Graduate Fellowship Program - Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

Who: CHCI’s Graduate Fellowship Program is designed for exceptional emerging Latino leaders who want to immerse themselves in a specific public policy area.

What: This paid, nine-month fellowship will provide you with valuable work experience, access to powerful Latino networks, and a chance to showcase your public policy knowledge on Capitol Hill. Guided by CHCI, you will research opportunities to work in congressional offices, committees, federal agencies, or even the White House. Choose one that best matches your policy focus area—K-12 education, health, housing, law, energy—and consider changing your placement midway through the program to maximize your experience. In addition to working for members of Congress, graduate fellows have worked with these and other remarkable organizations:

• American Public Health Association 
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund 
• National Urban League 
• U.S. Department of Agriculture 
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security 
• U.S. House Committee on Financial Services 

Qualifications: 

• Applicants must have completed a master’s degree or J.D. prior to the program start date (doctoral students are NOT eligible to apply) 
• 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 
• 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. 
• NOTE: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program. 
• All individuals are welcome to apply. However, preference will be given to individuals with financial need. 

Benefits:

• A gross stipend of $27,500 for the duration of the nine-month fellowship (equivalent to a $34,800 annual salary) 
• $80 per month Metro stipend 
• Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C. 
• Professional Development Funds 
• Optional short-term housing. CHCI secures and individuals reimburse CHCI for this service 
• Weekly leadership training, networking and more 

2019-2020 application deadline: January 15, 2019. Find more information and application information here.