Intern In Congress
Interning on Capitol Hill is often the first career move for a young person wanting to make a difference through public service. It’s also one of the most exclusive internship positions to obtain and just so happens to be in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.
Congressional interns develop their leadership skills, obtain policy knowledge, and get to work on America’s toughest challenges. Most college students receiving financial aid can’t afford to take a summer off paid work to intern in Congress for free. And few have the political connections to secure themselves a spot even if they decide to take the opportunity.
That’s where College to Congress comes in. C2C wants to help you land your dream internship in Congress and give you the means to make it happen. There’s just a few things to cover before you apply.
How Does the C2C Program Work?
The internship program is nine weeks long and takes place during the busy summer months before Congress heads into recess. If you are selected to join the program, we will work with you to secure an internship in either the House of Representatives or the Senate using our network of participating Hill offices. Your job as an intern can range from attending hearings on behalf of congressional staff, orchestrating exclusive tours of the Capitol, fielding constituent calls about current policy, or track and even writing floor speeches.
If you land a coveted spot in our Class of 2018 intern program, pack your bags because they’ve got you covered. C2C will cover the entire cost of your flight to and from DC as well as a professional clothing allowance to best prepare you for your congressional experience. During your internship paid housing will be provided on the Hill, a food stipend, and a DC metro stipend.
They also provide leadership training to help you navigate the ins and outs of Washington, D.C. Their goal is to gain a deeper understanding of your interests and to facilitate a smooth transition from college to congress. Training is focused on professional etiquette, financial literacy, advocacy, policy-making, and public speaking. The tailored programming involves local partners in the private and public sector from academics to nonprofits.
C2C also recognizes the power that emanates from mentorships and the benefits that accrue from diverse perspectives. As a result, they’ve implemented a bipartisan mentorship program. Interns are paired with a mentor from the opposite party to guide them through their internship (I.E. a democratic intern is mentored by a republican Chief of Staff). These relationships serve as the building blocks of true friendships to cut through partisan gridlock.
Students are required to attend all workshops and mentor meetings.
Who Qualifies to Apply?
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, 20 years of age on or before the first day of the internship, and meet the following criteria:
- You must qualify for FAFSA Federal Pell Grant. A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be required as proof of your FAFSA Pell Grant eligibility.
- This scholarship is reserved for upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors). You must have completed your sophomore year of college by May 2018 and be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution).
- You must be available to live in Washington, D.C. June 2-August 4, 2018. Final dates to be determined by January 2018.
Needed Application Materials
A completed application includes:
- Current Resume (should not exceed one page)
- An essay responding to this prompt: Describe a problem you’ve solved or a problem you’d like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a policy topic, an ethical dilemma — anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale.
- Two Reference Letters
- FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR)
- Unofficial college transcript
For more information and to apply, visit C2C’s Website.