CBCF CONGRESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:

Established in 1986, the CBCF Congressional Internship Program answered the call to help diversify our democracy by increasing the pool of talented public servants. The intensive nine-week program provides college undergraduates with a behind-the-scenes look into the democratic process. Through experiential learning in the office of a Congressional Black Caucus Member, the internship prepares interns to be decision makers in the policy making process.

Eligibility
CBCF Congressional Internships are open to full-time undergraduate college students in good academic standing. Current seniors in college are eligible to apply. Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in public service and the legislative process. Candidates should have solid scholastic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, interest in public policy, strong writing skills and community service contributions.

The Internship Experience

Orientation
Orientation provides students with the tools to become successful interns. The five-day orientation consists of dinner and ice-breakers to help interns get to know their fellow interns. Students also participate in Newsmania, an interactive news trivia game show, and other teambuilding activities.

Throughout the week, interns connect with CBCF, House, and Senate staff in Power Networking Lunches. Tours of Capitol Hill, the U.S. Supreme Court, and various D.C. neighborhoods provide an exciting introduction to the Nation's Capital. Interns also have free time to explore their new surroundings.

Congressional Office
Interns work full time in a congressional office, though they participate in several CBCF activities throughout the week. Under the guidance of Congressional Black Caucus staff members, CBCF interns learn about the legislative process and the functions of a congressional office.

CBCF Intern Willie Lyles meets Rep. Al Green (TX)
Each office is unique so each intern's experience varies. Interns may draft talking points that a Member will use on the House floor, monitor committee hearings, field constituent calls, and/or respond to constituent mail. As a part of the congressional office team, interns will also participate in the administrative tasks necessary to make any office work.

Congressional Simulation
The entire CBCF internship is built around a congressional simulation entitled Congress In Action. The goal of the simulation is to provide CBCF interns with a realistic view of the challenges and opportunities that confront Members of Congress.

Interns debate in a caucus meeting.
Each intern will act as a Member of Congress representing a district in his or her state. Interns will be assigned a party affiliation and will be a part of the Democratic or Republican caucus. Each caucus will elect leaders who will then assign each intern to one of six standing committees. Each committee will also elect committee chairs and ranking members. The entire "House" will elect a Speaker.

Each intern will be responsible for sponsoring a bill and seeking co-sponsors. Interns will write policy briefs to provide background and factual support for their bills. Bills will be discussed in committee, and those that pass committee will be debated in the full "House."

Bills that pass the full House will be debated in a conference committee with senior policy officials acting as "Senators." Interns will elect a president who will consider bills that pass the conference committee for signature or veto.

Congressional Leadership Forum
Rep. Barbara Lee (CA) speaks to interns.

Interns have the unique opportunity to hear directly from Members of Congress in interactive lunchtime forums. Every Tuesday, a Member of Congress discusses personal experiences, current affairs and takes questions from interns. A dynamic group of Members participate in these sessions each year. Interns rate the Leadership Forums as one of the highlights of the CBCF internship experience.

Friday Briefings
NPR Senior Correspondent Juan Williams talks with interns.

Each Friday, interns participate in workshops or site visits to hear from experts on a range of topics. Past speakers have included NPR Correspondent Juan Williams and former presidential campaign manager Joe Trippi. Topics have included communications, fundraising, lobbying, grassroots organizing, campaign management, and the federal budget process. In the past, interns have visited the White House and FBI headquarters.

Interns in New York City
CNN Anchor Soledad O'Brien meets CBCF interns in NYC.

Each year interns participate in a day trip to New York City. With visits to Harlem, the Apollo Theater, famous restaurants, and Time Square, interns take part in a variety of the cultural activities NYC has to offer.

Coalition Building Activities
Each summer, CBCF, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), and the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), collaborate on several events. Interns attend a joint Welcome Reception with Members of Congress and enjoy food, music, and sports at an annual cookout.

Housing & Stipend
CBCF provides housing in the District of Columbia, where interns have the opportunity to explore the vast resources the city has to offer. Interns receive a $2,500 stipend to cover program expenses such as meals and transportation. Interns also learn credit and financial planning techniques to help them maximize the use of their stipends.

Selection Process

Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA) and CBCF intern Christopher Coes.

The CBCF Congressional Internship Program is an intense and challenging program. The selection process is highly competitive. Applications should be sent to CBCF so that they are received by the deadline. In round one, CBCF will screen all applications. In round two, successful candidates from round one will be sent to a CBC office for review. CBC offices may conduct a third round--a phone interview of promising candidates. CBCF will communicate the final decisions to all applicants.

Program Dates
May 28, 2006 - July 29, 2006

To fill out an application, please vistit: http://www.cbcfinc.org/Leadership%20Education/Internships/summer.html