Every summer, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) offers its Congressional Internship Program. In early June-early August, a cadre of promising Latino undergraduates from across the country are selected for an eight-week leadership training program in the nation's capital.

While in D.C., students complete internships on Capitol Hill, participate in a CHCI curriculum that focuses on their professional development, and learn about the importance of civic engagement. This comprehensive approach provides an extraordinary professional, learning and networking experience for students.

This summer a student from USC TRIO Programs was selected to participate. Noel Mendoza worked in the office of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. Here is the information he provided the CHCI Web site.

Name: Noel Mendoza
Hometown: Bell, CA
School: Georgetown University
Major: Culture and Politics
Placement: Office of Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34)

What I want to achieve through the CHCI Internship:
I hope to gain a better understanding of government and participate in the numerous beneficial programs and events that may arise during my stay in Washington, D.C.

What I want to do or be doing in 5 years:
I plan to teach at Verbum Dei High School and make plans to attend either law school or graduate school for a public policy program.