Fellowship Program Overview

The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program equips early career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills to become the next generation of leaders in public service. The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts. Fellows are paid an annual salary plus benefits. Participants must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and are responsible for their own travel, housing, and other living expenses.

CBCF Fellowship Types Include:

Congressional Fellowships

Fellows are placed in the offices of CBC members to serve as Legislative Aides for six months, followed by a placement with a committee or subcommittee that is in alignment with their areas of interest and expertise.

John R. Lewis NREI Social Justice Fellowships

Fellows are placed in the offices of CBC members to serve as Legislative Aides for 6 months, followed by a six-month placement with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, conducting research on behalf of our Center for Policy Analysis and Research.

Research Fellowships

Fellows conduct research on behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research for the totality of their Fellowship, on a designated topic that is in alignment with their respective area(s) of expertise.

Fellowship Application Requirements

Selected applicants will be qualified African American or Black young professionals who have earned a graduate or professional degree.

Fellowship Program Benefits

  • Salary of $60,000-$70,000 + benefits
  • Interim Housing provided by Air B n B (July, August)
  • Monthly professional development opportunities
  • Bill Project Presentations

7 Benefits of the CBCF Fellowship Program

Each fellowship cohort brings together individuals with diverse interests in policy areas in order to complement and enrich the experiences of all program participants.

What Past Fellows Are Saying

During my time on the Hill, I was able to build lasting relationships that have been helpful in my personal and professional development. I would not be where I am today without the opportunity to work on the Hill and focus on policy issues that directly impact my current line of work. The CBCF Fellowship was a unique opportunity for me to hone my skills as a policy professional and build a strong background in energy and environment issues.

Priscilla Barbour—Director, Federal and State Affairs, Vistra Energy

Thank You to Our Sponsors!

Please note: Immediate relatives (defined as one’s parents, step-parents, siblings, spouse, children, step-children, foster children, in-laws, sibling in-laws, grandparents, great grandparents, step-great grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews) of a CBC Member, a CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, CBCF staff, a member of the CBCF Board of Directors, Member of CBCF, Corporate Advisory Council Member of CBCF, or any CBCF-sponsoring entity are not eligible for CBCF fellowship programs.