Newsletter

September 2006
Welcoming the Intern Class of 2006

The CAPA Community Education Fund 2006 Summer Internship Program kicked off once again this past June. After a very selective application and interview process, 12 high school students from throughout the East Bay were selected to participate in this year’s program.

Every year the program places high school and college students in the offices of elected officials to gain real working experience and knowledge of our nation’s democratic process.

With over 10 years of existence, the CAPA Ed Fund internship program has become highly recognized by the offices of elected officials, business community, and community at-large. In an effort to continue to evolve the program, CAPA Ed Fund past Chair, Jonathan Wen Hsu and Internship Chair, Cindy Chin expanded the intern orientation to include more extensive training, as well as incorporating a leadership development component.

One of two full days of orientation, the interns received presentations and materials about the various roles of local, state, and Federal government which were provided by: Contra Costa County Supervisor Mark DeSaulnier’s Chief of Staff, Greg Beddard; Assemblyman Guy Houston’s District Director, Brian Pombo; and Congressman Richard Pombo’s Senior Field Representative, Roxanne Lindsay. In addition to hearing about the in-depth workings of each level of government, the interns heard first-hand from future placement offices, the expectations of a CAPA Ed Fund intern.

Professional leadership training consultant, Reba Rose was generous enough to work with Jonathan Hsu and Cindy Chin to outline a curriculum that provided more leadership development through team building and communication training. The second full day of orientation focused on helping the interns prepare for their remarks and group presentation for the gala dinner.

It is evident that the interns benefited from the orientation and leadership development training. The 300 of CAPA Ed Fund’s supporters at the gala dinner were able to see first-hand themselves the interns utilize their new skills through the remarkable self-introductions and presentation. It was the highlight of the evening.

Reba Rose also provided some communication training for our board members. While small, yet worthwhile training sessions for our interns and board members were a test pilot effort, it is evident that both our youth and veteran leaders have benefited from the new training.

CAPA Community Education Fund not only provides lessons of our democratic process, but also encourages civic participation, but it also builds leaders.