WASHINGTON – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) today congratulated five young women who have completed a new congressional internship program for Washington, D.C.-area college students majoring in communications, public relations, journalism or other media-related fields.

 Sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF), CBCF’s Communications Internship Program enabled each student to work with a communications director or press secretary in the office of a Congressional Black Caucus member. NAB President & CEO David K. Rehr and NABEF President Marcellus Alexander joined CBCF Executive Vice President Keith Wright in commending the interns at a closing program, held at the U.S. Capitol and in which they received certificates and pins.

“Our Communications Internship Program is one of several leadership development and scholarship programs the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation offers as part of our continuing mission to provide opportunities to young people eager to really learn how our government works,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., the Foundation’s president and chief executive officer. “I, too, commend the first set of interns who have helped to make this new program a success.”

 The interns included:

• Sewon Bestman, a senior majoring in Journalism and International Studies at American University. On campus, Ms. Bestman is an anchor, editor and reporter for the American University Television Station (ATV). Her scholastic achievements include receiving the 2007-2008 Children of Breast Cancer Scholarship and George C. & Louise E. Clark Scholarship. She interned in the Office of Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York.

·         Nicole Bracey, a senior majoring in Communications at Trinity University. Ms. Bracey writes for The Trinity Times and is a Dean’s List student who has worked part time and volunteered with Head Start and tutored for Turning the Pages, a program that helps adults improve reading and math skills. Ms. Bracey interned in the Office of Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton of Washington, D.C.

• Aishia Freeman, a junior at Howard University majoring in Public Relations with a minor in Theater. Last fall, Ms. Freeman presented research and offered policy recommendations on minimum-standard sentencing on crack cocaine to Members of Congress. She assisted senior reporters at KTVU-TV (Bay Area), and plans to pursue a career in government relations. Ms. Freeman interned in the Office of Rep. Yvette D. Clarke of New York.

·         Keyshana Williams, a senior at George Mason University majoring in Communications. Ms. Williams is on the Dean’s List and a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. She has interned for the Fairfax County Park Authority and Gap Inc. Ms. Williams interned in the Office of Rep. Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania.

• Janeashia Williams, a senior majoring in Communications and minoring in English at Trinity University. Ms. Williams has contributed to The Trinity Times and participated in a Trinity-hosted forum with D.C. mayoral candidates. She is active with the Campus Ministry, tutors inner-city youth and volunteers with a local program serving mentally disabled adults. Ms. Williams interned in the Office of Rep. John Lewis of Georgia.

NABEF co-sponsored the internship program because it shares CBCF’s goal of increasing diversity and providing career opportunities for women and people of color, Rehr said.

“This internship program is a great way to encourage communications and journalism students to see firsthand the inner workings of our nation’s government and the impact they can make on America,” he said.

About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., was established in 1976 as a nonpartisan, nonprofit, public policy, research and education institute to help improve the socio-economic circumstances of African Americans and other underserved communities.

About the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the public interest in supporting and advocating: education and training programs, strategies to increase diversity, initiatives stressing the importance of the First Amendment, community service, philanthropy and timely broadcasting issues.