Pezeshkan Family
Capitol Hill Internship Program (CHIP)

Iranian American high school graduates, college students, and recent college graduates are welcome to apply!

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The best-suited individuals will be students pursuing political science, public policy, history, and/or economics, and journalism majors. However, students in other majors who have an interest in government and policy-related work are also encouraged to apply.

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“Until the Fall 2024 semester, I had never lived away from Chicago. During my junior year, I began exploring opportunities to study “abroad” and discovered my university’s Washington, D.C., internship program, which allowed me to intern while remaining a full-time student. A few months later, I found myself in D.C. as PAAIA’s CHIP Fellow and an intern for Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10).

This experience was enriched by the mentorship and guidance provided by PAAIA. Dr. Bolourchi, Mr. Ghorban, and Ms. Mana Azarmi offered invaluable advice—not only on professional skills like effective writing but also on managing stress and avoiding burnout. Their support, combined with the opportunity to attend and volunteer at a PAAIA-hosted briefing, significantly enhanced my understanding of networking and professional growth. Thanks to their mentorship, navigating my role as a Congressional Intern felt far less daunting.

Working in D.C. taught me the importance of adaptability. On any given day, I answered constituent calls, attended briefings and hearings, and completed administrative work. I sharpened my writing skills, technological proficiency, ability to read and analyze legislative materials, multitasking, and emotional intelligence. I also had the incredible opportunity to attend the White House Garden Tour, hear Bill Nye the Science Guy speak about healthcare, and witness Secretary Antony Blinken testify before the House Foreign Affairs Committee on the Afghanistan withdrawal. While the weight of some subjects could be emotionally challenging, D.C.’s vibrant culture more than made up for it.

I am incredibly grateful to my family, professors, PAAIA, and my office for making this experience so rewarding. This opportunity not only broadened my perspective on public service but also strengthened my skills as a learner, coworker, and friend. To anyone considering working or interning on Capitol Hill, I cannot recommend it enough—it is truly an amazing experience!” - Negar Faily ​​​​​​​​​​​​

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“I am a former CHIP Fellow from the summer of 2018. Having recently completed my schooling, I wanted to share an update and express my gratitude. Thanks to PAAIA’s generous funding, I had the opportunity to intern in Senator Dianne Feinstein's office. Mr. Ghorban kindly arranged lunches with Iranian-American professionals on the Hill and invited me as a guest to a Democratic Party fundraiser, where I met several Representatives. I have many fond memories from that summer. 
 

My experience on the Hill helped solidify my decision to pursue a career in law. Earlier this year, I graduated from Harvard Law School, passed the bar exam, and began working at the law firms of Kirkland & Ellis in Chicago. I am incredibly grateful for the support that helped put me on the path to these milestones. When I was applying to law firms, several interviewers asked about my Senate internship, underscoring the lasting value of Hill experience on my resume. 

I remain deeply appreciative of PAAIA for the opportunity and the impact it has had on my career.” - Amir Rezvani