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TERJENIAN-THOMAS INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WASHINGTON, D.C.
The Terenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program provides college students of Armenian descent an opportunity to gain exposure to the policy-making process in our nation's capital for eight weeks each summer. Since 1977, the Armenian Assembly of America has assisted over 1,000 participants in securing placements in prominent congressional offices, government agencies, media outlets, think-tanks, and non-governmental organizations in Washington.
For internship FAQ's click here. To learn about what interns did last summer, click here,
Internship Placement
The Assembly will guide and assist you through the process of securing an internship placement in Washington, DC. Applicants may pursue an internship placement independently; however they must still commit to participating in the Terjenian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program and all of its activities. Most internship placements involve a standard eight-hour work day five days a week. The internships are unpaid, and interns are given responsibilities on the basis of their educational background and on-site performance.
For a list of previous placements, please click here.
For internship testimonials, please click here.
Susanna Kharatyan
Intern for Representative Jen Kiggans, 2024
“Being a congressional intern has been an honor and provided me with a greater appreciation and commitment to public service.”
Capitol Ideas
Provides interns with the opportunity to meet with Senators and Representatives in their Capitol Hill offices. The program provides interns a forum to ask questions of our elected officials about topics that are important to the Armenian-American community and about current events taking place throughout the world. Capitol Ideas events generally take place during the work day, and placement hosts or offices are notified in advance of the interns daily schedule. These meetings are mandatory for all participants.
Joseph Barton
Intern for George Mason University’s Center for Peacekeeping Practice, 2026
“In addition to my internship, the Assembly's programming complemented my summer with amazing networking and learning opportunities”
Lecture Series
Focuses specifically on issues of importance to the Armenian-American community. It is designed to inform and encourage discussion on a range of issues, including U.S. foreign policy toward Armenia and Artsakh. Lecturers provide insight on their career and provide a networking opportunity for students. The Armenian Assembly invites experts and leaders in their fields to review current political issues, with a focus on the South Caucasus. These lectures are mandatory for all participants. Lectures are usually held at the Assembly headquarters unless specified otherwise.
Ofelia Yeghiyan
Intern for Senator Gary Peters, 2025
"Interning on Capitol Hill has been an incredible experience & cemented my desire to remain in DC. Being part of the Terjenian-Thomas program has been an enriching opportunity.”
Housing
All participants are housed at the prestigious George Washington University. Participants reside in a single studio with private kitchen and bathroom. The residence hall is steps away from Whole Foods, and the Foggy Bottom metro station, allowing for ease of access for students.
Chartered in 1821 by the United States Congress, George Washington University is the largest institution of higher education in the District of Columbia. Located in Washington DC's historic Foggy Bottom neighborhood, a few blocks from the White House, the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, State Department and the National Mall.
Sarine Meguerditchian
Intern for Senator Ed Markey, 2023
“I am grateful to the assembly for providing me the opportunity to hone my individual sense of Hai Tahd and learn how to apply it to any space I may occupy in the future"
Application & Selection Process
Participants are chosen for this competitive program on the basis of their educational credentials, writing ability, maturity, and a demonstrated interest in the community and public service. A limited number of scholarships are available which help cover the cost of housing at The George Washington University, where the interns reside.
Alec Samra
Intern for The Embassy of Armenia, 2024
“Taking on this internship has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Interning at an embassy deepened my passion for foreign policy. I've been able to explore my interest through numerous Assembly events & guest speakers, which have been highly informative & worthwhile.”
Program Support
The Terienian-Thomas Assembly Internship Program is made possible by the Memorial Fund established through the generosity of Aram Terienian, Annie Thomas and Florence Terienian of Belmont, Massachusetts. Additional support comes from the Richard Tufenkian Memorial Fund, the John Hanessian Scholarship Fund, the Armen Astarian Scholarship Fund, the Ohanian Memorial Fund, the Estate of Haig J. Boyadian, the Estate of George Judge Karabedian (George Kay), Mr. & Mrs. James and Connie Melikian and the Knights of Vartan.
Vardan Sargsyan
Intern for The Center for Strategic & International Studies Multimedia Production, 2023
“The strong cohort of Armenians has made this experience one I will not forget”
Selection Process
Participants are chosen for this competitive program on the basis of their educational credentials, writing ability, maturity and a demonstrated interest in the community and public service.
Patil Chloe Vartanian
Intern for Meduni, 2026
“Being Armenian American means carrying the strength, resilience, and history of my community while embracing the opportunities I’ve been given in the United States. This internship has given me the incredible opportunity to represent both identities on Capitol Hill"