WASHINGTON, D.C. – Leesburg native Maurizio Lorenzetti completed the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s highly competitive, award-winning Congressional Internship Program in Washington last week.

Lorenzetti, a junior at the University of Arkansas majoring in information systems and the Time Warner Cable Intern, was one of 45 interns chosen out of hundreds of applicants from across the country to spend eight weeks working in the nation’s capital, where he was placed in the office of Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio.

By exposing young Latinos to the legislative process and strengthening their leadership skills, the program is ultimately promoting the presence of Latinos on Capitol Hill and in federal agencies.

“This experience has given me the opportunity to increase my leadership skills, network with influential individuals, and get in touch with my Latino roots while providing me a sense of confidence that I will bring back to my community,” Lorenzetti said. “It has opened my eyes and made me realize that it is not just about me and my goals but also about helping others improve along the way. The level of how successful you are is determined by the closest people around you.”

“CHCI is creating the next generation of Latino leaders,” said Esther Aguilera, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute. “We provide our summer interns with significant policy experience and mentorship opportunities, helping these outstanding students prepare for meaningful job placements after graduation. It’s important for our nation’s public servants to reflect the population they serve, and CHCI is creating a pipeline of talented young Latinos who are ready to serve – and lead this country.”

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s Congressional Internship Program comprises four central elements:

• Diversity: Interns represent a diverse pool of backgrounds including 12 ethnicities, 40 academic institutions, and 35 majors. Moreover, 85 percent come from low-income households.
• Work experience: Intern duties include responding to constituent inquiries; drafting correspondence and memos; monitoring hearings; conducting research, data entry and analysis; and assisting with general office operations.
• Leadership development: Interns attend weekly sessions and meet with distinguished leaders from a range of professional backgrounds, engage in substantive policy discussions and participate in professional development training.
• Community service: Interns are also required to engage in an institute community service project. This year, interns volunteered at several organizations including: So Others Might Eat (S.O.M.E), Voto Latino, Martha's Table, ALIVE Food Banks, AFL-CIO, Suits for Change, and the Smithsonian Folklife Festival.

The selection process is competitive; the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute receives at least 15 applications for every available summer internship and five applications for every spring or fall internship opportunity. Interns demonstrate high academic achievement, evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth, a demonstrated commitment to public service-oriented activities and superior analytical and communication skills. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee comprising alumni, board of directors and staff.

The Congressional Internship Program is supported by Toyota, the title sponsor of the 2014 Summer Congressional Internship Program, The Gilbert and Jacki Cisneros Foundation, Comcast Foundation, Time Warner Cable, Best Buy, David Bohnett Foundation, College of Southern Nevada, Darden, MVM (Dario O. Marquez), General Electric Hispanic Forum, Pfizer,  Prudential, Teach for America, United Health Foundation, UPS, Marathon Oil, National Association of Broadcasters, Chevron, HEP Camp Association, and Southwest Airlines.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute interns receive round-trip transportation to Washington, housing and a stipend. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to Latino students and young emerging leaders.