For the second consecutive year, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF) is soliciting applications from Sikh college students for its Congressional Internship Program:

The SikhLEAD Internship Program partners with congressional offices and federal agencies to provide Sikh American college students with enriching internship experiences. Through this program, students are afforded first-hand perspective into the functioning of the federal government and legislative process.

SikhLEAD Internships seek to develop leadership skills, encourage political and civic engagement, and foster interest in public service careers by providing the unparalleled experience of interning in a congressional office or federal agency. Internships will allow students to explore a potential career track, create a network of professional and personal contacts, develop real-world skills, and build confidence.

This looks like a fantastic experience for any student interested in political science or public policy. This year, successful applicants who complete the program are provided a stipend of $1,500 to offset their expenses.

The application deadline is February 26, 2012. Internships are apparently awarded on a rolling basis until the deadline, so earlier applications would have better chances of being selected.  Click here for more information and/or to apply.