Córdova Congressional Internship Program

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The Córdova/Fernós Congressional Internship Program is a publicly-funded internship program created in 1993 through legislation authored by Puerto Rico Sen. Kenneth McClintock and signed into law by Gov. Pedro Rosselló. Administered by a joint committee of the Puerto Rico Legislature and run by the Washington Center for Academic Internships and Scholarships, the program provides the opportunity every year for 40 college students to experience a semester-long internship in an assigned Congressional office. By law, placement preference is given to the offices of Puerto Rico's Resident Commissioner, currently Luis Fortuño (R-PR), and of congressmen of Puerto Rican heritage, including Reps.José Serrano (D-NY), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY).

Originally named in honor of former Resident Commissioners Félix Córdova Dávila, who served from 1917 to 1932, and his son, Jorge Córdova Díaz, who served from 1969 to 1972, the program was renamed as "Córdova/Fernós" to also honor former Resident Commissioner Antonio Fernós Isern. Both Córdovas alsio served as Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico while Fernós presided Puerto Rico's Constitutional Convention from 1951 to 1952.

By 2007, over 450 students from colleges and universities in Puerto Rico had enjoyed internships under the program, and the Spring 2008 class will include a record 22 members.

A private sector committee, recently headed by Univision Puerto Rico president Larry Sands, provides private funds to supplement the $350,000 annual grant provided by the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly.