The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Congressional Fellows Program was initiated in 1976 as the Graduate Intern Program. It was motivated by concern that Black professionals are seriously under-represented on Capitol Hill. Fellows gain invaluable experience in assisting in the development of legislative and public policy initiatives while working as congressional staff. Fellows work 40 hours per week on a range of staff assignments, including research and analysis, responding to constituent mail, drafting legislation and coordinating logistics and public testimony for Congressional hearings. During the Fellowship year, each Fellow is also required to write a research paper related to a policy issue of concern to the Member with whom the Fellow is working.
Fellows are responsible for their own travel arrangements, expenses and housing.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens. All Fellows must serve for the nine months of the academic year. Native English speaker required. Interns will learn first-hand about foreign affairs and are exposed to the challenging work of the Foreign and Civil Service. Half of the placements are in Washington DC while the other half are overseas.