Exploring Congressional Black Caucus Internship Opportunities for Spring 2024 

Are you a college senior or recent college graduate, less than two years out, looking to kick-start your career? You’re not alone! That’s why the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation offers several incredible Spring 2024 internship opportunities specifically tailored for early professionals. Recognizing the crucial role internships play in shaping careers, the foundation provides young professionals with opportunities to gain hands-on experience and network with industry experts. 

Internships can be the key differentiator in your professional journey; they help refine your skills, expose you to real-world scenarios, and prepare you for the challenges that lie beyond a college degree. Through internship programs like State Farm Communications Internship, Walmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship and Pathways to C-Suite Internship, you can explore paid opportunities designed to empower those with a passion for social change. Let’s explore how these internships can help launch your professional journey!

What is the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)?

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) is a Washington D.C. based nonprofit organization founded in 1971 by members of the Congressional Black Caucus.  The CBCF focuses on empowering the Black community, cultivating leaders, advocating for policy changes that impact and improve education and the socioeconomic position of Black people worldwide.  The CBCF offers programs to encourage public service and community leadership by providing internships, fellowships, scholarships, and research opportunities. 

CBCF State Farm Communications Internship

The CBCF’s State Farm Communications Internship is designed to provide early professionals with hands-on experience in the communications field. CBCF State Farm interns have the opportunity to work on real projects and initiatives, gain valuable insights from communications experts, and develop critical skills in writing, media relations, and public speaking, among others. 

The internship program is a semester-long opportunity where college seniors and recent graduates explore working in press and media relations on Capitol Hill. From January 13th to May 3rd, 2024, interns will work with various congressional offices, committees, subcommittees, and federal agencies. The goal of this program is to enhance the understanding of public service, governance, and the policy-making process. To be eligible, applicants need a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, a U.S. work permit, and a demonstrated interest in public service.

Application Process

Applicants are expected to complete and submit their online application by 11:59 pm ET, October 27, 2023. The application process involves submitting a video recording in response to a provided prompt, an essay question response, two letters of recommendation, a resume, a transcript, and a professional-quality photograph. All application materials must be submitted online; email submissions will not be accepted. 

The selection process is competitive, with applications reviewed by a committee made up of program alumni, staff, and board members. Top candidates will be invited for an interview. Applications will be evaluated on leadership and potential, community involvement, commitment to public service, and self-challenging capabilities. Selected candidates will also be expected to attend mandatory orientation and training sessions. 

Link to application, here. 

Benefits

The State Farm Communications Internship offers immense benefits. Aside from providing a unique insight into public service and policy-making, it serves as a platform for launching a successful career. Interns will receive a $4000 stipend (paid bi-weekly in increments of $500), housing, and opportunities to network with influential figures on Capitol Hill. 

Walmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship 

The Walmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship is a transformative program that equips young professionals with the crucial skills, perspectives, and contacts needed to foster positive change in Washington, D.C. and their local communities.  This unique experience is designed to expand the understanding of public service, governance, and the policy-making process. 

Running from January 13th to May 3rd, 2024, the program places interns in various congressional offices, committees, subcommittees, or federal agencies. To qualify, applicants must be at least college seniors by the program start date, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, and hold a U.S. work permit. A demonstrated interest in public service is also essential.

Application Process

All applications, including a video recording, essay response, two electronic letters of recommendation, a resume, a transcript, and a professional-quality photograph, must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET, October 27th, 2023. Applicants should focus on demonstrating analytical abilities, communication skills, and familiarity with the federal legislative process. The selection process is competitive, with candidates evaluated based on their leadership, community involvement, commitment to public service, and ability to challenge themselves. Top contenders will be invited for an interview.

Link to application, here.

Benefits

Participation in the Walmart Emerging Leaders program provides a multitude of advantages. Aside from a peek into public service and policy-making, the internship serves as a possible stepping stone to a successful career. Interns receive housing and a $4000 stipend, paid bi-weekly in $500 increments. 

Pathways to C-Suite Internship Overview

Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program presents a unique opportunity for rising college seniors and recent graduates to partner with top executives in the private sector. The program aims to provide insight into how public policy is influenced and developed at every level. CBCF interns are given the chance to gain practical work experience in a corporate setting, interact with senior-level business leaders, and explore multifaceted business challenges. The focus is on preparing interns for careers in corporate America, with an emphasis on diversity employment retention and internship-to-employment opportunities.

The internship runs from January 13 to May 3, 2024, offering an in-depth experience in a corporate sponsor’s office. To qualify, applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale and be 21 years of age by the start of the program and be college students or recent graduates pursuing careers in government relations, business, marketing, human resources and project management.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 pm ET, October 27th, 2023. This includes a video recording and essay response, two electronic letters of recommendation, a resume, a transcript, and a professional-quality photograph. The selection process is competitive, with candidates evaluated based on leadership, demonstration of analytical abilities, communication skills, community involvement, commitment to public service, and ability to challenge themselves. Top applicants will be invited for an interview.

Link to application, here. 

Benefits

Participation in the Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program offers long-term benefits and serves as a stepping stone to leadership roles. Interns receive housing and a $4000 stipend, paid bi-weekly in $500 increments, professional development courses, and networking opportunities.

Final Thoughts

The CBCF’s State Farm Communications Internship, Walmart Emerging Leaders Congressional Internship, and Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program provide early professionals unique opportunities to gain practical work experience, professional insights, and leadership skills. With a focus on public service and policy-making, these internships provide hands-on experience to provide a foundation for today's competitive job market. 

Remember, choosing the right opportunity can be instrumental in shaping your future. For further guidance on this critical decision-making process, please refer to our related blog post: Internships vs. Externships: Understanding the Differences and Making the Choice.