2011 Archive

WASHINGTON, DC - The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., (CBCF) welcomed 45 undergraduate students and recent graduates from across the country to its Summer Congressional Internship Program. The students will spend the next two months working in a congressional office where they will observe first-hand how the Hill works and legislation is developed. Interns will create and participate in a summer-long “Model Congress,” lead a community service project that serves Washington area residents and create a community action plan that outlines how to bring positive change to their home communities. While individual interns will record their experiences on CBCF’s blog, cbcfinc.org/blog and you tube, http://www.youtube.com/cbcfinc, the group will leave the program as a solid cohort, prepared to lead and to serve.

CBCF created the Congressional Internship Program in 1976 to address the underrepresentation of black professional staff on Capitol Hill. Today, in addition to the Congressional Internship Program, the Foundation has two other internship programs for college students and recent college graduates who are interested in civic engagement, building a career in government and public service. These programs run during the fall and spring semesters. CBCF internship programs are described as one of the top public policy training experience in Washington, D.C.

“CBCF’s mission and much of our reputation for success are built on our strong internship program,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, of New Jersey and CBCF chairman. “We are known throughout the nation for our competitive, intensive nine-week program that provides a behind-the-scenes look into the democratic process.”

Since its inception, more than 1,300 students have participated in Foundation internships. “Our program gives young adults the chance to experience what it is like to be involved in public service,” said Elsie L. Scott, president and chief executive officer for CBCF. “From working on the Hill to developing and implementing community service projects, to life coaching sessions – all of these opportunities prepare our interns to lead and to serve. We bring in individuals and they leave as a cohort.”

To view the Class of 2011 go to http://cbcfinc.org/cbcf-congressional-interns--summer-2011.html. CBCF’s internships programs are open to full-time and recent college graduates. For more information on criteria and deadlines, go to www.cbcfinc.org.