WASHINGTON, D.C. – OCA, a national organization dedicated to advancing the political, social, and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans (APAs), is now accepting applications for its 2012 Summer Internship Program.
Celebrating its 23rd year, the OCA Internship Program seeks to cultivate future leadership by providing students from all over the country an opportunity to be involved in the political process through one of the largest national advocacy organization for APAs. The program has successfully led past interns to become more actively involved in their college campuses and joined the growing movement of APA leadership at the cross section of government, nonprofits, and business.
“As one of OCA’s prestigious programs, the Summer Internship is truly a unique experience. It exposes students to issues affecting the APA community while gaining valuable working experience in the heart of Washington DC,” said Tom Hayashi, Interim Executive Director of OCA.
Participants of this program will be placed in a paid internship in a federal agency, nonprofit, congressional offices, and corporations that matches their backgrounds and interests—including some placements at the OCA National Center. In addition to their work assignments, summer interns will be heavily involved in variety of activities and programming including direct advocacy for critical issues faced by APAs on the Hill.
The OCA Internship Program gave me an opportunity to truly experience DC - meeting members of Congress, national leaders in the AAPI community, and other AAPI interns from across the country. It was a crash course on how organizations like OCA advocate for the APA community at the national level.
"I also learned a lot about myself, my peers, and my community. During that summer, I realized that we needed to have a seat at the table whenever policy is being developed, no matter if it is at the local, state, or federal level.
We need more Asian American and Pacific Islander leaders: The OCA Internship Program is a pipeline for that."
--Bryan Jung, OCA Intern Class of 2002
Previously with the White House as the Director of Special Projects for the office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, currently a graduate student at Kennedy School of Government and Harvard Business School.
"My OCA internship experience was singularly responsible for introducing me to the world of AAPI activism. From serving as an officer for the Chinese American Students Association in college to founding and running Asian Americans for Obama to my infamous experience testifying before the Texas legislature and Representative Betty Brown, these steps of my journey began with OCA."
--Ramey Ko, Internship Class of 1999
Municipal Judge of Austin, Texas
In addition to connecting interns with the APA community and developing their leadership skills, summer interns are invited to take part in the OCA National Convention. This year’s National Convention will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from August 2 – 5 at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. The Convention will feature inspirational speakers, thrilling entertainment, numerous workshops, and our signature gala to celebrate the impactful and pioneering achievements of community leaders.
Interns are expected to commit to working full-time for ten weeks between the dates of May 28 – August 17, 2012. (Participation in the National Convention is mandatory and applicants are strongly encouraged to make sure they are able to attend.) Applications will be reviewed by the Internship Committee and a telephone interview will be scheduled for qualified applicants.
For more information on the OCA Summer Internship and to apply, go to OCA’s website at www.ocanational.org and click “Internship” under “Programs.” Click here to take you directly to the online application form. Applications and all materials need to be submitted by March 12, 2012.
Please contact the OCA National Center at 202.223.5500 or email Mary Dynne Montante at mmontante@ocanational.org if you have any questions.
Your journey towards empowerment and fulfillment for your personal best starts with the OCA Summer Internship…apply today!
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