CAPITOL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The C2C Internship Experience
2. Cover all associated expenses
We cover ALL costs associated with interning in DC, including meals, flights to/from DC, housing, and even professional clothing.
1. Secure congressional internships
We help high-achieving, Pell Grant-eligible students secure full-time internships with Members of Congress.
4. Provide training and Development
In addition to our boot camp, we provide professional development seminars to prepare our students to excel during their internships and beyond. Some of these sessions are accessible on C2C-U.
3. Pair students with a mentor
Our students are paired with a mentor to guide them on their internship journey and provide assistance when landing a full-time public service job offer. Our mentors are senior staffers and government affairs professionals with deep DC experience.
5. Connect students with jobs on capitol hill
After graduation, we help our students secure full-time jobs on Capitol Hill and in public service in order to create sustainable change in Congress. In doing so, we help make Congress more diverse, inclusive, and effective for all!
In total, we invest over $26,000 into each of our students!
Who Can Apply
High-achieving College students from low-income backgrounds
We accept applications from college juniors and seniors, graduate students, and recent graduates (within one calendar year of graduation at the time of application close).
Students must have:
Proof of Pell Grant eligibility during the most recent undergraduate semester
Current, cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
General familiarity with the federal legislative process and U.S. Congress
Be eligible to work in the United States
Students from Across the political spectrum
Our program is open to students from all political parties. We believe that careers in Congress need to be more accessible for young leaders from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds - whether they identify as Republican, Democrat, or Independent.
We place students in any office that has committed to paying their interns. For an idea of our potential placements, please see our Congressional Champions.
Note: All interns must take part in the program full-time upon acceptance and are not permitted to take outside courses or partake in any employment that interferes with their internship commitment. Interns must stay in provided C2C housing for the duration of the program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does the application open?
Our Summer 2023 application will be open from October 17th - November 27th, 2022. Once selected, our Summer 2023 interns will arrive in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, May 30th, 2023. The last day of the program is Sunday, July 30th, 2023.
How can I make my application stand out?
It is recommended to reach out directly to our program team at to ask application-related questions, including but not limited to, how to strengthen your resume, assistance with writing prompts, and interview preparation.
What does a c2c intern do?
C2C interns work in a congressional office five days a week during normal office hours. This could be in the House of Representatives or the Senate. Typical intern duties include answering constituent calls, attending hearings or briefings, writing letters in response to constituent questions, giving tours of the Capitol building, and any other tasks needed in a congressional office. In addition to the expectations of the office, C2C requires interns to participate in weekly leadership training, attend various events, and submit journal entries. The hustle and bustle of the Hill is unlike anywhere else in the world and it’s not unlikely that you’ll bump into a well-known member of Congress on your way to work!
What kind of expenses does c2c cover?
The C2C program covers all costs associated with a congressional internship, such as travel to and from DC and housing. In addition, C2C provides a professional clothing stipend and guarantees a livable wage for all other necessities.
What is the time commitment? I might have other commitments during the program, should i still apply?
All C2C program participants must be able to commit to completing the entire duration of the program in Washington, DC. No exceptions. You are expected to work 40 hours a week, 5 days a week at your congressional office, and attend C2C programming outside of work hours. Our summer program typically runs from the end of May to the end of July, our spring program typically runs from the end of January to the end of April, and our fall program typically runs from late August to November.
What Member of Congress will i work with?
With a diverse list of Congressional Champions comprised of members from every policy position, we can place you in an office that you will find meaning in. We are also passionate about having students work for their hometown member of Congress. By having a connection to the district or state where you are from you will be able to give back to your community. If selected for C2C, each intern still must interview with congressional offices for placement, and it is ultimately up to the office to extend offers to interns.
I already secured a post-grad job but I would like the experience, should I still apply?
Participation in this program is intended to open opportunities for students who seek to have a career in public service but do not currently have the experience, support, or financial means to do so. It is our goal to help you secure a career in public service (hopefully in DC!) by the end of the program.
DOES C2C HAVE A PREFERENCE BETWEEN PERSONAL, PROFESSIONAL, AND ACADEMIC LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION?
We want to hear from people who’ve seen your passion for public service! Typically, we would prefer you to provide letters of recommendation from professional or academic sources who can attest to your desire to work in Congress and any experience you might have in this field.
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