White House accepting internship applications

On Feb. 26, 2009, President Obama announced the launch of the White House Internship Program, an opportunity for students to gain job experience in public service and leadership skills while getting a first-hand look at the inner-workings of the White House. Obama hopes that the program will not only give insight into the Executive Branch, but also prepare and mentor tomorrow’s leaders.

CNMI Delegate Gregorio Sablan says that CNMI students should take advantage of this opportunity and encourages them to apply.

“The new NMI seat gives us a voice in Congress,” he said. “We should also look for occasions to serve and understand other branches of government, including the Executive. Working in the legislative and the executive can be very different experiences and it is imperative to study and to be able to understand all aspects of American government.”

In addition to their regular office duties, participants are to take part in weekly lectures hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events and volunteer in community service projects.

To apply, students must be at least 18 years of age on or before the first day of their internship, enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college or university or must have graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate school.

The 2009 White House Summer Internship program will last from May 22-August 14. Applications for the summer program are due on March 22 and applicants are to be notified by mid-April.

Interns will primarily work in a departmental office in the Office of the President or Vice President during the course of the program, which include:

White House Department of Scheduling and Advance

The Office of Cabinet Affairs

The White House Communications Department

The White House Office of Public Liaison and Intergovernmental Affairs

The Office of the First Lady

The White House Office of Legislative Affairs

The Office of Political Affairs

The Office of Management and Administration

The Office of White House Counsel

The Domestic Policy Council

The White House Office of Presidential Personnel

Office of the Vice President

To apply or for more information, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/internships/. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]