The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) has received a new $1 million grant from Walmart to continue the fall and spring semesters of its award-winning Congressional Internship Program (CIP) through 2015. Â Walmart’s $1 million donation in 2009 allowed CHCI to expand its traditional summer program to conduct three internship sessions each year, effectively doubling the reach of the internship program. Â Since the program’s expansion, 55 CHCI Walmart Congressional interns have benefited from this life-changing experience.
CHCI’s CIP places college undergraduates in Congressional offices where they are responsible for conducting extensive legislative research, monitoring day-to-day hearings, managing constituent communications, and assisting with general office matters. Â Additionally, interns participate in weekly CHCI leadership and professional development sessions and meet with corporate representatives, national elected officials, and foreign dignitaries. Â Interns are provided with housing, roundtrip transportation to and from Washington, D.C., and a stipend.
“My participation in the first-ever CHCI Walmart Internship class in Spring 2010 transformed my life. I am honored to have the opportunity to work in Congress and contribute to the legislative process on behalf of my community,” said Victor Baten, staff assistant, Office of Rep. Judy Chu (CA-32). Â “The CHCI internship gave me direct access to a powerful network and guided me on a career path that will allow me to grow into a future leader and impact public policy for many years to come.”