Internships

CBCF’s internship programs prepare college students and young professionals to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts, and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop national policies and implement them – from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.

Program participants receive housing, a stipend, office placements, and opportunities to meet and interact with professional legislators and leaders working in all branches of government.

Additionally, interns are eligible for scholarships for prestigious public policy graduate programs, such as the University of California-Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and UC Hastings College of the Law, and they are actively recruited by executive branch agencies such as the U.S. State Department and the Office of Management and Budget.

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CBCF is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) equal opportunity organization that provides scholarships, internships, and fellowships to eligible applicants.

CBCF offers the following internship programs:

Spring and Fall

State Farm Communications Internship

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Walmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship

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Pathways to C-Suite Internship

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Spring and Fall Internship Requirements Include:

2.5 GPA (Congressional Interns), 3.0 GPA (C-Suite)
College senior by program start date, or recent graduate (last 24 months)
Interest in public policy, lawmaking, and the judiciary process (Congressional Interns)
Interest in business/corporate careers (C-Suite Interns)

Summer

Congressional Internship

Pathways to C-Suite Internship

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Summer Internship Requirements Include:

2.5 GPA (Congressional Interns), 3.0 GPA (C-Suite)
Permanent residence or university attendance in the district of a CBC Member
Rising college sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recently graduated (within the last 12 months) by program start date (Congressional Interns)
College senior by program start date, or recent graduate, at least 21 years of age (last 12 months) (C-Suite)

All interns must take part in the program full-time upon acceptance and are not permitted to take outside courses or partake in any employment that interferes with their internship commitment.

Internship Program Benefits

Weekly professional development
Provided housing (on Capitol Hill, with roommates)
Stipend ($4,000 for Spring and Fall participants, $3,000 for summer participants)
Metro credit
Mentor match with CBCF alumni
Cohort model program

Program Dates

Spring Cohort: January to April
Summer Cohort: May to July
Fall Cohort: August-December

For more information, please email internships@cbcfinc.org.

Upon my graduation from Southern University, I was uncertain about my future and career. I was recommended to apply to CBCF for an internship for the upcoming fall semester. I thankfully took that advice and was later accepted for the Fall 2024 cohort as a State Farm Communications Intern. While working in the congressional office of Congressman Troy Carter Sr. (LA-02), I was able to not only learn firsthand about our nation’s policy on Capitol Hill but also experience the CBCF’s 53rd Annual Legislative Conference. I’m so grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to network within our nation’s capital. I learned about the potential of my career field, made professional and personal relationships, and left with memories that will last a lifetime.

Ryan Llorens—State Farm Communications – Fall 2024

Interning with CBCF changed the trajectory of my life. Coming from a small town in rural Georgia, opportunities are not afforded to us as often, so when I came across CBCF’s internship opportunities, I knew I had to take advantage of it. I was accepted into the program during my junior year at Albany State University but could not attend due to educational logistics. I was accepted into the program again – coincidentally, on the day I graduated – and was welcomed in with open arms. CBCF’s broad alumni network, academic scholarships, and community engagement efforts attracted me to apply, and I do not regret my experience at all. I was exposed to a melting pot of opportunity from professional development sessions to direct mentorship from program alumni. An example of CBCF’s impact on my professional journey was when I was placed in the office of Representative Emanuel Cleaver II. In Rep. Cleaver’s office was able to assist with legislative tasks, including assisting the legislative team with the reintroduction of the Hello Girls Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 1572.) Most importantly, CBCF’s engagement with me after my internship was completed was helpful to me. Because of my internship experience, I was able to receive a job offer that was a rocket-pad for my career in public service.

Taron Henton—Alumni Network Council, President; State Farm Communications Intern – Spring 2023

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Leadership Institute changed my life. Without the opportunity to intern with CBCF, I would not have the opportunities and future I have now. I owe the beginning of my success to this amazing experience. It is by far the best internship in Washington, D.C.

Shelly Marc—Staff Assistant for the Office of Public Engagement at the White House

My experience in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Internship program has been remarkable. I came to Washington, D.C. with a textbook understanding of how our Congress works. By the time I left Washington, D.C., I became enriched with a greater understanding of our legislative process, an invaluable network of professionals and mentors, lasting friendships, and the knowledge that I can truly make a difference in my community. The program provided me with an experience that challenged me, humbled me, and forced me out of my comfort zone. I was able to grow in my servant leadership and embody the characteristics behind the mantra of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation–‘I lead, I serve’.

Lindsay Richardson—Intern for Rep. James E. Clyburn, 2015