Internships
CBCF’s internship programs prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop national policies and implement them – from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.
Program participants receive housing, a stipend, office placements, and opportunities to meet and interact with professional legislators and leaders working in all branches of government.
Additionally, interns are eligible for scholarships for prestigious public policy graduate programs, such as the University of California-Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and UC Hastings College of the Law, and they are actively recruited by executive branch agencies such as the U.S. State Department and the Office of Management and Budget.
CBCF offers the following internship programs:
Spring and Fall
State Farm Communications Internship
Learn MoreWalmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship
Learn MorePathways to C-Suite Internship
Learn MoreSpring and Fall Internship Requirements Include:
- Full COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot(s)
- 2.5 GPA (Congressional Interns), 3.0 GPA (C-Suite)
- College senior by program start date, or recent graduate (last 24 months)
- Interest in public policy, lawmaking, and the judiciary process (Congressional Interns)
- Interest in business/corporate careers (C-Suite Interns)
Additionally, interns are eligible for scholarships for prestigious public policy graduate programs, such as the University of California-Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and UC Hastings College of the Law, and they are actively recruited by executive branch agencies such as the U.S. State Department and the Office of Management and Budget.
Summer
Summer Internship Requirements Include:
- Full COVID-19 vaccination and booster shot(s)
- 2.5 GPA (Congressional Interns), 3.0 GPA (C-Suite)
- Permanent residence or university attendance in the district of a CBC Member
- Rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recently graduated (within the last 12 months) by program start date (Congressional Interns)
- College senior by program start date, or recent graduate, at least 21 years of age (last 12 months) (C-Suite)
All interns must take part in the program full-time upon acceptance and are not permitted to take outside courses or partake in any employment that interferes with their internship commitment.
Internship Program Benefits
- Weekly professional development
- Provided housing (on Capitol Hill, with roommates)
- Stipend ($4,000 for Spring and Fall participants, $3,000 for summer participants)
- Metro credit
- Mentor match with CBCF alumni
- Cohort model program
Program Dates
- Spring Cohort: January to April
- Summer Cohort: May to July
- Fall Cohort: August-December
For more information, please email internships@cbcfinc.org.
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Leadership Institute changed my life. Without the opportunity to intern with CBCF, I would not have the opportunities and future I have now. I owe the beginning of my success to this amazing experience. It is by far the best internship in Washington, D.C.
Shelly Marc—Staff Assistant for the Office of Public Engagement at the White House
My experience in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Internship program has been remarkable. I came to Washington, D.C. with a textbook understanding of how our Congress works. By the time I left Washington, D.C., I became enriched with a greater understanding of our legislative process, an invaluable network of professionals and mentors, lasting friendships, and the knowledge that I can truly make a difference in my community. The program provided me with an experience that challenged me, humbled me, and forced me out of my comfort zone. I was able to grow in my servant leadership and embody the characteristics behind the mantra of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation–‘I lead, I serve’.
Lindsay Richardson—Intern for Rep. James E. Clyburn, 2015