Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Congressional Internship Program

Website: Developing the Next Generation of Latino Leaders

Description

CHCI is accepting applications for its 2018 leadership development programs. For nearly 40 years, CHCI has established itself as the best in leadership development, forging a critical role to Educate, Empower, and Connect our nation’s future Latino leaders.

Each year, CHCI expands the horizons of more than 1,600 young Latino leaders. From high school to graduate students, CHCI works tirelessly to ensure that the workforce of the future reflects the community of today.

During CHCI’s paid summer and semester internships, promising Latino undergraduate students experience what it’s like to work in a congressional office, while participating in weekly professional and leadership development and civic engagement through community service.

Eligibility
  • 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
    • Spring 2020 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Fall 20210 semester/quarter
    • Summer 2020 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2020
    • Fall 2021 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2020 OR Summer 2020 (Summer enrollment not required)
    • 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 the May or June prior to the Summer session are NOT eligible, but are eligible to participate in the Public Policy Fellowship 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.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 that is valid throughout the program.
  • 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
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Procedure

A complete application consists of a one-page PDF version of your resume or your curriculum vitae, your most recent unofficial transcript, and two letters of recommendation. In addition, we will require your essay responses as indicated in the application.

How many letters of recommendation do I need? When and from whom should I make the request? CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program requires one letter of recommendation.You should identify and ask your recommender for a letter as early as possible in the application process. Be mindful of who you identify as a potential provider - we look at each letter to ensure the provider indicates having a positive working relationship with you and speaks well to your interests in public policy.

Given the level of competitiveness displayed by applicants, any information you provide intended to supplement your application is not guaranteed consideration for review. If you are interested in providing more than one letter of recommendation, you may ask additional providers to forward their letter to fmazariegos@chci.org after receiving an invitation to interview.

History

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 Spring, 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.

Service Agreement

Program Requirements

  • CIP Ropes
  • 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 community service
  • Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Contact Information