Career Development Program

The Career Development Program (CDP) is a career development program that combines on the job training with civic, and public policy learning in the nation's capital. The program is comprehensive and features the following:

Recruitment of interns from migrant and immigrant communities.
Housing during the internship placement period.
Paid travel to and from Washington, D.C..
Placement in a government, labor, or business setting.
Weekly seminars and educational field trips.
Networking sessions.
Public speaking forums.
A living stipend.

Internship Program Objectives

Experience "hands on" work in a real work environment.
Introduce interns to various options for career planning.
Develop important job and educational skills.
Increase understanding of government and the practical mechanics of public policy.

Internship Program Schedule

Held during each summer. The first week is spent on "hands on" learning about government and experiencing public policy from a practical "hands on" view. During the rest of the period interns work full time over 4 days per week at an internship placement related to career goals and major(s). One day of each week (usually Fridays) is reserved for seminars and workshops.

Who Can Participate?

Migrant and Immigrant youth who belong to one the following criteria:

EIDLP Graduates and High School Seniors
Community College and University Students
College Assistance Migrant Program Participants
HEP Students

Requirements

The CDP reviews each candidate on an individual basis and accepts qualified applicants on the basis of the eligibility criteria.

High School Seniors Accepted to College

Only EIDLP Graduates and Seniors Accepted to College are Eligible
A 2.5 GPA (Minimum 3.0 GPA for Some Federal Agencies)

Community Colleges and Universities

Undergraduate or Graduate Student of any Major/Discipline

Internship Program Follow Up

BCLI distinguishes itself by working with moderate groups of up to 12 interns each summer to ensure quality learning and interacting as part of each intern's experience. Continuous tracking and follow-up for graduates through newsletters, special mailings, conferences, emails, and support networks also allow the internship program to continue to build on the experiences of the CDP.

Scholarships

EIDLP provides several scholarship opportunities annually for promising applicants on a competitive basis. Available scholarships are assessed annually.

Cost

Many students receive support from their university, or sponsoring organizations through financial aid or scholarships. Full payment of program and housing fees are required before commencing the internship program.

Internship Program Academic Components

Interns are required to participate in the academic components of the internship:

a) Seminars and Workshops
Interns will benefit from various leadership workshops on public policy, grassroots development, labor, business, advocacy, and other relevant topics of interest to the group.

b) Training and Experiential Learning
Interns will spend time interacting and meeting with congressional representatives in both the House and Senate, congressional staff, and Majority and Minority committee members; briefings with Democratic and Republican National Committees; and training and networking with local and national organizations.

c) Professional Development
Along with the experience of working in several offices and organizations, interns participate in several seminars and workshops aimed at increasing professional development through the planning to implementation stages of a career plan.

Medical Attention

Interns are responsible for securing medical insurance during the period in Washington. The program does not provide health insurance. However, all participants are covered up to $1,000 in emergency care in the event that their personal insurance is insufficient. BCLI is also in close proximity (2 miles) to over 5 medical centers in the District of Columbia.

Schedule and Internship Program Cost (Call for details)

Summers from June thru August
High School Seniors 5 weeks (18 and over)
College Students 5 to 8 weeks

Partnership Opportunities

BCLI partners with US agencies, congressional offices, businesses and organizations at the local and national level to fund all or portions of the CDP cost. Please inquire about partnering to customize this program to your organization's needs and funding potential.

For more information, please call the BCLI headquarters at 202-544-7323.

Send resume and cover letter to info@bcli.info