Launched in 2003, the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program (CGP) helps secure permanent employment and professional internships in Washington, DC for young Armenian American professionals and students. Through the years, the ANCA has developed many relationships in and around Capitol Hill and identified a wide range of opportunities in the Washington, DC area. The CGP utilizes these resources and contacts to help candidates identify and secure jobs that fit their interests and needs.
The Program is named after Hovig Apo Saghdejian, a beloved young community leader who lost his life in a tragic car accident and whose eternal memory continues to inspire new generations of Armenian Americans.
The program has been structured into two sessions per year – Winter Session (Begins January) and Fall Session (Begins September). The ANCA is introducing Spring Session for the first time (Begins March 2020).
The CGP offers the following:
- Housing: CGP Fellows will have their housing fees waived for the first three months of their program at The Aramian House.
- Enrichment Seminars: During the first two weeks of the program, the Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee (CGPAC) organizes a series of seminars on resumes, cover letters, networking, interviewing, and professionalism. These seminars are designed to give participants tools and advice in their job search. These sessions are typically presented by program alumni and take place in the evenings.
- Mentors: Based on each Fellow’s interests and feedback, the CGPAC will match fellows with mentors who provide individualized job search guidance. Beyond initial introductions, it is incumbent upon fellows to initiate and maintain contact with mentors.
- Office Space: The ANCA provides office space for fellows to utilize as a constructive work environment while conducting their job search. During weekdays, participants are expected to be in the office if they have not secured an internship or employment.
The CGP offers four distinct options for participants to choose from:
Career Services
The program is designed for recent graduates serious about pursuing a career in public policy and committed to the hard work of securing their first professional position. The ANCA does not guarantee that each CGP Fellow will find a full-time position within three months but does make every effort, through the work of the ANCA staff and the CGPAC, to provide the necessary tools and guidance for each Fellow to secure gainful employment.
To learn more about the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program, read the brochure and apply today.
ANCA Internship
The ANCA accepts interns at the ANCA office in Washington, DC throughout the year. ANCA internship participants should plan on interning in Washington, DC for a minimum of 8 weeks. The ANCA will be happy to work with interns to secure college credit for their internship.
Important: Those interested in applying for the ANCA Leo Sarkisian Summer Internship Program (LSI) must fill out its program specific application and apply through the ANCA Eastern Region or the ANCA Western Region offices. The regions will make the final decision on the LSI participants.
University Programs
The ANCA encourages students who attend universities that offer Semester-In-Washington programs (UCDC, Pepperdine, AU 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.
For more information, please contact CGP Director Sipan Ohannesian at (202) 775-1918 or gateway@anca.org.
Armenian National Committee of America