Emerging Leaders Internship Program Sponsored by Walmart

Mission

The goal of the Emerging Leaders Internship Program sponsored by Walmart is to create a corps of trained, young leaders with the skills, outlook and contacts necessary to generate and sustain positive change in Washington, D.C., and their local communities. Alumni will return to their communities knowing what it takes to pass legislation, form public policy and create coalitions. In short, they will leave the program better informed about how politics works and more aware of how they can influence the public policy-making process.

Program Description

The Emerging Leaders Internship Program sponsored by Walmart is a semester-long paid internship for college students. Interns work four days on Capitol Hill, in federal agencies and at non-profit organizations. Past interns have served in various capacities at the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and on House and Senate committees. On Friday afternoons, interns attend educational seminars that focus on domestic and international issues, participate in leadership-training sessions and visit cultural and historical sites in the Washington, D.C., area. Each cohort must complete a team community service project in the surrounding community. CBCF provides housing and a stipend. This program is offered during the fall and spring semesters.

George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program (Spring Semester Only)

CBCF has partnered with George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program to give CBCF interns an unrivaled experience – both in Washington and the United States.  This program offers a combination of hands-on coursework and networking opportunities at some of the most famous addresses in the country.  While earning academic credit, CBCF interns work side by side with like-minded peers and professional politicos, and leave the program with the knowledge and skills to become more involved in politics at the local, state and national levels. For more information, videos and testimonials from alumni visit GWU’s website at: www.siwpolitics.gwu.edu. 

Benefits

• Interns will receive a $4,000 stipend
• Housing at a local university (all expenses covered)
• Interns may be eligible to receive academic credit at their college or university for participating in the program

Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
• Currently or recently (within the past 12 months) enrolled in college full-time when applying for program
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Be at least a college sophomore by the internship start date
• Demonstrated interest in public service, governance, and policy-making process

Selection Process

Emerging Leader Interns are selected based on the following criteria:

• Solid scholastic achievement
• Strong writing skills
• Community service contributions
• Evidence of leadership skills
• Quality of paper application and, in some instances, interview performance

Application Materials

The completed online application must be submitted by midnight on June 14, 2013. The additional required materials must postmarked no later than the deadline date. The following items will be requested through the online application:

1. A completed online application form
2. Answer the required short essay(s) given on the application
3. One (1) page resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service and special skills
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation. We suggest at least one letter of recommendation be written by a dean, department chair, academic advisor, or employer. Letters must be on official letterhead, state the recommender's title, and provide contact information. Letters of recommendation must be submitted by the deadline for your application to be considered complete. Please follow the instructions found in the application. Hard copy letters sent to the organization as well as e-mailed recommendation letters sent to the internship e-mail address will not be accepted.
5. A recent photograph suitable for publication; i.e: a cap and gown picture or other professional quality and professionally dressed photograph.

Additional Required Materials

All the above documents should be submitted through the online application. The following document is to be mailed to the organization. This document must be postmarked no later than the deadline date:

1. Official sealed transcripts from all institutions attended

Official transcripts should be mailed to the following address:

Emerging Leaders Internship Program
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.
1720 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036

The selection is highly competitive. Applications are submitted to CBCF and reviewed by a CBCF selection committee. Finalists are selected and notified by CBCF.

Additional Information

For more information, please call (202) 263-2800 or send an e-mail to  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and type “Emerging Leaders Internship Program” in the subject line. You can also visit our FAQ page.