Armenian Assembly of America
122 C Street, NW, Suite 350
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-393-3434
Fax: 202-638-4904
Email: [email protected]
Web:
PRESS RELEASE
February 4, 2005
CONTACT: Christine Kojoian
Email: [email protected]
ASSEMBLY REACHES OUT TO ARMENIAN YOUTH AT OPPORTUNITY FAIRS
Birthright Armenia Promotes Work, Study Abroad
Washington, DC – In an effort to encourage college students to intern
in Armenia, the Assembly last week participated in a series of unique
opportunity fairs sponsored by Birthright Armenia and aimed at
promoting the importance of work, study and volunteerism in the
homeland.
The fairs, which took place in several major cities across the
U.S. and Canada, brought together for the first time a broad-based
network of organizations and young adults to discuss the plethora of
opportunity available in Armenia. Presenters included the ACYOA, the
Armenia Tree Project, the Armenian Volunteer Corps, the Armenian Youth
Federation, the Fund for Armenian Relief, Habitat for Humanity and
Land and Culture Organization.
“Our objective was to serve as the catalyst for these fairs in the
hopes that together, we can create a sustainable bridge between the
Diasporan youth and Armenia,” said Edele Hovnanian, Birthright Armenia
founder and Assembly Board of Directors Member. “By supporting those
organizations that offer youth programs in Armenia, we hope to make it
easier for even greater numbers of Diasporans to experience Armenia
and participate in its development.”
Intern Program Manager Alex Karapetian, who represented the Assembly
at fairs in Boston, New York and Washington, discussed the benefits of
interning in Armenia through the Assembly. The program, now in its
sixth year, offers college-aged students the chance to work in
Armenian government agencies, such as the Ministries of Finance and
Foreign Affairs. The eight-week summer internship is also designed to
include meetings with government and non-governmental officials, as
well as cultural and social opportunities.
Those applicants who are accepted to the Assembly’s internship program
in Armenia can apply to Birthright Armenia to have their travel
expenses covered in exchange for community service and other
requirements as determined by Birthright Armenia.
The Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness
of Armenian issues. It is a 501 (c) (3) tax-exempt membership
organization.
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Photograph available on the Assembly’s Web site at the following link:
CAPTION: L to R: Armenian Assembly Intern Program Manager Alex
Karapetian, Birthright Armenia Executive Director Linda Yepoyan and
Assembly Intern Alum Christopher Babayan during an opportunity fair in
Boston, MA on January 21.