FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 16, 2024
Media contact
Athena Hernandez
Director, Marketing and Communications
202-263-2832
ahernandez@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is excited to announce the Spring 2024 cohort of Congressional interns, set to begin a transformative public policy and professional development journey starting January 16, 2024. Beyond intern placements with Congressional Black Caucus members, this comprehensive program offers a unique blend of experiences to foster holistic professional development.
Selected interns will benefit from an array of opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded experience including accommodations in the heart of Washington, D.C., a stipend, professional development training, and exclusive networking events to expand their professional networks.
“This internship program reflects our commitment to nurturing leaders who will shape the future,” said Ryan Tucker, Sr. Director of the CBCF Leadership Institute. “We are dedicated to providing an immersive and empowering experience that extends beyond traditional roles, preparing our interns for impactful contributions to society in policy, corporate and government sectors, nonprofits, and any other field where diverse leadership is key.”
The Congressional Internship program is one of a full range of experiential opportunities offered by the CBCF Leadership Institute, whose goal is to increase the pool of Black leaders in public service careers and public policy positions through providing fellowships, internships, and scholarships. In 2023, CBCF hosted 110 interns across the Spring, Summer, and Fall from 24 states and representing 80 schools. The program also awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to 380 students.
The CBCF Spring 2024 Intern Cohort is as follows:
| Jasmine Abney | University of Illinois, Chicago |
| Jaylen Antoine | University of Puget Sound |
| Reginald Axel | California State University, Northridge |
| Bethel Bekele | University of Texas at Dallas |
| Jade Bennett | Georgia Southern University |
| Deyona Burton | Florida State University |
| Xavier Chatman | Philander Smith College |
| Elijah Crawford | Southern University and A&M College |
| Miracle Crawl | Savannah State University |
| Lauryn Dingle | University of California Riverside |
| Haliyat Fowoshere | Morgan State University |
| Nina Giddens | Xavier University of Louisiana |
| Nila Green | University of North Texas |
| Jillian Griffin | Florida State University |
| Michael Louis Hill | California State University, San Bernardino |
| Jala K. Hooks | Temple university |
| Meyri Ibrahim | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
| Ryan E. James | Emory University |
| Bayleigh Jefferson | Louisiana State University |
| Melanie Kee | Hampton University |
| Jalen Knight | Cornell University |
| Akheem Mitchell | Rollins College |
| Dasani A. Morris | University of South Carolina |
| India Murphy | University of Louisville |
| Jordan Nash | Rowan University |
| Elysse Patterson | University of Southern California |
| Samuel Lee Pugh, III | University of Alabama, Birmingham |
| Ludnie Rene | Clemson University |
| Justin Rogers | University of Texas at Austin |
| Alaina Ruffin | George Mason University |
| Jessica Cémone Simmons | Hampton University |
| Tia Toombs | Oakwood University |
| Brandon Williams | Syracuse University |
| Kelli S. Williams | Cornell University |
Applications for the CBCF Summer 2024 Intern Cohort and scholarships are currently open. For media inquiries/interview opportunities, please contact Athena Hernandez at ahernandez@cbcfinc.org.
About the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Established in 1976, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) is a non-partisan, nonprofit, public policy, research, and educational institute committed to advancing the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy and educating the public. For more information, visit cbcfinc.org.