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 is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) equal opportunity organization that provides scholarships, internships, and fellowships to eligible applicants.
Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers the Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship to provide undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. This program places interns in congressional offices, committees, or subcommittees, allowing them to engage directly with policymakers and legislative staff.
Through this internship, students gain practical experience in policy research, legislative writing, constituent services, and communications. They develop a deep understanding of how policy decisions are shaped while building essential skills for careers in government, advocacy, and public affairs.
Participants also engage in networking events, professional development sessions, and leadership training to enhance their ability to navigate public service and policymaking careers. The Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship contributes to increasing diversity in the legislative sector by preparing future leaders committed to civic engagement and public policy.
Selection and Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
- Currently or recently enrolled in college full-time when applying for the program
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Selected applicants will be qualified African American or Black students enrolled in a matriculating program or recent college graduates.
- We are seeking students and graduates pursuing careers in public policy, political science, law, government affairs, and public administration.
Terms:
- Fall [16 weeks / August-December]
- Spring [16 weeks / January-May]
Benefits:
- Housing
- Stipend
- Professional Development Courses
- Networking Opportunities
State Farm Communications Internship
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers the State Farm Communications Internship to provide undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with hands-on experience in political communications and media strategy. This internship places students in congressional offices, committees, or subcommittees, where they gain insight into how communications shape legislative priorities and public engagement.
Interns work closely with press teams and communications staff to draft press releases, manage social media, write speeches, and develop messaging strategies. This experience is ideal for students looking to build careers in media relations, public relations, journalism, or strategic communications.
In addition to daily work assignments, interns participate in networking events, media training, and professional development sessions to refine their communication skills and industry knowledge. The State Farm Communications Internship helps to increase diversity in political communications by preparing future professionals to drive impactful narratives and policy discussions.
Selection and Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
- Currently or recently enrolled in college full-time when applying for the program
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Selected applicants will be qualified African American or Black students enrolled in a matriculating program or recent college graduates.
- We are seeking students and graduates pursuing careers in communications, journalism, media relations, public affairs, and marketing.
Terms:
- Fall [16 weeks / August-December]
- Spring [16 weeks / January-May]
Benefits:
- Housing
- Stipend
- Professional Development Courses
- Networking Opportunities
Congressional Internship Program
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers the Congressional Internship Program, providing undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. This intensive 9-week summer program places interns in the offices of Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Members, where they gain valuable insight into policymaking, governance, and civic engagement.
Interns actively contribute to policy research, legislative drafting, constituency engagement, and committee hearings while working alongside experienced legislative staff. The program is designed for students who aspire to careers in public service, law, government affairs, and policy analysis.
Beyond office work, participants take part in weekly professional development sessions, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities with CBCF Leadership Institute alumni. The Congressional Internship Program is a pivotal step in diversifying Capitol Hill by fostering the next generation of Black policymakers and public servants.
Selection and Eligibility:
- U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
- Currently or recently enrolled in college full-time when applying for the program
- Have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Preference is given to applicants who reside in or attend school in CBC Member districts, though all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.
- We are seeking students and graduates pursuing careers in public policy, political science, law, and government affairs.
Terms:
- Summer [9 weeks / May-August]
Benefits:
- $3,000 stipend
- Housing provided in Washington, D.C.
- Professional Development Courses
- Networking & Mentorship Opportunities
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.
Upon my graduation from Southern University, I was uncertain about my future and career. I was recommended to apply to CBCF for an internship for the upcoming fall semester. I thankfully took that advice and was later accepted for the Fall 2024 cohort as a State Farm Communications Intern. While working in the congressional office of Congressman Troy Carter Sr. (LA-02), I was able to not only learn firsthand about our nation’s policy on Capitol Hill but also experience the CBCF’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference. I’m so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to network within our nation’s capital. I learned about the potential of my career field, made professional and personal relationships, and left with memories that will last a lifetime.
Ryan Llorens—State Farm Communications – Fall 2024
Interning with CBCF changed the trajectory of my life. Coming from a small town in rural Georgia, opportunities are not afforded to us as often, so when I came across CBCF’s internship opportunities, I knew I had to take advantage of it. I was accepted into the program during my junior year at Albany State University but could not attend due to educational logistics. I was accepted into the program again – coincidentally, on the day I graduated – and was welcomed in with open arms. CBCF’s broad alumni network, academic scholarships, and community engagement efforts attracted me to apply, and I do not regret my experience at all. I was exposed to a melting pot of opportunity from professional development sessions to direct mentorship from program alumni. An example of CBCF’s impact on my professional journey was when I was placed in the office of Representative Emanuel Cleaver II. In Rep. Cleaver’s office was able to assist with legislative tasks, including assisting the legislative team with the reintroduction of the Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 1572.) Most importantly, CBCF’s engagement with me after my internship was completed was helpful to me. Because of my internship experience, I was able to receive a job offer that was a rocket-pad for my career in public service.
Taron Henton—Alumni Network Council, President; State Farm Communications Intern – Spring 2023
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