2026 Capitol Hill Scholarship for Women: WCSF Internship Funding in Washington, D.C.

Students and early-career professionals interning on Capitol Hill often face significant financial challenges, especially due to the high cost of living in Washington, D.C. To address this barrier and promote inclusivity, the Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation (WCSF) is offering its Summer 2026 Capitol Hill Scholarship—a funding opportunity designed to support women pursuing internships in the U.S. legislative environment.

This scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also opens doors to valuable networking opportunities and mentorship from professionals serving on the WCSF Board. It is a strategic initiative aimed at increasing the representation and participation of women—especially those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds—in the legislative workforce.

About the Scholarship

The WCSF Scholarship is dedicated to broadening the voices and experiences of women on Capitol Hill. Recognizing that internships often serve as a critical entry point into full-time roles in government and policy, the program seeks to strengthen the pipeline by supporting women at the very beginning of their careers.

A key focus of the scholarship is to ensure that women from middle- and low-income backgrounds are not excluded from these opportunities due to financial constraints. By reducing the burden of living and working in Washington, D.C., WCSF enables more women to contribute their perspectives and expertise to the legislative process.

Scholarship Benefits

Recipients of the WCSF Scholarship will gain:

• Financial support to help cover expenses during their Capitol Hill internship
• Professional networking opportunities with leaders and policymakers
• Career mentorship and guidance from members of the WCSF Board
• Exposure to the inner workings of the U.S. legislative system

Application Deadline and Process

• Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
• Interview Notification: Finalists will be contacted to schedule interviews with the selection committee
• Final Award Announcement: No later than May 24, 2026

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early submission is highly encouraged to increase your chances of selection.

Why This Scholarship Matters

Internships on Capitol Hill are often a stepping stone to influential careers in government, policy, and public service. However, without financial support, many qualified candidates—particularly women from underrepresented backgrounds—may be unable to pursue these opportunities.

The WCSF Scholarship plays a crucial role in leveling the playing field, ensuring that talent and passion—not financial limitations—determine who gets a seat at the table in shaping public policy.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must:

• Have applied for an internship with:
  • A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of Congress, OR
  • A U.S. Senate or House committee, caucus, or leadership office in Washington, D.C.
• Provide a confirmation letter of the internship before receiving funding
• Identify as a woman
• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a diploma from an accredited high school

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on several important factors:

• Demonstrated financial need, including expenses related to the internship
• Alignment between the internship and the applicant’s academic and career goals
• Applications for internships with significant responsibility and impact
• Overall quality of application materials, including resume, essays, and references
• Academic performance and track record

Terms and Conditions

Recipients of the scholarship are required to:

• Complete the full internship as described in their application
• Provide accurate and truthful information, particularly regarding financial need

Failure to meet these requirements may result in forfeiture or repayment of scholarship funds. Exceptions will only be made in rare and exceptional circumstances, as determined by the WCSF Board of Directors.

Additionally, the scholarship funds are non-transferable and can only be used for the internship specified in the application.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their applications before the deadline of April 15, 2026. Since applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, applying early is strongly recommended.

APPLY HERE

By supporting aspiring women leaders at the start of their careers, the Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation is helping to build a more inclusive, representative, and effective legislative workforce.

Discover more similar opportunities here.