Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 offers a fully funded opportunity for young women to intern with a U.S. Senator or House Representative, either in a District Office or on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. This fellowship bridges the gap between academic life and a career in politics.
Participants gain hands-on experience in constituent service, connect with political insiders, and expand their professional network. The program includes a $1,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid, in-person training intensive in Washington, D.C., providing a unique, immersive experience in the heart of U.S. government.
Benefits
The Program Covers:
- $1000 Stipend
- Free Housing
- Travel Cost
Eligibility Criteria
- Interested in politics, public policy, and public service (no prior professional experience required).
- Excited to learn how Members of Congress engage with their communities.
- Eager to understand how leaders at the highest levels of government campaign and govern.
- Ready to be challenged and supported by a diverse, ideologically inclusive cohort of women leaders.
- Between 18 and 25 years old.
Required Documents
- 1-Page Resume
- 1 page writing sample that answers the question: What is an issue in your community that you would like to solve? How would you implement your solution?
As a participant in the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026, you will
- Work directly with a U.S. Senator or House Representative and see how Congress serves constituents.
- Spend 3 intensive days on Capitol Hill building connections with DC leaders.
- Join a diverse cohort and attend political leadership workshops.
- Gain hands-on campaign experience through a simulation.
- Receive a $1,000 stipend plus fully funded, in-person training in Washington, DC.
How to Apply?
- Complete the online application, ensuring all required fields are filled accurately.
- Prepare a one-page resume highlighting your education, experience, and interest in politics or public service.
- Write a one-page writing sample answering the prompt about a community issue and how you would address it.
- Include information about your anticipated Congressional internship placement, or indicate if you need assistance securing one.
- Submit your application before the priority deadline of February 15, 2026, for early consideration.
- Selected applicants may be invited to a short interview, with offers made in early March.
- If you miss the priority round, submit your materials by the final deadline of March 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 offers women aged 18–25 a fully funded opportunity to intern in Congress, gain leadership skills, attend training in Washington, D.C., receive a stipend, and build a strong professional network while exploring careers in politics and public service.
What is the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026?
The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 offers young women a unique opportunity to intern with a U.S. Senator or House Representative. Fellows gain hands-on experience in Congress, participate in leadership workshops, and expand their political network with like-minded peers.
Who is eligible for the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026?
The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 is open to women aged 18-25 who are interested in politics, public policy, or public service. No prior professional political experience is required, but applicants should be eager to learn about constituent engagement and legislative work in Washington, D.C.
What does the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 include?
Fellows intern in a Congressional office, participate in a three-day in-person training in Washington, D.C., attend leadership workshops, engage in campaign simulations, and network with political leaders, gaining real-world skills for a future career in politics or public service.
Are there financial benefits for participants?
The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 includes a Congressional internship, a three-day in-person leadership training in Washington, D.C., workshops on political strategy, campaign simulations, and mentorship from experienced leaders.
What documents are required for the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026?
Applicants must submit a one-page resume, a one-page writing sample addressing a community issue and solution, and information about their anticipated Congressional internship. Running Start can assist applicants who have not yet secured an internship placement.
What is the application deadline for the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026?
The priority application deadline is February 15, 2026, and selected applicants may be interviewed shortly after. The final application deadline is March 15, 2026, with interviews and offers continuing as needed for additional applicants.
How are candidates selected for the fellowship?
Candidates are evaluated on interest in politics, public service potential, and alignment with program goals. Interviews are conducted for priority and later applicants, and final acceptance decisions are made based on leadership potential, motivation, and fit with the cohort.
What kind of training and workshops do fellows receive?
Fellows participate in regular virtual training and a three-day in-person intensive in Washington, D.C. They engage in political leadership workshops, campaign simulations, and hands-on experience to learn about running and governing from high-level political mentors.
What are the benefits beyond the internship?
Beyond the internship, fellows gain leadership skills, mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to diverse political ideologies. They join a supportive, inclusive cohort and build connections that can help advance careers in politics, policy, or public service.
How long is the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026?
The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship 2026 runs from placement in a Congressional office to the conclusion of program activities in late November 2026. Fellows also participate in virtual training from March through the in-person intensive in September.
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