Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) Internship Summer Program 2026

With CHCI’s paid internships offered during the Summer and Fall, students can apply for the program that best fits their college timeline and schedule.

CHCI interns will meet accomplished leaders—including CHCI Alumni— dedicated to improving the Latino community. These leaders come from a wide range of professional backgrounds, including Capitol Hill, Fortune 500 companies, NGOs, nonprofits, and other organizations that support Latino education and leadership development.

The Congressional Internship Program (CIP) equips participants with legislative knowledge, cultural competency, an extensive network, and personal and professional leadership skills. CHCI interns come to D.C. from throughout the country. They will meet fellow emerging leaders from different heritages and backgrounds—learning as much from each other as from CHCI. As they work together, serve the community, and explore the nation’s capital, interns will build bonds that will last beyond the program.

Interns will attend weekly programming sessions centered on CHCI’s four Pillars of Leadership—Self Discovery, Transformation through Collective Power, Rooted in my Strength, and Planting Seeds for Tomorrow. The CHCI pillars provide the support needed to strategize and produce organized, culturally relevant programming with timely content to create opportunities, transform, influence, and connect the next generation of leaders.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Attend an 8-day orientation and weekly leadership development sessions throughout the program
Work a minimum of 32 hours a week in congressional office assignment
Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities including Hispanic Heritage Month events, Summits, and receptions
Complete community service hours
Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Congressional Office Internship Placement
Great Pay: $5,400 (Fall), $4,776 (Summer)
Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
Medical insurance during the program (all premiums paid by CHCI)
Furnished Housing (Rent and Utilities Covered)
Academic Credit (we encourage participants to discuss this with their academic advisors)
$100 per month Metro stipend
Weekly leadership development training
Exclusive networking opportunities

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

Students must be enrolled full time and working towards their undergraduate degree in the academic period before participation. Recent graduates who graduate in the term immediately prior to the program session may apply
Summer 2026 Program: Must be enrolled full time during Spring 2026. Spring 2026 quarter/semester graduates may apply.
Fall 2026 Program: Applicants must be enrolled full time during Spring 2026 and/or Summer 2026 (Summer enrollment not required). Eligibility for graduates is limited to those completing their degree in the summer.
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
If selected as a finalist, all individuals will be required to provide proof of enrollment to participate in the program
Community college individuals graduating in June are eligible for the summer session if they are transferring to a 4-year institution come the Fall semester. If selected, they will be required to provide confirmation of enrollment at new institution for the Fall semester
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. International students on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible for CHCI programs.

NOTE: Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must be eligible to work and possess valid employment authorization at the time of acceptance and must maintain continuous lawful employment authorization for the duration of the program for which the person is applying.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process is competitive, consisting of two stages: (1) a written application and (2) an asynchronous interview. Written applications and prerecorded interviews are reviewed by a selection committee composed of program alumni, members of the CHCI Board of Directors and Advisory Council, and CHCI staff.

Apply for CHCI Internship Summer Program