CBCF Internship Programs 2026 by Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF): Paid Internships for African American Students in the United States

Internships offered by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) are designed to prepare the next generation of principled leaders, policy professionals, and advocates by providing direct exposure to the U.S. legislative and policymaking process. These CBCF internships are highly competitive, paid opportunities that place students and young professionals in congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, and corporate partners, giving participants real-world experience at the heart of public service and policy development.

The CBCF internship programs are operated by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) equal opportunity organization that has a long-standing mission of advancing Black leadership through scholarships, internships, and fellowships. Through these internships, participants gain professional skills, leadership training, and access to influential networks across government, communications, and corporate policy spaces.

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Overview of CBCF Internship Opportunities

The CBCF offers several structured internship programs under its broader internships portfolio. These internships provide participants with housing, stipends, office placements, and professional development opportunities, as well as exposure to policymakers and leaders across all branches of government. Interns may also become eligible for scholarships for prestigious graduate programs and recruitment opportunities with executive branch agencies such as the U.S. State Department and the Office of Management and Budget.

The major CBCF internship programs include:

• Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship

• State Farm Communications Internship

• Congressional Internship Program

• Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program

Each internship is tailored to specific career interests while maintaining a strong focus on public policy, leadership, and civic engagement.

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Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for CBCF Internships

The CBCF internships are primarily open to African American or Black students and recent graduates who meet the eligibility requirements of each program. While specific criteria vary slightly by internship, the general eligibility standards include the following:

General Eligibility Requirements

• Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have legal authorization to work in the United States

• Applicants must be currently enrolled in college full-time or recently graduated at the time of application

• Applicants must meet the minimum GPA requirement, which ranges from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the program

• Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in public policy, government, communications, law, or related fields

Target Group

• The internships are designed for African American or Black undergraduate and post-graduate students, as well as recent college graduates

• Applicants from across the United States are eligible, provided they meet program-specific criteria

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Detailed Overview of CBCF Internship Programs

Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship

The Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship provides undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. Interns are placed in congressional offices, committees, or subcommittees, where they engage directly with legislative staff and policymakers.

Focus Areas:

• Policy research

• Legislative writing

• Constituent services

• Communications

Program Terms:

• Fall: 16 weeks (August–December)

• Spring: 16 weeks (January–May)

Benefits:

• Housing

• Stipend

• Professional development courses

• Networking opportunities

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State Farm Communications Internship

The State Farm Communications Internship focuses on political communications and media strategy. Interns gain hands-on experience working with press and communications teams in congressional offices.

Focus Areas:

• Press releases

• Speechwriting

• Social media management

• Messaging and media strategy

Program Terms:

• Fall: 16 weeks (August–December)

• Spring: 16 weeks (January–May)

Benefits:

• Housing

• Stipend

• Professional development courses

• Networking opportunities

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Congressional Internship Program

The Congressional Internship Program is an intensive summer program that places interns in the offices of Congressional Black Caucus Members in Washington, D.C.

Program Duration:

• Summer: 9 weeks (May–August)

Benefits:

• Stipend

• Housing in Washington, D.C.

• Professional development courses

• Networking and mentorship opportunities

Preference is given to applicants who live in or attend school in CBC Member districts, although all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

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Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program

The Pathways to C-Suite Internship Program places interns with CBCF corporate partners to explore policymaking from a corporate and executive perspective.

Placement Areas May Include:

• Government affairs

• Foreign affairs

• Technology

• Finance

Program Terms:

• Spring: 16 weeks (January–May)

• Summer: 9 weeks (May–August)

• Fall: 16 weeks (August–December)

Benefits:

• Stipend

• Housing in Washington, D.C.

• Professional development courses

• Networking and mentorship opportunities

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How to Apply for CBCF Internships

To apply for any of the CBCF internship programs, applicants must submit an application through the official CBCF internships portal. Applicants can review each internship option and select the program that aligns with their academic background and career interests.

Applicants should prepare academic records, ensure they meet GPA requirements, and demonstrate a clear interest in public service, communications, or policy-related careers.

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Important Dates and Timeline

Application deadlines and start dates vary depending on the internship program and term (Spring, Summer, or Fall). Applicants are encouraged to apply early and regularly check the official CBCF website for the most up-to-date deadlines and program schedules.

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Apply Here: CBCF Internship Application Portal

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The CBCF internship programs offer paid, structured, and career-defining opportunities for African American students and young professionals seeking hands-on experience in government, communications, and corporate policy environments. With stipends, housing, professional development, and access to influential networks, CBCF internships remain a powerful pathway into leadership, public service, and policy careers in the United States.

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