Deadline: May 1, 2026
Applications are open for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Congressional Fellowship Program 2026. The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program equips early career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills to become the next generation of leaders in public service.
The program is an intensive 12-month policy training and leadership development program which enables fellows to receive hands-on public policy training as full-time legislative aides and policy analysts. Fellows’ work assignments may include drafting memos, speeches, op-eds, conducting research for proposed legislation, facilitating brain trusts, engaging with constituents, contributing to assigned legislative portfolios, and more.
During the first six-months of the Fellowship Program, Fellows are placed in a Congressional office. During the second six-months of the Fellowship Program, Congressional Fellows transition to a Congressional committee or subcommittee. The committee placement complements their experience in a Member’s office and provides Fellows with a full view of the legislative process, including, but not limited to the following:
- Overseeing a bill move from the committee to the floor
- Recommending strategies and tactics on bills and positions
- Writing and reviewing legislative memos
Benefits
- CBCF Congressional Fellows receive a full salary and benefits for the duration of the program. The salary is $60,000 and is non-negotiable.
Eligibility
- U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program
- A master’s degree, doctoral degree, or juris doctorate obtained by the start date of the program
- Familiarity with the federal legislative process, the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus and its members, and related policy
- Superior analytical skills
- Outstanding oral and written communication skills
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice, either through public policy, professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions of the global Black community
Application
Submit the following materials:
- Resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and special skills (2-page limit)
- Cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the Fellowship; discussing how the applicant’s academic and professional background would prepare them to be effective in the Fellowship; describing how the Fellowship aligns with the applicant’s career goals; and reflecting on how the applicant’s values, experiences, or commitments connect to the Congressional Fellowship Program (2-page limit)
- 2 letters of recommendation, submitted electronically (hard copy letters will not be accepted)
- 2 essay Question Responses (located within the Conditional Application)
For more information, visit CBCF Congressional Fellowship.
