Congressional Internship Program 2027 is now open for undergraduate students and eligible recent graduates who want hands-on experience working in a congressional office in Washington, D.C.
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) offers paid summer and fall internships that combine congressional office experience, leadership development, networking, housing, transportation and other benefits.
For 2027, the Summer Congressional Internship Program runs from May 19 to July 30, 2027, while the Fall Congressional Internship Program runs from August 18 to November 12, 2027. The application deadlines are December 1, 2026, for Summer 2027 and March 1, 2027, for Fall 2027.
Congressional Internship Program 2027 – Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | CHCI Congressional Internship Program |
| Host | Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Study Level | Undergraduate Students & Eligible Recent Graduates |
| Internship Type | Paid Congressional Internship |
| Summer 2027 Dates | May 19 – July 30, 2027 |
| Summer Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Fall 2027 Dates | August 18 – November 12, 2027 |
| Fall Deadline | March 1, 2027 |
| Summer Pay | $4,776 before taxes |
| Fall Pay | $5,400 before taxes |
| Housing | Furnished housing; rent and utilities covered |
| Transportation | Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C. |
| Application | Official CHCI website |
What Is the Congressional Internship Program?
The CHCI Congressional Internship Program (CIP) is a paid internship designed for undergraduate students and eligible recent graduates who want to gain practical experience in Congress.
Interns are placed in congressional offices where they can learn how the U.S. legislative process works while developing professional skills.
The program is open to college students from any major, making it relevant not only to political science students but also to students studying communications, business, economics, law-related fields, public health, technology and other disciplines.
The internship also provides leadership development and networking opportunities. Participants meet CHCI alumni and professionals from Capitol Hill, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, nonprofits and other organisations.
Congressional Internship Program 2027 Benefits
One of the biggest attractions of the CHCI Congressional Internship Program 2027 is that selected interns receive financial and practical support during their time in Washington, D.C.
Benefits include:
- Paid congressional office internship placement
- $4,776 summer stipend
- $5,400 fall stipend
- Furnished housing with rent and utilities covered
- Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
- Medical insurance with premiums paid by CHCI
- $100 monthly Metro stipend
- Weekly leadership development training
- Exclusive networking opportunities
- Community service experience
- Potential academic credit
The internship can therefore provide students with an opportunity to experience Washington, D.C., without having to carry the full cost of housing and transportation themselves.
When Is the Congressional Internship Program 2027?
CHCI offers two internship sessions in 2027.
Summer 2027 Congressional Internship
Program dates: May 19 – July 30, 2027
Application deadline: December 1, 2026
The Summer 2027 program lasts approximately 10 weeks.
Students interested in the summer session should submit their applications before the December deadline.
Fall 2027 Congressional Internship
Program dates: August 18 – November 12, 2027
Application deadline: March 1, 2027
The Fall 2027 program lasts approximately 12 weeks and gives interns the opportunity to participate in CHCI programming connected with Hispanic Heritage Month.
Students who qualify for both sessions are encouraged by CHCI to apply to every session for which they are eligible because the application process is competitive.
Who Can Apply for the Congressional Internship Program?
The program is primarily intended for full-time undergraduate students.
Applicants must be enrolled full-time and working toward an undergraduate degree during the academic period immediately before participating in the program.
Recent graduates can also apply when they graduate in the term immediately before the relevant program session.
Summer 2027 Eligibility
For the Summer 2027 program, applicants must be enrolled full-time during Spring 2027.
Students who graduate during the Spring 2027 quarter or semester may also apply.
Fall 2027 Eligibility
For Fall 2027, applicants must be enrolled full-time during Spring 2027 and/or Summer 2027, although summer enrollment is not required.
CHCI also states that eligibility for recent graduates is limited to those completing their degree in the summer.
Other Congressional Internship Requirements
CHCI looks for candidates who demonstrate strong academic and leadership potential.
Applicants should have:
- Strong academic performance, with preference for a 3.0 GPA or higher
- Leadership skills or leadership potential
- Commitment to public service
- Strong analytical skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Finalists must provide proof of enrollment before participating in the program.
Community college students graduating in June may also qualify for the Summer 2027 session if they are transferring to a four-year institution in the fall. Selected students will need to confirm enrollment at the new institution.
Citizenship and Work Authorisation
The Congressional Internship Program 2027 is not open to international students on F-1 or M-1 visas.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or individuals who are legally authorised to work full-time without restriction for a U.S. employer and can provide valid employment authorisation documentation.
DACA applicants may also be eligible if they have valid employment authorisation and maintain it throughout the internship.
What Will Congressional Interns Do?
Selected interns receive an assignment in a congressional office after completing an eight-day orientation.
The internship provides first-hand exposure to the U.S. legislative process. Depending on the congressional office and assignment, interns may assist with:
- Responding to constituent inquiries
- Drafting correspondence
- Preparing memos
- Attending congressional hearings
- Conducting legislative research
- Data entry and analysis
- Supporting meetings and telephone conferences
- General congressional office operations
Interns work a minimum of 32 hours per week in their congressional office assignment.
CHCI Congressional Internship Program Requirements
Selected interns are expected to:
- Attend an eight-day orientation
- Work at least 32 hours each week
- Participate in weekly leadership development sessions
- Complete community service hours
- Participate in CHCI-sponsored activities
- Attend relevant summits, receptions and Hispanic Heritage Month events
- Follow CHCI workplace and conduct policies
The program combines professional work with leadership development, community involvement and networking.
What Do You Need to Apply?
A complete Congressional Internship Program 2027 application includes:
- A one-page PDF resume or CV
- Most recent unofficial transcript
- One professional recommendation
- Three essays of 300–600 words each
Applicants should prepare these materials before starting the online application.
A strong application should clearly demonstrate leadership, public-service interests, academic preparation and why the applicant would benefit from congressional experience.
Can Non-Latino Students Apply?
Yes. The CHCI Congressional Internship Program is connected to CHCI’s mission of developing Latino leaders and supporting the Latino community, but applicants do not have to identify as Latino/a/x to apply.
Individuals interested in investing in the Latino community or working on policies affecting the Latino population are welcome to apply to CHCI programs.
How to Apply for the Congressional Internship Program 2027
Students interested in the Congressional Internship Program 2027 should use the official CHCI application portal and select the session for which they are eligible.
The important deadlines are:
Summer 2027: December 1, 2026
Fall 2027: March 1, 2027
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the applicable deadline.
Official application: CHCI Congressional Internship Program
FAQs
What is the Congressional Internship Program 2027?
It is a paid internship offered by CHCI that places eligible undergraduate students and recent graduates in congressional offices in Washington, D.C.
How much does the CHCI Congressional Internship pay?
The Summer 2027 internship pays $4,776 before taxes, while the Fall 2027 internship pays $5,400 before taxes.
Does the Congressional Internship Program provide housing?
Yes. CHCI provides furnished housing, with rent and utilities covered for selected interns.
Does CHCI pay for transportation?
CHCI provides domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C., for selected interns.
When is the Summer 2027 deadline?
The Summer 2027 Congressional Internship deadline is December 1, 2026.
When is the Fall 2027 deadline?
The Fall 2027 Congressional Internship deadline is March 1, 2027.
Can international students apply?
Students studying in the U.S. on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for the CHCI program.
Do I need to study political science?
No. CHCI’s Congressional Internship Program accepts college students from any major.
Is the Congressional Internship Program fully funded?
It provides substantial support, including a stipend, furnished housing, covered utilities, transportation to Washington, D.C., medical insurance and a Metro stipend.
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