(June 27, 2017) — A University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) first-generation student has earned a unique opportunity. James Rivera was selected into the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) Internship Program for Fall 2017. Rivera will spend 12 weeks in Washington, D.C., working in a congressional office while at the same time gaining leadership training.
During CHCI’s paid internships, promising Latino undergraduates gain legislative experience in Washington, D.C. They meet Latino leaders and CHCI alumni who will serve as their mentors. These individuals come from a wide range of professional backgrounds including Capitol Hill, Fortune 500 companies, and other organizations that promote Latino education and leadership development. Interns participate in civic engagement activities to stay socially active and have opportunities to grow their professional network.
“This internship means that I get to experience first-hand what it’s like to work at our nation’s capital,” said Rivera. ”I will be interning directly with members of Congress and gain valuable insight on what goes on in D.C.”
Rivera is seeking a bachelor in public administration with a minor in criminal justice. He recently traveled to Los Angeles, California, to talk to alumni and members of Communities in Schools (CIS) from around the country on how CIS has impacted his life. CIS is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting children and their families to basic educational and community-based resources to help students achieve success in school.
“Sharing my story was both inspiring and motivating,” Rivera said. “I am so lucky to be able to give back to an organization that has given so much more to millions of students around the country.”
Rivera is the director of Downtown Campus Affairs for the Student Government Association and was one of the UTSA students selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.
