The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s premier Hispanic educational and youth leadership development organization, is recruiting Hispanic students – college-bound, undergraduate and graduate – for its leadership development programs that were recognized in 2009 as one of the Top Twenty Leadership Programs for Latinos by Latino Leaders magazine.

   Applications for CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program, Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program, Public Policy Fellowship Program, and Scholarship Program are available now at www.CHCI.org.

   “For almost three decades, CHCI has made a difference in the lives of young Hispanics – providing unparalleled, hands-on work experience and a national competitive edge,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President and CEO. “CHCI continues to meet the demands of a growing Latino youth population through innovative leadership development opportunities that prepare the next generation of Latino youth and our nation’s future leaders.”

   The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with Congressional work placements on Capitol Hill to learn first-hand about our nation’s legislative processes. 

   The Congressional Internship Program application deadlines are: Summer 2010 semester: February 5, 2010; Fall 2010 semester: April 30, 2010 

   The twelve (fall and spring) and ten (summer) week summer internships include housing, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a stipend of $3,750 for semester participants and $2,500 for summer interns.

   The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program is comprised of a nine-month fellowship including a substantive work placement at a congressional office or federal agency. The International Affairs Fellowship includes three months abroad in Mexico. Travel, health insurance and a $2,700 monthly stipend is provided. The Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship Program application deadline is February 19, 2010.

   CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program participants are provided with health insurance, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a monthly stipend of $2,200. The Public Policy Fellowship Program application deadline is February 19, 2010. 

CHCI’s Scholarship Program the Scholarship Program application deadline is April 16.