Washington, D.C. - The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the leading Hispanic educational organization, is currently accepting applications for its 2003-2004 Public Policy Fellowship Program in Washington, DC. The application deadline is February 28, 2003. Recent college graduates or current graduate students are eligible to apply for the nine-month program (August-May).

Every year, CHCI offers up to 20 promising Latinos from across the country, including Puerto Rico, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the federal level in the public policy area of their choice. The range of placements includes congressional offices, federal agencies, Washington-based media, national advocacy organizations, and government-related corporate institutions. In addition, fellows' work experience is enhanced through weekly leadership development sessions, professional training workshops, fellow presentations, community service involvement, and meetings with national leaders to discuss substantive policy matters. Participants receive domestic roundtrip transportation to DC, health insurance, and a gross monthly stipend of $2,061.

CHCI, a non-profit and non-partisan educational 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services for Hispanic high school, college and postgraduate students. The CHCI board of directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of the U.S. Congress, non-profit leaders, and corporate executives. For more information on CHCI or to download a program application please visit our new youth website www.chciyouth.org or call toll-free 1-800 EXCEL DC.