The JACL is now accepting applications for its new JACL Collegiate Washington, D.C. Leadership Conference to be held on June 19-22, 2009. The program, which is patterned after the JACL/OCA Washington, DC Leadership Conference, is limited to Asian American college students who are in their freshman, sophomore or junior year in school.

The three-day program is designed to give Asian American student leaders an inside glimpse of national policy-making arena in Washington, DC. The conference is structured to provide a broad overview of the decision-making process at the federal level including meetings with key policymakers, agency officials and advocacy organizations.

"The intent of the program is to provide student leaders with information, training and networking opportunities," said Bill Yoshino, JACL's Midwest Director who is coordinating the program. "We hope this program provides the participants with additional motivation to be active and involved at their campus and in their communities," Yoshino added.

The conference is being funded through a grant from the UPS Foundation, which will cover airfare, lodging and meals for 12 participants who will be selected through an application process.

Applicants must be full-time Asian Pacific American undergraduate freshman, sophomore or junior class students attending an accredited college or university.

The deadline for applications is May 15, 2009. For information, contact Bill Yoshino at 773.728.7170 or Midwest@jacl.org.