Jesse Cheng

Jesse Cheng recognizes the importance of citizens, particularly minorities, becoming involved in U.S. politics. Accordingly, he has held a number of roles focusing on issues such as voter registration, political campaigns, and getting young people interested in the political process. Mr. Cheng also was responsible for managing interns and other workers associated with various campaigns.

Jesse Cheng worked to increase political awareness during his time as Executive Vice President of the Associated Students of University of California, Irvine. Although encouraging citizens to register to vote may be a simple undertaking in an election year, Mr. Cheng took on the challenge of recruiting new voters in a nonelection year. His plan paid off with over 2,000 students registering to vote for the first time.

As an Intern for the 2010 Phu Nguyen for State Assembly campaign, Jesse Cheng successfully managed a number of tasks simultaneously. He assisted in the campaign’s community outreach efforts via events, organized walks, and telephone calls. Mr. Cheng also enlisted the aid of young citizens, including college students, assisting them in finding their roles at the campaign headquarters.

Since his involvement in this campaign, Mr. Cheng has followed California politics closely, speaking out about various issues on his Twitter and Facebook accounts to reach the maximum number of people possible. Topics addressed include ongoing tuition cost debates at his alma mater, budget cuts impacting social services, and California State Supreme Court appointments.

Jesse Cheng is particularly interested in the California Dream Act being debate in 2011. Among other provisions, this bill opens the way for undocumented college students to receive privately funded scholarships or public financial aid to attend college. Mr. Cheng realizes that many in the current generation are often the first in a family to attempt a college degree, a goal that is hindered by financial situations such as those related to undocumented status.