Congressional Summer Internship

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. Additionally, few have the political connections to secure themselves a spot even if they decide to take the opportunity.

That’s where we come in. College to Congress 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 we need to cover before you apply.

HOW DOES THE C2C PROGRAM WORK?

Our 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 writing floor speeches.

If you land a coveted spot in our Class of 2020 intern program, pack your bags because we’ve got you covered. We 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 we provide paid housing on the Hill, a food stipend, and a DC metro stipend.

We also provide leadership training to help you navigate the ins and outs of Washington, D.C. Our 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. Our tailored programming involves local partners in the private and public sector from academics to nonprofits.

We recognize the power that emanates from mentorships and the benefits that accrue from diverse perspectives. As a result, we've implemented a bipartisan allyship program. Interns are paired with a mentor of the opposite party to guide them through their internship (I.E. a democratic intern is paired with 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 ally meetings.

DO I QUALIFY TO APPLY?

Our general eligibility requirements are that you must

qualify for FAFSA Federal Pell Grant (or have DACA status or be eligible for federal financial aid for a student with disabilities). A Student Aid Report (SAR) will be required as proof of your eligibility;

completed their junior year of college by May 2020 and be enrolled full time at a U.S. accredited, private or public college or University;

be available to live in Washington, D.C. May 27 through August 1, 2020;

maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

DO I HAVE ALL MY APPLICATION MATERIALS?

A completed application includes:

Two Personal Recommendation Letters

FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR), or other documents

Unofficial college transcript