Armenian National Committee of America
1711 N Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
Tel. (202) 775-1918
Fax. (202) 775-5648
Email [email protected]
Internet
PRESS RELEASE
April 8, 2008
Contact: Elizabeth S. Chouldjian
Tel: (202) 775-1918
ANCA CAPITAL GATEWAY DIRECTOR URGES UNIV. OF MICHIGAN STUDENTS TO
EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES IN WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON, DC – University of Michigan Armenian American students
learned about career and internship opportunities in the nation’s
capital, last week, during a special presentation by Armenian
National Committee of America (ANCA) Capital Gateway Director
Serouj Aprahamian, organized by the University of Michigan Armenian
Students Cultural Association (ASCA).
The April 1st presentation was part of the ANCA’s ongoing effort to
promote public service careers in government and the media on
campuses across the United States. Aprahamian, a 2004 Capital
Gateway program alumnus himself, gave personal insight on a wide
variety of options available to students in Washington DC and how
the Program helps individuals take advantage of those
opportunities.
"Living and working in DC is an invaluable experience – no matter
what field you’re in," said Aprahamian. "Not only does the city
offer great career opportunities, but it also allows you to get
directly involved in the public policy issues which matter the most
to our community."
Student reaction to Aprahamian’s presentation was enthusiastic with
many seriously considering internship and career prospects in
Washington, DC for the first time. After giving the students a
brief overview of the Capital Gateway Program, Aprahamian screened
a short documentary featuring past participants and highlighting
the main components of this unique program. The talk concluded
with Aprahamian leading a lively question and answer session with
several students submitting their applications on the spot.
"Aprahamian’s presentation really gave us a sense of the wide
range of opportunities there are for students and recent graduates
in Washington DC," said ASCA member Lily Papakhian. "It is great
to know that there are initiatives out there – like the ANCA
Capital Gateway Program – that can help students explore those
options."
The Capital Gateway Program has been opening up doors for young
people interested in pursuing careers in politics and public policy
since 2003. Upon acceptance, Gateway Fellows receive three months
of free housing, personalized job search training, and an
introduction to the ANCA’s vast network of resources and contacts
in Washington, DC. To date, more than 40 participants in the
program have obtained positions in various fields including Capitol
Hill, government affairs, lobbying, media, consulting, advocacy and
political marketing.
Established through a generous donation from the Cafesjian Family
Foundation, the Capital Gateway Program, over the years, has
benefited tremendously from the support of donors committed to
creating public service opportunities for young Armenian Americans.
The leading financial contributor to the Program has been the
family of Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a 23-year old youth leader and
community activist from Fresno, California, who lost his life in
2004 in a tragic car accident. His family established the Hovig Apo
Saghdejian Memorial Fund in his memory. Substantial support has
also been provided by longtime ANCA benefactors Mr. and Mrs. Frank
and Barbara Hekimian and the Armenian American Veterans Post of
Milford, Massachusetts (AAVO).
To download an application or gain more information on the
opportunities available through the ANCA’s Capital Gateway Program,
please visit and click on the "Capital Gateway" link,
or call (202) 775-1918.
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Photo Caption – Members of the University of
Michigan Armenian Student Cultural Association gather with ANCA
Capital Gateway Program director, Serouj Aprahamian.