The CHCI Congressional Internship Program (CIP) provides college students of any major with a paid placement in a congressional office for a period of 12 weeks (Fall) or 10 weeks (Summer). Promising Latino undergraduates and recent graduates from across the country are selected for this unmatched leadership training program. Students gain work experience, participate in community service, and receive educational and professional programming provided by CHCI. Applicants to the Congressional Internship Program must currently be enrolled full-time and working towards their undergraduate degree in the academic period prior to participation. Recent graduates who graduate in the term immediately prior to the program session may apply. Students are not required to enroll in classes during their internship.

• 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
• Students must currently be enrolled full time and working towards their undergraduate degree in the academic period prior to participation. Recent graduates who graduate in the term immediately prior to the program session may apply. 
  • Summer 2023 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2023. Spring 2023 quarter/semester graduates may apply.
  • Fall 2023 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2023 OR Summer 2023 (Summer enrollment not required).  Spring 2023 quarter/semester and Summer 2023 graduates may apply.
• Note: If selected as a finalist, all individuals will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment to participate in the program.
• Community college individuals graduating in June are eligible for the Summer session if they are transferring to a new institution come the Fall semester. If selected, they will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment at new institution for the Fall semester.
• 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. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for CHCI programs.
  • NOTE: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must be eligible to work and possess valid employment authorization at the time of acceptance, and must maintain continuous lawful employment authorization for the duration of the program for which the person is applying.
• Family members of CHCI Board or Advisory Board Members are prohibited from participating in any of CHCI’s charitable programs (e.g., scholarships, internships, etc.). Applications by such family members will not be considered.
  • Note: “Family members” include the following individuals regardless of whether the relationship is biological or adoptive:
    • Immediate family – includes spouse, domestic partner, ex-spouse, parents, siblings, half-siblings, children, stepchildren, grandparents, grandchildren, step-parents, step-siblings
    • Related by marriage – includes son-in-law, daughter-in-law, mother-in-law, father-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law
    • Extended family, either natural or by marriage – includes nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and first cousins

The selection process is competitive. CHCI receives at 15 applications for every one available summer internship opportunity and five applications for every one available 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.

In 1978, three Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus identified the need for more Latinos in public service. The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. was formed as a non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization to Develop the Next Generation of Latino Leaders. Today, CHCI is an educational clearinghouse, administering nationally-recognized fellowship and internship opportunities year-round, which expose young Latino leaders to the world of politics and policy in Washington, DC.

Paid internship programs for college students for Summer and Fall.

CHCI is seeking full-time undergraduate students who are interested in participating in the CHCI Congressional Internship Program. Selected individuals will receive an unmatched experience, learning first-hand about our nation’s legislative process while working for a member of Congress and receiving weekly leadership programming from CHCI.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

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