Rep Pastor: Hispanic Caucus Fellowships, Scholarships Available

Online applications at www.chci.org

WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation's premier Hispanic educational and youth leadership development organization, are encouraging undergraduate and graduate students to appy for nationally recognized youth development leadership programs and scholarships. For the first time, applications for CHCI's 2008 Public Policy Fellowship, Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship, and Scholarship Programs are now available online at www.chci.org.

CHCI's Public Policy Fellowship Program, conducted from September to May, provides college graduates with national, hands-on public policy experience in a congressional office, federal agency, nonprofit sector, or corporate setting. Travel, healthcare and a $2,200 monthly stipend are provided. The Public Policy Fellowship Program application deadline is March 1, 2008.

CHCI has expanded its fellowship program for graduates and young professionals. This program offers exceptional Latino graduates and young professionals unparalleled exposure to experience in the underserved public policy areas of health, housing, law, and international affairs. The fellowship is open to applicants with a graduate degree from an accredited educational institution or equivalent three years professional experience in chosen policy field. This competitive program is comprised of a nine-month fellowship including a substantive work placement at a legislative subcommittee office, federal agency, national non-profit advocacy organization, or corporate office. The International Affairs Fellowship includes three months abroad in Mexico or Spain from May to July. Travel, health insurance and a $2,700 monthly stipend are provided. The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program application deadline is March 1, 2008.

CHCI's Scholarship Program is available to undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a two- to four-year accredited college or university. Students pursuing an associate's degree may apply for a grant in the amount of $1,000; $2,500 for bachelors candidates; $5,000 for graduate students. The Scholarship Program application deadline is April 16, 2008.To be eligible, all program applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, be a graduate or undergraduate student with a 3.0 GPA, have remarkable leadership potential, and have demonstrated a vast history and commitment to community and public service.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders and corporate executives. For more information call CHCI at (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.