Contact: Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, media@cbcfinc.org
Summer program prepares students for careers in public service
WASHINGTON — The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) today honors the 41 students who participated in the 2014 Summer Congressional Intern Program. The summer internship program concludes today, July 25. These college students set out on a quest to develop themselves as leaders and learn about careers in public service.
Selected students participated in a nine-week summer program that began in May to gain hands-on experience navigating the legislative process and working on public policy. The interns worked in Congressional Black Caucus member offices and participated in professional development events, including a mock congressional session, leadership forums and speed networking with corporate and business leaders.
“This was an invaluable opportunity for our summer interns,” said A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer, CBCF. “Through the Congressional Intern Program, interns gained the tools they need to become leaders and public servants, while getting an up close and personal perspective on how legislators lead, develop and implement policies that affect all of us.”
CBCF internship programs are described as one of the top public policy training experiences in Washington, D.C. They are part of the CBCF Leadership Institute for Public Service (LIPS), which offers fellowships, internships and scholarships to equip the next generation of leaders for careers in public service.
Since its inception, more than 1,300 students have participated in the foundation’s internships. “CBCF is committed to developing the next generation of leaders. The Congressional Intern Program gives our students the chance to create, plan and organize community service and leadership projects—skills that enable them to grow professionally and personally,” concluded A. Shuanise Washington.
The CBCF Congressional Intern Program is made possible through the support of sponsors, including: Altria, Anheuser-Busch Companies, CIT, Comcast NBC Universal, Delta Research and Educational Foundation, Motorola Solutions Foundation, Prudential Financial and UPS.
The CBCF internship programs are open to full-time and recent college graduates. For more information about criteria and deadlines, visit www.cbcfinc.org or subscribe to the CBCF newsletter to receive news and updates about the CBCF LIPS programs and other initiatives. Visit the CBCF photo gallery to view photos of the CBCF summer 2014 interns.
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