Maryland Asian Pacific Americans for Obama Launch Asian Pacific American High School Student Internship Program

 Maryland Asian Pacific Americans for Obama

On July 17th, Maryland Asian Pacific Americans for Obama (MD-APA Obama) launched its Asian Pacific American High School Students for Obama internship program.  Leading the efforts is Chung Pak and Steering Outreach Committee Co-Chairs Kun Sin and James Suh. 

Pak stated, “The students will have the opportunity to experience first hand a presidential election campaign and learn about the political process.” The first internship meeting which drew over 40 high school students from Maryland and Virginia, is being co-chaired by high school students Elizabeth Chung, Rebecca Lee Kohn and Mae Park.  

Addressing the meeting was Maryland for Obama Campaign Co-Chairman, Attorney General Doug Gansler who said, “the students’ participation in this campaign will make a tremendous difference in winning this election and helping the Asian Pacific American community and all communities take this country in a new direction.   The experience they will gain from this internship will also provide them with the knowledge and foundation to run for elected office or even President some day.” 

As Virginia will be a critical state in the presidential election, most of the students have been assigned to work on canvassing, GOTV, voter registration, and other activities in Virginia.  Maryland Asian Pacific Americans for Obama have been working with representatives from the Virginia Obama campaign on this and other activities. 

The group continues to take applications for students and there will be a meeting on July 27^th with new recruits at the Bethesda Obama headquarters at 7832 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda 20814. 

Student Co Chair Rebecca Lee Kohn said, “This is my very first presidential campaign and I’ve learned a lot.  It has also been really fun going to Virginia to hand out campaign flyers, speak to voters, and work with other students for Senator Obama, a candidate we really believe in.” 

Maryland Asian Pacific Americans for Obama Co Chair Delegate Susan Lee noted, “Not since Kennedy has there been so many young people inspired, excited and energized about a candidate and this program will enable the students, who are our next generation of leaders, to play a meaningful role in this election.”    

Korean American Outreach Co-Chair James Suh added, "The internship program will also allow the students to participate in what looks to be an historical election, something they will remember forever."