The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Program 2027–2028 is a nine-month paid fellowship for recent college graduates interested in public policy, leadership, public service and issues affecting the Latino community in the United States.
Organised by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the fellowship provides hands-on experience in Washington, D.C., while giving participants opportunities to work with congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations and other policy-focused institutions.
Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship opened on August 15, 2026, and the deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
CHCI Public Policy Fellowship 2027–2028 at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Program |
| Host Organization | Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) |
| Location | Washington, D.C., USA |
| Program Type | Paid Fellowship |
| Duration | Nine months |
| Program Dates | August 18, 2027 – May 19, 2028 |
| Application Opens | August 15, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | December 1, 2026 |
| Degree Required | Bachelor’s degree |
| Stipend | $34,200 gross over nine months |
| Direct Application | CHCI official website |
What Is the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship?
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship is designed to help recent college graduates develop practical experience and leadership skills for careers in public policy and public service.
Fellows spend four days each week gaining practical experience through their placement, while one day each week is dedicated to leadership development and cohort programming.
The program focuses on developing future leaders through CHCI’s leadership framework, while exposing fellows to policy issues affecting the Latino community and the wider United States.
The fellowship can be particularly valuable for graduates who want careers in government, congressional offices, advocacy, communications, healthcare, technology, economics, energy or other areas where public policy plays an important role.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
One of the major advantages of the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship is that it is paid.
For the 2027–2028 program, fellows will receive a gross stipend of $34,200 over nine months. CHCI states that this is equivalent to an annual salary of $43,200 when prorated to nine months.
Other benefits include:
- Professional work experience in Washington, D.C.
- Medical, dental and vision insurance with premiums paid by CHCI
- $200 monthly Metro stipend
- Support for domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
- Professional development support, including a one-year LinkedIn Premium subscription
- Weekly leadership development training
- Networking opportunities with professionals and leaders
These benefits make the program more than a traditional internship. Fellows receive both professional experience and structured leadership development throughout the nine-month program.
Who Can Apply for the CHCI Fellowship?
Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field within three years of the fellowship start date.
For the 2027–2028 cycle, CHCI states that eligible applicants should have completed their degree between May 2024 and August 2027. Applicants also cannot plan to enrol in a graduate program at the same time as the fellowship.
CHCI also looks for applicants who demonstrate:
- Strong academic achievement, with preference given to applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Leadership experience or leadership potential
- Commitment to public service
- Strong analytical abilities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Importantly, applicants do not have to major in public policy. CHCI encourages graduates from fields such as business, finance, economics, accounting, communications, journalism, engineering, health, technology, computer science, cybersecurity, data systems and energy to apply.
Citizenship and Work Authorisation Requirements
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship is not open to everyone internationally.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or individuals legally authorised to work full-time without restriction for a U.S. employer and must have appropriate employment authorisation when applying.
International students who are in the United States on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for CHCI programs.
DACA applicants may apply if they have valid employment authorisation at the time of acceptance and maintain authorisation throughout the fellowship.
What Will Fellows Do?
The fellowship combines professional placement with leadership development.
Fellows are expected to work at least 32 hours per week at their placement site. Placements are designed around the fellow’s academic background, professional experience and policy interests.
At least part of the fellowship experience is connected to Capitol Hill, while fellows may also have opportunities with federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, think tanks or corporate offices.
Participants must also:
- Attend the required orientation
- Participate in weekly leadership development sessions
- Complete community service hours
- Participate in CHCI-sponsored activities
- Attend relevant summits, receptions and Hispanic Heritage Month events
- Research, write and publish an issue brief addressing an issue affecting the Latino community
- Follow CHCI’s professional conduct and workplace requirements
CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare their application materials before beginning the process.
According to CHCI, a complete application includes:
- A one-page PDF resume or curriculum vitae
- Most recent unofficial transcript
- One professional recommendation
- At least four essays of between 300 and 600 words each
Applicants should choose a professional recommender who understands their work, leadership abilities and interest in public policy.
CHCI also advises applicants to begin early rather than waiting until the final day.
How Competitive Is the CHCI Fellowship?
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship is competitive. Applications go through several stages before final selections are made.
The process includes a written application, an asynchronous interview and a final live interview with CHCI program staff.
CHCI’s selection committee considers factors such as leadership experience, commitment to advancing the Latino community, writing ability, recommendations and the applicant’s resume.
Applicants should therefore avoid treating the essays as a formality. CHCI specifically identifies the essays as an important opportunity for candidates to explain their experiences, leadership and reasons for pursuing public policy.
Can Non-Latino Applicants Apply?
Yes. Although CHCI focuses strongly on developing Latino leaders and advancing the Latino community, applicants who do not identify as Latino/a/x may also apply if they are committed to the Latino community or interested in working on policies affecting the Latino population.
CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Deadline 2026
The application deadline for the 2027–2028 CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Program is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The application system will close after the deadline, so applicants should submit their applications before the final day rather than waiting until the last few hours.
The program itself runs from August 18, 2027, through May 19, 2028.
How to Apply for the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship
Interested applicants should review the eligibility requirements and prepare their resume, transcript, professional recommendation and essays before submitting the online application.
The safest way to apply is through the official CHCI fellowship page because program dates, requirements and application instructions can change between cycles.
Official application and program information: CHCI Public Policy Fellowship Program
FAQs
What is the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship?
It is a nine-month paid fellowship that provides recent bachelor’s degree graduates with practical public policy experience and leadership development in Washington, D.C.
How much does the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship pay?
Fellows receive a gross stipend of $34,200 over nine months for the 2027–2028 program.
When is the CHCI fellowship deadline?
The deadline is December 1, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Do I need a public policy degree?
No. CHCI accepts applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including business, communications, engineering, health, technology, economics and other fields.
Can international students apply?
International students on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible. Applicants must meet CHCI’s U.S. citizenship or employment authorization requirements.
Can I apply if I am not Latino?
Yes. CHCI welcomes individuals who are committed to advancing the Latino community or working on policies affecting the Latino population.
Does CHCI provide housing?
Applicants should review the current program information directly from CHCI for housing arrangements, as housing is not listed among the standard benefits on the current fellowship page.
When does the 2027–2028 fellowship begin?
The program begins on August 18, 2027, and ends on May 19, 2028.
PROGRAM BENEFITS
The program is completely FREE of charge to participants. Travel, lodging, meals and activities will all be covered through the support of our generous sponsors and CHCI.
While in Washington D.C., students will be provided with the opportunity to:
- Meet with Members of Congress
- Tour Capitol Hill
- Explore museums
- Visit historic monuments and sites in the nation’s capital
- Interact with prominent national Latino leaders
- Learn how the political process works
- Receive training on how to make a difference in their community
- Develop friendships with students from across the country
- Become a lifelong member of the CHCI Alumni Association
PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY
Students who wish to apply must:
- Be a current 10th or 11th grade student
- Demonstrate interest in learning more about civic engagement
- Reside in one of the 50 states, Puerto Rico, or Washington, D.C.
- All individuals are welcome to apply. However, preference is given to individuals with financial need.
Family members of CHCI Board or Advisory Board Members are prohibited from participating in any of CHCI’s charitable programs (e.g., scholarships, internships, etc.). Applications by such family members will not be considered.
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