Washington, D.C., that advances the diversity of thought in U.S. Hispanic community in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, as well as in the international community. For more information, please visit www.chli.org. You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter (chlinstitute) and LinkedIn.

About The George Washington University:

In the heart of the nation's capital with additional programs in Virginia, the George Washington University was created by an Act of Congress in 1821.  Today, GW is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia.  The university offers comprehensive programs of undergraduate and graduate liberal arts study, as well as degree programs in medicine, public health, law, engineering, education, business and international affairs.  Each year, GW enrolls a diverse population of undergraduate, graduate and professional students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 130 countries.