Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Named Top Twenty Leadership Program for Latinos

 Education   Tue, December 15, 2009 09:48 AM
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Washington, DC – The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) leadership development programs were recently recognized as one of the top twenty leadership programs for Latinos in the nation by Latino Leaders magazine.  The designation was awarded in the category “For Students and Recent Graduates.”

“CHCI is honored to be recognized for the great work it does to create a pipeline of successful Latino leaders for America’s workforce,” said Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez, CHCI Chair.  “For 32 years CHCI’s programs have developed leaders and opened the doors of opportunity for young Latinos.  As the Latino population grows to one in four Americans in 2030, it is critical that we are prepared to be leaders in all sectors of society.”

CHCI has developed more than 1,000 young leaders through its fellowship and internship programs.  CHCI Alumni currently work in the Obama White House, with several also serving in key administration positions.  CHCI’s 2009-2010 class of Fellows has four individuals working in the White House, with several others working in Congress.

“CHCI’s leadership programs are increasingly necessary as our youth population grows and Latinos become an even greater part of the workforce,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President & CEO.  “We have received more than 20,000 applications for our programs over the last two years and it is imperative that programs like ours meet the challenge to ensure our nation’s prosperity into the future.”

In a 2009 CHCI Alumni Impact Study, more than 75 percent of respondents stated that CHCI programs improved their leadership skills and 78 percent said they would not be where they are without their CHCI experience.

CHCI programs include:

Public Policy Fellowship
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship seeks to enhance participants' leadership abilities, strengthen professional skills and ultimately produces more competent and competitive Latino professionals in public policy areas.

Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship

Similar to the Public Policy Fellowship Program, this program offers exceptional Latinos who have a master's degree or higher unparalleled exposure to hands-on experience in the public policy areas of health, housing, international affairs (includes three months abroad in Mexico), law, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math).

Congressional Internship Program
The Congressional Internship Program (CIP) exposes young Latinos to the legislative process and strengthens their professional and leadership skills, ultimately promoting the presence of Latinos on Capitol Hill.  Through a partnership with Walmart, CHCI is expanding the CIP from a summer program to three sessions per year, tripling the number of students.

Ready to Lead (R2L) Program
CHCI's Ready to Lead (R2L) trains Latino high school students to enter post-secondary education by providing them with college-admission and financial-aid information, motivating them to complete high school, empowering them to serve and lead in their communities, and instilling a belief that a college education is achievable.

CHCI Scholarship Program                                       
CHCI's scholarship opportunities are afforded to Latino students in the United States who have a history of performing public service-oriented activities in their communities and who demonstrate a desire to continue their civic engagement in the future.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

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

 

CONTACT:
Scott Gunderson Rosa
(202) 548-5876
sgunderson_rosa@chci.org

 
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