Support CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program and provide a life-changing experience for a Latino college student. Click here to donate online. 

Applications for the 2013 Internships are now available.  The deadlines are below:
– Spring 2013 Congressional Internship: November 2, 2012
– Summer 2013 Congressional Internship: January 25, 2013
– Fall 2013 Congressional Internship: April 26, 2013

To download the full packet of program sponsorship options, please click here:  2013 CHCI Programs Sponsorship Opportunities

Click Here to Apply

Congressional Internship Program Mission 
The purpose of the Congressional Internship Program (CIP) is to expose young Latinos to the legislative process and to strengthen their professional and leadership skills, ultimately promoting the presence of Latinos on Capitol Hill and in Federal Agencies.

Congressional Internship Program Description
The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with apaid work placement in a Congressional Office or Federal Agency for a period of twelve weeks (Spring/Fall) or eight weeks (Summer). This unmatched experience allows students to learn first hand about our nation’s legislative process.

Promising Latino undergraduates from across the country are selected for this leadership training program.  Students gain work experience, participate in a community service project, and receive educational and professional programming provided by CHCI. This comprehensive three-prong approach provides extraordinary learning and networking opportunities for students.

Selected participants will receive:

• Congressional Office or Federal Agency Internship Placement
• Great Pay
      – $3,750 stipend – Spring and Fall (Twelve Weeks)
  – $2,500 stipend – Summer (Eight Weeks)
• Benefits
  – Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, DC
  – Housing (All Expenses Covered)
• Academic Credit
      – Interns may be eligible to receive academic credit at their college or university for participating in the program.
  It is not mandatory to obtain academic credit to participate, however, CHCI encourages participants to research this possibility. To find out more, click here: Academic Credit
• Leadership Training, Networking and More

Work Experience
After a week-long orientation, interns are assigned to either a congressional office or Federal Agency where they gain first-hand knowledge of how the U.S. legislative process works.  Intern duties may include responding to constituent inquiries, drafting correspondence and memos, monitoring hearings, conducting research, data entry and analysis, support departmental meetings and telephone conferences and assisting with general office operations.

Leadership Development 
Interns attend weekly sessions and meet with distinguished leaders from a range of professional backgrounds, engage in substantive policy discussions, and participate in professional development training. The sessions create an ideal forum for interns to share and exchange ideas with national leaders. Activities with other intern groups provide opportunities to learn coalition-building and an open dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

Community Service
Interns will also be required to engage in a CHCI community service project. This component of the curriculum broadens students’ personal experience with civic engagement and allows interns to give back to the community.

Program Requirements – Interns must

• Work a minimum of 32 hours a week in congressional office assignment
• Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities
• Attend one-week orientation and weekly leadership development sessions
• Participate in the community service project
• Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct

Eligibility Criteria

• Students must currently be enrolled full time and working towards their undergraduate degree
  Note: If selected as a finalist, all individuals will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment to participate in the program.
  – Individuals that will graduate in May/June 2013 are NOT eligible for the Summer session, but are eligible to participate in the Spring 2013 session and the 2013-2014 Public Policy Fellowship Program
  – Community college individuals graduating in June 2013 and are transferring to a new institution for the Fall 2013  semester are eligible for the Summer 2013 session.  However, if selected, they will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment at new institution for the Fall semester.

• High academic achievement (preference of 3.0 GPA or higher)
• Evidence of leadership skills and potential for leadership growth
• Demonstrated commitment to public service-oriented activities
• Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills
• Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or individuals who are lawfully authorized to work full-time without restriction for any U.S. employer and who, at the time of application, possess lawful evidence of employment authorization.
  Note: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application

Selection Process
The selection process is competitive. CHCI receives at 15 applications for every one available summer internship opportunity and five applications for every one available spring or fall internship opportunity.  CHCI processes applications to identify the most qualified candidates.  Applications are reviewed by a selection committee composed by Alumni, Board of Directors and CHCI staff.  A selected number of applicants are chosen based on the quality of their application.

2013 Internship Program Dates

• Spring: February 2 – April 27
• Summer: June 8 – August 3
• Fall: August 24 – November 16