Congressional Internship First of Several SikhLEAD Programs Application Deadline March 27, 2011
The Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is pleased to announce a national initiative called SikhLEAD – Sikh Leadership, Empowerment and Development. SikhLEAD aims to inspire, train, and support a diverse, motivated and enterprising group of young Sikh Americans as they prepare for a lifetime of community engagement and leadership. SikhLEAD is a multifaceted initiative consisting of several programs that will be offered annually to aspiring Sikh youth. The Congressional Internship Program (CIP) is the first effort in this series of programs. In its inaugural session, SALDEF’s CIP will select exceptional Sikh students to intern this summer with a member of Congress in Washington, DC. The internship will afford a first-hand perspective into the functioning of the federal government, as a way of providing experience-based training to individuals interested in civic engagement and public service. Through the unparalleled experience of interning in a congressional office, interns will:
• explore a potential career track • create a network of professional contacts • develop real-world skills • build confidence and professional skills Applications are due March 27, 2011 – Apply today at www.SikhLEAD.org. Developing the next generation of Sikh American leaders and encouraging their civic participation is an important step in securing the future of our community in the United States. We believe that by providing opportunities to explore potential careers in public service, a growing number of Sikh Americans youth will pursue positions of leadership in civic society, thereby increasing visibility and awareness of Sikh Americans and advancing our community’s interests.