CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program 2026: Paid D.C. Policy Roles

Are you an early-career professional ready to dive into public policy and make a real difference in Washington, D.C.? The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program 2026 offers paid positions with salaries from $60,000 to $70,000, plus hands-on work in Congress. This 12-month program from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation builds skills for careers in government and advocacy.

About the CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program

The CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program trains people for roles in public policy and leadership. Fellows work full-time as legislative aides and policy analysts. They help shape laws and join national discussions on key issues.

This program lasts one year and requires a move to Washington, D.C. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation runs it as a non-partisan group. The foundation offers scholarships, internships, and fellowships to grow future leaders in public service.

Fellows get practical experience plus training in skills and leadership. This mix prepares them for big jobs in policy and government.

Fellowship Types

The program has three main tracks. Each one fits different interests in policy work.

Congressional Fellowships

In this track, fellows spend the first six months in offices of Congressional Black Caucus members. Then they move to a congressional committee or subcommittee for another six months. They pick placements based on their goals.

John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowships

Fellows start with six months in a CBC member office. Next, they shift to the CBCF Center for Policy Analysis and Research. There, they study social justice topics and produce reports.

Research Fellowships

These fellows focus on research the whole year. They work at the CBCF research center. Their output includes policy papers and analysis.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows earn between $60,000 and $70,000 a year. They also get a full benefits package. Extra perks include housing help for July and August.

The program offers monthly training sessions. Fellows meet mentors and corporate sponsors. They join a network of over 8,000 alumni for long-term connections.

What Fellows Do

Fellows handle real tasks in policy and Congress. Their daily work includes drafting memos, speeches, and opinion pieces. They research bills and support office needs.

They talk with voters and groups outside Congress. Fellows join policy talks and manage parts of lawmakers’ work. This builds skills for policy, government, or advocacy jobs.

CBCF Internships

The foundation also runs paid internships. These suit students and new professionals. They last a semester and pay $4,000 each.

• CBCF State Farm Communications Internship Program: Focuses on media and messaging. Deadline is June 26, 2026.
• CBCF Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program: Builds leadership skills. Deadline is June 26, 2026.
• CBCF Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program: Targets top executive paths. Deadline is June 26, 2026.

These roles give entry-level experience in policy, communications, and growth.

Eligibility and Requirements

Early-career people with policy interests can apply. They need strong research, analysis, and writing skills. Relocation to D.C. is required, but fellows cover travel and most living costs after the first two months.

Family members of CBC members, staff, CBCF workers, board, or sponsors cannot apply. Check the site for full rules.

Career Impact and Alumni Success

This fellowship starts strong careers. Alumni work in government, nonprofits, and business. The real experience and network help them advance.

Many hold key roles after the program. It opens doors in public service.

How to Apply

Deadlines are May 1, 2026, for main fellowships. Internship deadlines are June 26, 2026. Go to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation website to apply.

Create an account and follow the steps. Review all details there. More info is at CBCF fellowships page.

Frequently Asked Questions