Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Yesterday afternoon Congressman Dennis Cardoza introduced House Resolution 1332 which encourages employers nationwide to provide internships and employment opportunities for foster youth. Mr. Cardoza began his career in politics as an intern on Capitol Hill and believes strongly in the power of internships to positively shape the lives of young people.

“I have met many foster youth trying to break into the workforce and it is clear they are asking for a hand up, not a hand out,” said Congressman Cardoza .

Every year, 26,000 youth are discharged from the foster care system with few resources to start their own lives.  Despite their resilience and other unique qualities that make them ideal candidates for employment, they are often less likely to be regularly employed compared to young people nationally.  Many young people today are connected to the workforce through internships, often arranged by their parents’ business or social associates.  Foster youth tend to lack a stable environment due to numerous foster home placements and have limited family or community connections.  As such foster youth are not afforded the same opportunities and are often left behind.  H.Res.1332 recognizes the importance of providing workplace opportunities for foster youth and encourages employers to seriously consider this pool of candidates.

The resolution also recognizes the Orphan Foundation of America’s InternAmerica program that provides foster youth the foundation upon which to build their careers and to be successful members of the work force. Each year InternAmerica helps dozens of foster youth find internships on Capitol Hill.