Washington, D.C. – The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) has announced applications for its 2009 undergraduate Summer Internship Program will be available at the beginning of December. The application form is available at www.apaics.org. The deadline is January 31, 2009. There will be no extensions.

Each year, APAICS selects undergraduate students for a first-hand learning experience in American politics and policies. Interns work in congressional offices, federal agencies, or non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C. Last summer some of the interns were placed in the offices in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Courts, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, and the International Trade Administration. Through a series of seminars, interns learn about national Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) advocacy organizations and network with peers from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI). The CBCF, CHCI and APAICS are known as the Tri-Caucus Organizations. There were almost 90 summer interns working representing the three groups. Last year, the Tri-Caucus Organization sponsored a Youth Summit for all their summer interns focusing on the power of the Youth Vote.

The APAICS Summer Internship Program encourages the political and civic involvement of young Asian Pacific Islander Americans, fosters their interest in careers in politics and public policy, and develops their leadership skills.

Some comments from APAICS’ 2008 Summer Interns: Stephen Kim remembered what former Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta said when he addressed APAICS’ summer interns at a luncheon: “Work hard in everything you do. Setting personal goals is important, but do not be sidetracked by glamour or accomplishments. Take each step individually and work your hardest with each task. That will ensure a successful career and will dictate the steps you will take in the future.” Kim said that “it is so important to excel at your current task, whether it is as a student or an intern, because making the most of an opportunity is the most effective way to learn.”

Collin Siu found that networking and social contacts in the Washington area are very important. Especially learning from APAICS staff, who have retired from “government and have dedicated their careers to (helping) young Asian Pacific Americans like me is very inspiring.”

Angeline Vuong was the first Asian American to work in the Office of the Majority Whip Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-SC). In an informal conversation with APAICS summer interns, Congressman Clyburn “offered a lot of outlook on how we as future leaders could advance the causes of APAs in the political atmosphere and how to work and champion for others’ rights as well…. This was another great experience and reaffirmed my belief in the American dream, especially after I was able to talk to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), and former Secretary of State Colin Powell. It was a nice change to meet such high-ranking officials with such humbling experiences.”

APAICS’ President and CEO William H. (Mo) Marumoto said that the 2009 Summer Interns will receive a stipend and start their program from June 8 to July 31, 2009. The interns are selected from across the country and from private as well as public institutions. Each group of interns reflects the ethnic diversity of the Asian Pacific Islander American community. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in public service and Asian Pacific Islander American affairs.

Undergraduates including those graduating the Spring of 2009 are also eligible. Applications can be downloaded from the APAICS’ website at www.apaics.org. You may also call 202/296-9200 or email apaics@apaics.org for more information.