Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc.

CBCF Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program

Mission
In 1997, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation created the Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program in order to bring Washington, D.C. high school students to Capitol Hill as interns. The purpose of this six-month program is to expose D.C. high school students to Capitol Hill while at the same providing important skills and opportunities that will help prepare them for college.
Program Description
The Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program is a six-month program divided into three segments. For the first three months of the program, the interns meet every Friday after school to participate in workshops that prepare them for working on Capitol Hill and applying to college. From May to mid-June, interns work part-time in the offices of members of the Congressional Black Caucus. During this period, they become acclimated to the office environment in preparation for their full time placement once school ends. For the remaining two and one-half months of the program, interns work fulltime in their assigned congressional offices. The Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program participants attend a lecture given by a CBC Member one a week during the summer and participate in several college visits during the months of June and July.
Selection Criteria and Process
Applicants must reside in or attend school in the District of Columbia. At the time of application, students must be in their junior year of high school and in good academic standing. The selection process for the Eleanor Holmes Norton Capitol High School Leaders Program is highly competitive. Candidates are selected based on scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership, interest in public policy, and community service contributions. Members of the CBCF staff review the applications and select the finalists.

Stipend
Interns receive a $3,000 stipend to cover program expenses.