Explore the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Fellowship Program offering paid 12-month policy fellowships with salaries of $60,000–$70,000, leadership development, congressional experience, and professional networking opportunities.
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Fellowship Program provides an outstanding opportunity for early-career professionals interested in public policy, government, and legislative affairs. The program is designed to develop the next generation of public service leaders through immersive policy training and hands-on experience in the U.S. Congress.
Successful fellows work full-time as legislative aides, policy analysts, and researchers while participating in professional development and leadership training throughout the 12-month fellowship.
About the CBCF Fellowship Program
The CBCF Fellowship Program is an intensive one-year leadership development initiative that combines practical congressional experience with policy education.
Participants gain direct experience working on legislative priorities while strengthening their policy analysis, research, communication, and leadership skills.
Fellows may contribute to:
- Drafting legislative memos
- Preparing speeches and op-eds
- Conducting policy research
- Supporting proposed legislation
- Facilitating policy discussions
- Engaging with constituents
- Assisting with legislative portfolios
The program is intended for early-career policy professionals committed to public service and leadership.
Fellowship Types
CBCF offers several fellowship pathways based on participants’ interests and expertise.
Congressional Fellowships
Participants complete:
- Six-month placement in the office of a Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Member serving as a Legislative Aide.
- Six-month placement with a Congressional committee or subcommittee aligned with their policy interests.
John R. Lewis Social Justice Fellowships
Participants complete:
- Six months in a CBC Member’s office as a Legislative Aide.
- Six months conducting policy research through the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR).
Research Fellowships
Research Fellows spend the entire fellowship conducting policy research through CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research on designated topics related to their expertise.
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a competitive package that includes:
- Annual salary of $60,000–$70,000
- Employee benefits
- Interim housing through Airbnb during July and August
- Monthly professional development sessions
- Legislative and policy training
- Mentorship and corporate sponsor engagement
- Extensive networking opportunities
- Membership in a distinguished alumni network of more than 8,000 professionals
Professional Development
Throughout the fellowship, participants strengthen practical skills in:
- Public policy analysis
- Legislative research
- Government communications
- Policy writing
- Leadership
- Stakeholder engagement
- Congressional operations
- Professional networking
These experiences prepare fellows for careers in government, nonprofits, advocacy organizations, think tanks, and the private sector.
Location
The fellowship is based in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Participants must either:
- Already reside in the Washington, D.C. area, or
- Relocate before the fellowship begins.
Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing, and living expenses beyond the interim housing support provided during July and August.
Eligibility
The CBCF Fellowship Program is designed for eligible early-career policy professionals.
The source also notes that immediate relatives of certain CBC Members, CBCF staff, board members, sponsoring organizations, and related individuals are not eligible for CBCF fellowship programs.
Applicants should carefully review all eligibility requirements before applying.
Career Impact
Former fellows have gone on to careers in:
- Federal government
- Public affairs
- Legislative affairs
- Energy policy
- Public policy consulting
- Research organizations
- Advocacy organizations
- Corporate government relations
The fellowship emphasizes real-world legislative experience while helping participants build professional networks across government and policy sectors.
Why Consider the CBCF Fellowship?
This fellowship is well suited for individuals who want to:
- Gain firsthand congressional experience
- Build expertise in legislative policymaking
- Develop leadership skills
- Expand professional networks
- Launch careers in public service
- Work directly on national policy issues
With paid congressional placements, structured leadership development, and access to a large alumni network, the CBCF Fellowship Program provides a valuable pathway for emerging policy professionals.
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