WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) has opened the applications for its diverse array of Washington, DC career services and pro-Armenian student advocacy programs as it gears up to welcome hundreds of youth to the nation’s capital in 2025.
“Our youth are the most valuable asset in the Armenian nation’s arsenal,” said ANCA Programs Coordinator Nareg Mesrobian. “That’s why investing in their success is of cardinal importance to the ANCA. Our job placement and internship programs don’t just build careers; they shape leaders and create opportunities to amplify the voices of Armenians in Washington and beyond. To all those inspired to make a difference and build meaningful careers, we invite you to join our youth programs. At the ANCA, participants are in good hands, equipped and empowered to make a meaningful impact for themselves and for our community.”
ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program:
Recent university graduates are invited to apply to the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP), which helps secure permanent employment and professional internships in Washington, DC, for young Armenian American professionals and students interested in careers in policy, politics, and media. The CGP offers three months of free housing and enrichment seminars, connects participants with mentors, and much more.
Winter 2025 session: January 13th to April 5th; Application deadline November 15, 2024
Spring 2025 session: April 14th to June 7th; Application deadline February 15, 2025
Fall 2025 session: September 8th to December 6th; Application deadline is July 15, 2025
Learn more and apply at: https://anca.org/gateway
ANCA Semester-in-DC Internship Programs
In addition, the ANCA encourages students who attend universities that offer Semester-In-Washington programs (UCDC, USC, Pepperdine, AU, Holy Cross, etc.) to take advantage of these opportunities and consider interning at the ANCA. The ANCA is happy to work with participants to ensure their ANCA internship meets university requirements. Students can apply through the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program portal – https://anca.org/gateway
ANCA Rising Leaders
Offered in two sessions in March, the ANCA Rising Leaders is a four-day seminar in Washington, DC, offering expert advice on careers in government, development, and media. The program includes the Lucine Kouchakdjian Capitol Hill Day – a full day of Capitol Hill discussions with legislators and staff on strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties, demanding accountability for Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, and securing justice for the genocides committed against Armenians. The program is organized by the ANCA, in conjunction with the Armenian Youth Federation Eastern and Western U.S. Washington, DC area Armenian American high school seniors are also welcome to participate. ANCA group housing accommodations are available for youth 18 and over.
Rising Leaders Session 1: March 8th to 11th, 2025
Rising Leaders Session 2: March 22nd to 25th, 2025
Application Deadline: January 27, 2025
Learn more and apply: https://anca.org/risingleaders/
ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship and Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship:
During the summer, the ANCA invites university students to participate in the Leo Sarkisian Internship – a six-week intensive program designed to give them the tools necessary to effectively advance issues of concern to the Armenian American community on the federal, state, and local level. The Maral Melkonian Avetisyan Fellowship runs parallel to this program.
The 2025 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program Dates: June 16th to July 25th, 2025
Learn more and apply at: http://anca.org/internship
Application deadline: March 31, 2025
ANCA Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy:
High school students aged 17 to 19 are invited to participate in the Haroutioun and Elizabeth Kasparian Summer Academy – a one-week, intensive program that brings a select group of high school students with proven community leadership experience to Washington DC to learn more about the Armenian Cause and how our policy priorities are advanced within the framework of America’s federal government. High schoolers have two sessions to choose from:
Kasparian Summer Academy – Session 1: August 4th to August 8th of 2025
Kasparian Summer Academy – Session 2: August 11th to August 15th of 2025
Learn more and apply at: https://anca.org/summer
Application deadline: May 17, 2025
Junior High School Class Visits to the ANCA Washington DC Headquarters
The ANCA welcomes hundreds of students from Armenian American junior high schools during their annual trip to the nation’s capital for an interactive discussion on the important role they can play in advocating for pro-Artsakh/Armenia priorities in their hometowns while offering an early introduction to Washington DC career opportunities in policy, politics, and media.
Schools or parents interested in scheduling a “Pizza and Politics” session with the ANCA Washington DC team, email anca@anca.org or call (202) 775-1918.
For more information about these programs, visit anca.org/youth or email youth@anca.org.
