Norcross, GA Student Walks the Halls of Congress
CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program Provides College Student with Capitol Hill Experience

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 26, 2007) – Topacio Cruz of Norcross, GA, and a student at John Hopkins University, is developing leadership skills and gaining political insight first-hand through the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) Congressional Internship Program. As the nation’s premier Hispanic youth leadership development and educational organization, CHCI selects 34 university students from across the nation to participate in its nationally recognized and highly competitive internship program each summer.

   “Through this internship, I hope to solidify my identity as a Latina leader,” said Cruz. “I have been active in various Latino organizations at Johns Hopkins University and received the Chester Wickwire Award from the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs for promoting diversity on campus. My experience working on Capitol Hill will further develop my leadership skills.”

   “CHCI is committed to providing programs for Hispanic youth that develop and increase our nation’s pool of talented Hispanic professionals and future leaders,” said Esther Aguilera, CHCI President and CEO. “Our nationally recognized Congressional Internship Program provides exceptional undergraduate students with unmatched public policy experience and leadership training.”

   Cruz serves in the office of Colorado Senator Ken Salazar (D). In addition, she participates in weekly CHCI leadership development sessions, engages in policy discussions, and meets with corporate representatives, national elected officials and foreign dignitaries.

   As part of the program, participants are also required to work on a collaborative community service project. Cruz and her 2007 classmates have chosen to conduct a Community Health Fair to benefit the Latino community in Washington, D.C. 

   CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program provides all participants with housing, roundtrip transportation to Washington, D.C. and a $2,000 stipend. All this is possible through longstanding support from partners such as Toyota Motor Company, U.S.A., PepsiCo Foundation and Comcast Foundation.