CHCI Announces Congressional Internship Program For STEM Students

Time Warner Cable (TWC) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) announced today a $150,000 grant to support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) internships as part of CHCI’s Summer Congressional Internship Program (CIP) for 2013-2015. 

The CIP offers up to 40 college undergraduates of Hispanic descent from across the country the unprecedented opportunity to complete an eight-week paid congressional internship and gain real-world experience working in Washington, D.C. for a member of Congress. TWC’s support allows them to help choose four interns each summer who are pursuing degrees in STEM fields to be part of the summer internship class.

Responding to the need for expert workers and teachers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, CHCI instituted STEM Internships in 2010 to promote Latino leaders in these fields. The internship addresses the need for:

1.  Leadership development support for high-potential Latino leaders pursuing careers in STEM fields

2.  Mentors from STEM fields to help ensure student retention within the academic pipeline

3.  Increasing number of young Latinos ultimately achieving careers in STEM fields

4.  Ensuring that interns leave the program with a clear understanding of the legislative process and the need for them to be actively engaged in the public policy arena around STEM issues

Time Warner Cable’s support further enhances the experience of STEM Interns by providing access to its network of STEM professionals and engaging the interns by inviting them to their offices in Washington, D.C. and New York each year.  As they graduate from the program, STEM Interns are expected to mentor other young aspiring students interested in STEM careers.