Airbnb and APAICS Launch Housing Credit Program for APAICS Congressional Fellows
WASHINGTON—Today, the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) announced its partnership with Airbnb to launch a new housing credit program to support the APAICS Congressional Fellowship Program. The housing credit, beginning for APAICS’ 2022-23 fellowship class, will provide Fellows with opportunities to explore the city and establish relationships while securing longer-term housing before the start date at their placement sites, ultimately decreasing the burden of making the transition to Washington.
“Thanks to Airbnb’s support, APAICS Fellows will have greater opportunities to connect with the APAICS network to foster and grow relationships with colleagues and mentors,” said Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, president and CEO of APAICS. “Airbnb’s grant ameliorates financial barriers that exist and complements the APAICS Fellowship program, allowing talented and qualified young Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders to gain critical professional and personal experiences in Washington.”
“Airbnb is proud to support APAICS, CBCF and CHCI in their efforts to develop the next generation of public servants,” said Marisa Moret, Airbnb’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. “Our new pilot program will help welcome 50 plus Fellows from underrepresented communities.”
“APAICS provided me with the opportunity to be on Capitol Hill in the Office of U.S. Senator Orrin G. Hatch, for which I will be forever grateful,” said Adi Sathi, APAICS Fellow 2016-17. “Although the paid fellowship allowed me to be in Washington, D.C., a housing grant would have definitely eased the financial burden of living in such an expensive city. I applaud Airbnb for stepping up to support Fellows who want to serve on Capitol Hill and make a difference for the greater good of our country. Thanks to their efforts, there will be a more diverse set of staffers in Washington, D.C.”
Additionally, Airbnb has partnered with our colleague organizations, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI).
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The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian Pacific American participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.