Washington, DC - Now in its 33rd year, the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program in Washington, D.C. offers a rewarding and unique experience to students of Armenian descent. Like the hundreds before them, in June, a group of talented Armenian-American college students arrived in the nation's capital to jump start their careers by working in various government offices, think tanks, media outlets and cultural institutions.

Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Interns meet with Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) 

During their first few weeks in Washington, D.C. the Class of 2010 met with Armenian Genocide resolution sponsor Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), attended several lectures and briefings by Mark Krikorian, the Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies; Kathyrn Porter, President of the Human Rights Alliance, Dr. Rouben Adalian, Director of the Armenian National Institute, as well as a briefing and tour at the U.S. Department of State.

"The Assembly's internship program is without a doubt a fantastic opportunity and an experience of a lifetime," stated Paul K. Strauch from Berkeley, California and interning for Armenian Caucus Co-Chair Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ).   

In the coming weeks, the group will meet with Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ), Jackie Speier (D-CA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) among others. Participants will also meet with Armenia's Ambassador to the United States, His Excellency Tatoul Markarian. Tours of local institutions, including the Bureau of Engraving and Printing as well as the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum will round out the summer. 

Meanwhile, participants of the Assembly's 2010 Armenia program are spending the summer interning at various governmental offices and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Like their counterparts in the U.S., students participating in the Yerevan summer internship program have a busy schedule, including meetings with senior government officials and other prominent individuals to gain a better understanding of the social, economic and political development of Armenia.

This year's Armenia program is comprised of 5 students. Representing California are participants Aram Kavoukjian, Diana Oganesyan and Anush Petrosyan; joining from Massachusetts and Washington respectively are Aram Bedrosian and Gaya Baloyan.

For the first time, Assembly participants Aram Kavoukjian from Loyola Marymount University and Diana Oganesyan from University of California, Berkeley are interning with the Armenian Development Agency (ADA). The ADA was established in 1998 by the government of Armenia to facilitate foreign direct investments and promote exports. In addition, Aram and Diana are also volunteering at "Orran", the center for socially vulnerable children.

Aram Bedrosian from Fairleigh Dickinson University and Gaya Baloyan, a Seattle Pacific University graduate, are interning for the Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS). In addition, Aram is participating at the Fuller Center for Housing Armenia's working trips to villages.

Anush Petrosyan from Glendale Community College is interning with the Ministry of Diaspora and is also spending part of her time with the Armenian UN Association.

Assembly Yerevan Interns with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II 

Interns have visited the museums of Yerevan; traveled to Lori, Shirak and Tavush provinces; and toured Etchmiadzin, where they met with His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II.   Participants also had the opportunity to meet with Retired CEO/Chairman of the Board of Intel Corporation Dr. Craig Barrett. 

On the lighter side, the intern group celebrated Armenia's Constitution Day on the top of Mount Aragats and enjoyed a performance by the Armenian State Dance Ensemble. The class is currently looking forward to their upcoming trip to Karabakh.

Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny applauded the success of both internship programs. "For more than three decades, with well over 900 college-age students from virtually every state and eight countries, the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program in Washington has cultivated the next generation of leaders. The Assembly pioneering internships represent one of the organization's flagship programs that would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our donors and members." 

You can keep up with the Assembly's Washington, D.C. interns by following their blog: http://aaainternship2010.blogspot.com/ 

You can keep up with the Assembly's Yerevan interns by following their blog: http://sipaaa.blogspot.com/

Established in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of Armenian issues. The Assembly is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt membership organization. 

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