Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute to Celebrate 25th Anniversary Public Policy Fellowship Program

CHCI’s 2006 Annual Policy Conference and Awards Gala Scheduled October 2 - 4

Washington, D.C. – Today the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the nation’s leading Hispanic educational nonprofit organization, announced the kick-off of its 25th anniversary Public Policy Fellowship Program, the nation’s first policy fellowship designed to develop the next generation of Latino leaders.

CHCI will celebrate this milestone at its 2006 Annual Policy Conference and Gala, scheduled October 2nd through the 4th.  CHCI’s annual conference and gala are the nation’s premier and largest events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.

“CHCI is making a difference in our community and nation.  For 25 years, CHCI’s programs have developed countless talented Latino leaders who are impacting communities throughout the United States and around the world,” said CHCI Chair and Congresswoman Grace Flores Napolitano.

Also, 2006 marks the 20th anniversary of CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program; and the Scholarship Award commemorates its 5th year anniversary with more than $1 million dollars in scholarships awarded to Latino students.

“This year we are celebrating more than 25 years of fellowship programs, we are recognizing the resiliency and milestones the Latino youth has undergone across the nation,” said CHCI President and CEO Esther Aguilera.

“For two and a half decades CHCI’s Public Policy Fellowship Program has provided the Latino youth with opportunities to gain hands-on experience at the national level in the public policy area of their choice.”

“With an alumni student network that spans 25 years of talent, achievement and dedication to the community, we remain committed to continue carrying forward the education legacy of our founders through meaningful educations programs.”

CHCI’s 2006 Annual Public Policy Conference will be held at the Renaissance Mayflower Hotel October 2nd and 3rd.  The annual conference gathers Latino leaders, experts and scholars to participate in timely discussions of major policy issues.  An important component of the conference, the Emerging Leaders series, also educates and engages high school students in policy discussions.

Following the conference is the “Reyes of Comedy Night,” scheduled to take place at the Warner Theater October 3rd.  In the past, this popular event has featured Latino comedians such as Carlos Mencia of Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia, as well as emerging Latino talent. 

Closing the week of events is CHCI’s Annual Gala, to be held at the Washington Convention Center October 4th.  With more than 2,000 guests, ranging from federal and local elected officials, corporate and nonprofit leaders, and celebrities, CHCI’s Gala celebrates outstanding accomplishments of individual Latino leaders from all sectors of society. 

CHCI’s Gala is the organization’s primary annual fundraising event, with all proceeds benefiting CHCI’s youth leadership development programs and educational services.

About Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), a nonprofit and nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization, provides leadership development programs and educational services to students and young emerging leaders. The CHCI Board of Directors is comprised of Hispanic Members of Congress, nonprofit leaders, and corporate executives.  For more information on CHCI, call (202) 543-1771 or visit www.chci.org.

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