Leadership Institute
The Leadership Institute prepares the next generation to take its place in the fields of community service and policy development.
Welcome to the CBCF Leadership Institute!
At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc., we are committed to empowering the next generation of Black leaders through transformative experiences in public service, policy, and leadership development. Our Leadership Institute serves as a catalyst for change, equipping emerging leaders with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to drive meaningful impact in their communities and beyond. Explore our programs, discover new opportunities, and join us in shaping a more equitable and representative future.
A Historical Overview
In 1976, CBC Foundation created the Legislative Internship Program to address the under-representation of Black professional staff on Capitol Hill. Seven years later, in 1986, the CBCF split the Legislative Internship Program into the Congressional Internship Program – a summer internship program for undergraduate students – and the Congressional Fellows Program – a nine-month program for graduate students and young professionals. The Congressional Fellows Program was created to afford program participants more extensive research and policy analysis opportunities than those provided in the much shorter Legislative Internship Program. Today, CBCF and CBC Spouses award over a half million dollars in annual scholarships. To date, thousands of individuals have served as CBCF fellows and interns. Many are now full-time staff on Capitol Hill, with federal agencies, lobbying firms, and nonprofit organizations.
Contact Us
Donna Fisher-Lewis
Senior Vice President, Resource Development and Leadership Institute
CBCF is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) equal opportunity organization that provides scholarships, internships, and fellowships to eligible applicants.