Living the Legislative Life

When senior sociology major Jacqueline Valencia Perez first applied for a selective Washington D.C. internship in 2015, she received a rejection letter. But she did not let that stop her from trying again.

On her second try, Perez received the good news – a rare opportunity to join the two-month Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute where she gained exposure to the world of politics.

She now hopes other students take advantage of program to expand their horizons.

“I encourage other Latinos to apply to this internship program because it will open their minds about our government and connect with other Latinos that have similar stories to us,” she said.

Perez heard about the program through Director of Civic and Community Engagement Marisol Morales, who encouraged her to pursue the program.

“I told her about the opportunity because I knew she was interested in politics and the Latino community and thought that it would be a wonderful growth and development opportunity for her,” Morales said.

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute allows Latino undergraduate students to experience what it is like to work in a congressional office, while participating in weekly professional and leadership development and civic engagement through community service.

But the program is very selective, only taking about 60 students nationwide, including about 15 in California, per year.

She decided to reapply, despite being turned down on her first attempt. It paid off.

“Selections were made and I received an e-mail congratulating me for being accepted. I couldn’t believe it. I was one of five selected to represent California!” Perez said.

As being part of the internship program, she was given a stipend and free housing from the institute.

Her responsibilities included responding to constituent inquiries, writing policy briefs, conducting research for legislative aides, attending committee meetings and policy briefings, as well as working with a congressman.

“I was placed to work for Congresswoman Linda Sanchez from California (District 38). I was honored and excited to work for her because she represented my hometown!” Perez said.

Not only did she learn how a bill was passed in Congress, she learned how to network with other Latinos working in politics.

To find out more on the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, log onto CHCI.org to create an account, and apply for this opportunity and others.