KIPP Federal Policy Fellowship An immersive opportunity for KIPP alumni in college to work with non-profits, advocacy organizations, or Members of Congress to learn how federal policy impacts every aspect of our lives and how to affect policy change. Click Below to apply to be a part of the 8th cohort of KIPP Federal Policy Fellows START APPLICATION Be a Changemaker: KIPP’s Federal Policy Fellowship A summer internship in our nation’s capital is an invaluable experience for any student. Unfortunately, it is largely an opportunity accessible only to those with the means to afford it. For KIPP alumni interested in a career in policy and politics, the financial barriers to pursuing a Capitol Hill internship are significant – to say nothing of the fact that many lack the personal connections necessary to secure such an opportunity. The majority of internships in DC are still unpaid and those that do offer a small stipend fall far short of what it takes to live and work in such an expensive city for the summer. For far too long, this lack of access has perpetuated a system in which not all voices are represented in our nation’s most vital policy discussions and decisions. In 2015, KIPP set out to change this dynamic by launching the KIPP Federal Policy Fellowship (also known as the KIPPtern program). Through the KIPPtern program, we leverage our relationships with Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to help our alumni secure internships. Once in DC, we provide alumni with a stipend as well as support for transportation, meals, lodging, and even business attire. COVID-19 Update We are excited to announce that after a two-year switch to virtual, we are resuming in-person internships in Washington, DC during Summer 2022. Program Details Over the course of Summer 2022, KIPPsters will gain insights into the legislative, executive, and advocacy process by engaging in internships meant to provide a first-hand experience on the inner workings of Washington, DC. In addition, KIPPterns learned from a variety of past and present policymakers. The following steps are for our typical summer cohort. For more information on how we adjusted to accommodate COVID-19, please see below. Phase I: Selecting Internship Offices After selection, KIPPterns provide a list of policy areas or initiatives that they are interested in, as well as learn which Members of Congress represent their interests, hometown, and college/university. KIPPterns interests, location, major, and career aspirations were used by KIPP Foundation staff to create a list of offices and non-profits they were required to apply to. KIPPterns were also supported to apply to additional offices they were interested in. Phase II: Professional Development, Coaching, and Application After KIPPterns finalize their office application list KIPP’s Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement team works one on one with Fellows to refine their resumes, cover letters, and participate in interview prep to prepare them for interviews with organizations and congressional offices. KIPPterns were prepared to advocate for themselves through their applications and interviews and put their best foot forward. Once complete, KIPPterns submitted their applications to their offices and awaited acceptance. Phase III: Completing Internship KIPPterns arrive in Washington, DC on May 29th (Memorial Day Weekend) and move into housing at George Washington University and a post-move group dinner. Flights and group meals are covered by KIPP Foundation. On May 30th, KIPPterns, escorted by KIPP Foundation staff, learn how to use the DC Metro, using their $200 pre-paid Metro pass, on their way to Pentagon City Mall where they will spend the day shopping for business attire using their $750 stipend. Most Fellows will begin their internships after the Memorial Day holiday. Throughout the remainder of the summer, KIPPterns worked with their hosting offices on a wide array of projects. In addition, KIPP provided networking and information sessions. KIPPterns departed Washington, DC, after completing their internship during the week of July 4th, with new experiences and knowledge about what it takes to be a changemaker. Application Process The KIPP Federal Policy Fellowship application process is very similar to the traditional process for securing an internship with a Congressional office, think tank, advocacy, or civil rights organization. Applications are reviewed based on the applicant’s interest in policy, career goals and aspirations, past experience, and application materials. Applying to be a KIPPtern Interested applicants should submit the following documents via our online application. Current resume, including their expected year of graduation, major and GPA (3.0 GPA or above required); A KIPP reference and personal reference including their email address and phone number; 3-5-page writing sample previously submitted for a college-level class; Cover letter that answers the following prompt: Why are you interested in interning for a Member of Congress, think tank, or DC-based advocacy organization? What assets do you think you’d bring to this opportunity that help you stand out from the crowd? What policy areas interest you most? If you could solve one problem in government, what would it be? Important dates for the 2022 KIPP Federal Policy Fellowship Winter 2021: Applications for the 2021 Cohort of KIPP Federal Policy Fellowships are open. Jan 2022: Deadline for KIPP Alums to submit application materials to apply to be KIPPterns. Mid-Jan 2022: Cohort 8 of the KIPPtern program announced. Spring 2022: Professional Development, Internship selection, and application. Late May 2022: KIPPterns begin their internships from a work from home environment. Virtual professional development and networking opportunities. Summer 2022: KIPPterns complete their internships. Mid-July 2022: All KIPPterns finish their internships. Late-2022: Applications for 2023 Cohort open. IF YOU ARE INTERESETED IN HOSTING A KIPP FEDERAL POLICY FELLOW AT YOUR ORGANIZATION, EMAIL SCOTT QUINN (CQUINN@KIPP.ORG). 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