Congressional Internship Summer Program 2026 in USA | Paid

The Congressional Internship Program is a paid internship offered by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) during the Summer and Fall. Students can apply for the program that best fits their college timeline and schedule. CHCI interns will meet accomplished leaders—including CHCI Alumni—dedicated to improving the Latino community, coming from Capitol Hill, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, nonprofits, and other organizations.

CHCI has forged a critical pathway to Educate, Empower, and Connect our nation’s future Latino leaders for the last 40 years. Through educational and leadership development programs, CHCI is committed to its mission of Developing the Next Generation of Latino Leaders. The institute hosts a platform of leadership development programs equipping young Latino leaders with tools for success in the public and private sectors.

Congressional Internship Program Benefits

• Congressional Office Internship Placement
• Great Pay: $5,400 (Fall), $4,776 (Summer)
• Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
• Medical insurance during the program (all premiums paid by CHCI)
• Furnished Housing (Rent and Utilities Covered)
• Academic Credit (we encourage participants to discuss this with their academic advisors)
• $100 per month Metro stipend
• Weekly leadership development training
• Exclusive networking opportunities

Congressional Internship Program Eligibility Criteria

• Students must be enrolled full time and working towards their undergraduate degree in the academic period before participation. Recent graduates who graduate in the term immediately prior to the program session may apply.
• Summer 2026 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2026. Spring 2026 quarter/semester graduates may apply.
• Fall 2026 Program: Applicants must be enrolled full time during Spring 2026 and/or Summer 2026 (Summer enrollment not required). Eligibility for graduates is limited to those completing their degree in the summer.
• 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
• If selected as a finalist, all individuals will be required to provide proof 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 4-year 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.

Selection Process

• The selection process is competitive and consists of two stages
• Stage 1: Written application
• Stage 2: Asynchronous (prerecorded) interview
• Written applications and prerecorded interviews are reviewed by a selection committee
• The committee is composed of program alumni
• Members of the CHCI Board of Directors and Advisory Council
• CHCI staff members

How to Apply for Congressional Internship Program

• Submit a written application through the CHCI application portal (https://chci.smapply.org).
• Complete an asynchronous interview if selected as a candidate.
• Provide a one-page PDF version of your resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit your most recent unofficial transcript.
• Arrange one professional recommendation.
• Write three essays (300-600 words each).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Congressional Internship Program. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.