Congressional Internship Programs: Get PAID to Intern on Capitol Hill, Free Room and Board!
INTRODUCTION
The "congressional internship pipeline" is where a lot of D.C. careers begin. Many of those Staff Assistants, Legislative Correspondents, Policy Analysts, and Press Secretaries you see on the Hill? They started as interns. These internships are the golden ticket to landing post-grad jobs on Capitol Hill, and if you're thinking about climbing the congressional ladder, interning is your first step.
Now, to all the first-gen, low-income students out there, especially those from outside D.C., I’m sure working on Capitol Hill sounds cool but completely unrealistic, right? But there are multiple internship programs that provide housing, cover transportation costs to and from D.C., and even offer a stipend for living expenses. So, it’s not just a job or internship, but a fully fleshed-out program that supports both your living and professional development (workshops, cohort/community building, etc.). So, don’t sleep on these opportunities, because they’re your foot in the door to a career in Congress.
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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Internship: The CBCF internship programs are designed to prepare college students and young professionals for leadership roles in public policy. Participants receive housing, a stipend, and placement in a congressional office, where they gain insight into the policy-making process. Additionally, CBCF interns have opportunities to network with legislators, government officials, and policy experts, and are eligible for scholarships to prestigious graduate programs.
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Victory Congressional Internship: The Victory Congressional Internship, hosted by the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, is designed to develop the next generation of LGBTQ+ public leaders. This program brings outstanding LGBTQ+ undergraduate students to Washington, D.C., for an 8 to 10-week internship with a member of the Congressional Equality Caucus or an LGBTQ+-friendly member of Congress. In addition to hands-on legislative experience, the internship includes an educational and leadership development program, culminating in the Victory Institute’s International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference. The program covers all expenses, including free housing in downtown D.C., a living wage stipend, and airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
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Udall Foundation - Native American Congressional Internship Program: The Udall Foundation’s Native American Congressional Internship Program provides American Indian and Alaska Native students with the opportunity to work full-time in a Federal agency or congressional office in Washington, D.C. This program aims to develop future leaders in Indian Country by exposing them to the federal legislative process and how it impacts Tribal communities. The program covers transportation, housing, and provides a stipend to cover living expenses during the internship period. This program is a vital step for Native students who aspire to influence federal Indian policy and governance.
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Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Congressional Internship: The APAICS Congressional Internship offers Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander undergraduate students a paid 8 to 10-week internship in Washington, D.C. This program focuses on developing leadership and professional skills, encouraging political engagement, and fostering interest in public service careers. APAICS provides interns with a $2,500 grant for the summer and $3,187.50 for the fall, along with furnished housing in the Capitol Hill area, making the program accessible to students who might otherwise struggle with the cost of living in D.C.
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Islamic Scholarship Fund - Congressional Policy Internship: The Islamic Scholarship Fund (ISF) offers a Congressional Policy Internship for active members of the Muslim community who are committed to policymaking and public service. This program includes placement in a congressional office, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, and mentorship. ISF provides interns with housing and a stipend for living expenses, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their participation in this valuable experience.
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Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship Program®: The CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program® is a unique opportunity for young adults who have spent time in the U.S. foster care system. This program places interns in congressional offices, where they use their personal experiences to inform and inspire legislative action on foster care issues. The program covers travel, housing, and living expenses, and provides professional training and networking opportunities, ensuring that former foster youth have the support they need to succeed in Washington, D.C.
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Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI) Internship: The WCPI offers paid internships to undergraduate students and recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in public policy. Interns support WCPI’s programs, legislative efforts, and fundraising initiatives while gaining experience in both office work and Capitol Hill. The internship is hybrid, requiring interns to be located in the D.C. area. Although housing is not provided, interns are paid $17 per hour, the D.C. minimum wage, to help offset living expenses.
Final Thoughts
These internships represent crucial opportunities for students from marginalized communities to gain invaluable experience in the heart of American policymaking. By offering paid positions and covering essential expenses like housing and travel, these programs play a vital role in leveling the playing field, allowing students from all backgrounds to contribute to the nation's future.