APAICS | Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies

Congressional Mentorship Program

Overview 

The APAICS Congressional Mentorship Program provides an opportunity for Asian Pacific American elected officials to shadow a Member of Congress and gain a “behind-the-scenes” look at federal-level policymaking. The program seeks to foster productive mentor relationships between the Members and participants, empower participants to be more effective in their current roles, and provide participants with additional resources and relationships in the nation’s capital to support their future political aspirations.

Eligibility

All current and former elected officials of Asian Pacific American descent are eligible to participate in the Congressional Mentorship Program.

For more information about the program, please contact Laila Mohib at lmohib@apaics.org.

2009 Congressional Mentorship Program Participant:

Jay Chen, President of the Board of Education for the Hacienda-La Puente Unified School District

Jay at a reception honoring Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus	Jay with CAPAC Chair Rep. Mike Honda
Jay meeting with Congressman Mike Honda	Jay with his own Congressional representative, Rep. Grace Napolitano

“Being from Los Angeles, I often feel removed from national politics. It was great to have a formal, structured program through which I could go to DC and meet with various elected officials and national leaders. Thanks to APAICS and State Farm for making this possible, and for promoting APIAs in government. This was a fantastic program and I am grateful to have been a part of it.” - Jay Chen, 2009 CMP Participant

See Jay’s video interview:

More photos of Jay’s experience with the Congressional Mentorship Program: