TCA and TUSIAD-US Capitol Hill Summer Internship
Sponsors 10 Turkish Americans and One Azerbaijani American

The Turkish Coalition of America (TCA) and the US Representative Office of the Turkish Industrialists' and Businessmen's Association (TUSIAD-US) are pleased to announce that 10 young Turkish Americans and one Azerbaijani American were elected as part of the Turkish American Capitol Hill Summer Internship Program to intern in Congress this Summer. The students' internship lasts up to 8 weeks. TUSIAD-US and TCA sponsored each five interns as part of this joint program.

The program is designed as an opportunity for Turkish American students to live and work in Washington DC and become exposed to U.S. governmental bodies and policymaking processes. TUSIAD-US and TCA, through this program, intend to contribute to the preparation of future Turkish American political leaders, and enhance the participation of the Turkish American community in the American political life. Internship responsibilities in congressional offices usually include monitoring congressional hearings, performing data entry, answering constituent mail, researching legislative issues, and performing other administrative duties. The interns will have opportunities to meet with House and Senate members and engage in dialogue on matters important to Turkish American relations.

TCA and TUSIAD-US will host a seminar for the interns to learn about institutions in Washington , DC and their contribution to policymaking. The seminar will include briefings from the Turkish Embassy, the State Department, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Washington Representative Office, and roundtable discussions with NGO Representatives, Think Tank scholars and the Turkish media.

The 2008 Turkish American Capitol Hill Summer Interns are Eren Akyar (PA), Leman Basak Ari (TX), Reyhan Bilici (CA), Erim Canligil (FL), Elif Selin Cila (MI), Tulin Gurer (CA), Derya Kirca (PA), Yenal Kucuker (NY), Emre Mangir (CA), and Deniz Polat (VA).

In addition to the 10 jointly sponsored interns, TCA has also sponsored an Azerbaijani-American student, Ulduoz Berenjforoush (CA).