Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute - CHCI’s Graduate Fellowship Program

CHCI’s Graduate Fellowship Program is designed for exceptional emerging Latino leaders who want to immerse themselves in a specific public policy area. This paid, nine-month fellowship will provide you with valuable work experience, access to powerful Latino network, and a chance to showcase your public policy knowledge on Capitol Hill.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

• Work a minimum of 32 hours a week at placement site
• Attend a one-week orientation and weekly leadership development sessions and participate in a retreat
• Participate in all CHCI-sponsored activities
• Complete 24 hours of community service, including a group community service project
• Develop and execute a policy briefing to promote public policy issues of importance to Latinos
• Research, write and potentially publish a public policy paper connected with the topic of your policy briefing
• Comply with CHCI policies regarding work performance and personal conduct

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• 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.
• Family members of members of the CHCI Board of Directors, Advisory Council and Staff are prohibited from participating in any of CHCI’s charitable programs. “Family members” include the following individuals whether the relationship is biological or adoptive:
  • Immediate Family – to include a spouse, domestic partner, ex-spouse, parent, step-parent, sibling, half-sibling, step-sibling, child, step-child, grandparent, grandchild;
  • Extended family – to include a niece, nephew, uncle, aunt, first cousin.
  • Applications by such family members will not be considered.

CHCI GRADUATE FELLOWS WILL RECEIVE:

• Competitive Pay
  • Over the course of nine months, Graduate Fellows will receive a gross stipend amount of $29,700.  This salary is in line with that of an individual making $39,600 per year, a standard entry-level salary on Capitol Hill.
• Benefits
  • Stipend or voucher to subsidize domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C.
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance during the program.  CHCI pays 100% of the premiums for the medical, dental, and vision insurance.  All program participants MUST participate in the plan and will be required to submit relevant enrollment information. Coverage begins effective September 1 and runs through May 31. Information about the insurance plan, coverage and co-pays is provided during orientation week. Please note, insurance is available to the Fellow only and not dependents of the Fellow.
  • $80 per month Metro stipend
  • Optional short-term housing. CHCI secures and individuals reimburse CHCI for this service
• Weekly leadership training, networking and more