NREI John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship

The NREI John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship is a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Inc. (CBCF) program designed to give young, Black professionals the opportunity to work in Congress and with the Foundation to address social justice and racial equity issues that affect the Black community. Distinguished by two six-month rotations, Social Justice Fellows are placed in the U.S. Congress with Congressional Black Caucus members and the CBCF’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research (CPAR) for a total of 12 months.

Fellows produce social justice policy research and analysis on topics that include, but not limited to, criminal justice reform, education, community/economic development, health equity, and civil rights. While working in Congressional Black Caucus member offices, Fellows gain invaluable legislative experience as they engage in the development of public policy initiatives, attend briefings, conduct research, write speeches, and develop rapport with key leaders all in the areas of social justice. In the Center for Policy Analysis and Research, Fellows work under the NREI Director and in cooperation with other stakeholders to conduct policy analysis, research, and data collection with the goal to disseminate research findings and relevant information to advance NREI’s mission. Fellows during their term may also organize social justice forums and brain trusts, serve as an expert in their field, and produce issue briefs, fact sheets and other publications related to social justice.

Candidate Requirements
• COVID vaccination, including booster shot;
• U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program;
• At least five years of community activism or grassroots organizing in a leadership position OR a graduate/professional degree completed prior to the program start date;
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process, the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus and its members, and related policy;
• Superior analytical skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills; and
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice either through public policy, professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions of the global Black community.

Areas of Social Justice Specialities
• Child Welfare/Education Policy
• Finance Policy
• Health Policy
• Technology Policy

September 2024 Cohort Program Dates:
Start Date: August 26, 2024
End Date: September 5, 2025
Application Deadline: May 3, 2024

Application Materials
• The completed online application must be submitted by 11:59PM EST, May 3, 2024;
• The following items will be requested through the online application:
o 2 Essay Question Responses
o 2 letters of recommendation, submitted electronically (hard copy letters will not be accepted)
o Resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and special skills (2-page limit)
o Cover letter discussing the applicant’s academic and professional background, and explaining the applicant’s interest in the Fellowship, how the fellowship fits into the applicant’s career plans, and any experience that would make the applicant highly effective in this position (2-page limit)
o A recent photograph suitable for publication (i.e., a graduation photo or other professional-quality photograph in which the subject is formally dressed)
Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive. Annually, CBCF accepts fewer than 10% of those who apply. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of CBCF staff and external partners. Only top candidates receive an invitation to interview for a select number of fellowship opportunities, based on the quality of their application and demonstrated interest in social justice policy. Finalists are selected and notified by the CBCF. Any incomplete or late application packets will not be reviewed.

Fellowship Benefits
• NREI Fellows receive a full salary and benefits for the duration of the program. The salary range is $70,000 and is non-negotiable.
• As part of our new partnership with Air B n B, Fellows who take part in our Fellowships will receive transitional housing prior to their official move to Washington, DC. Details will follow pending applicant acceptance.

COVID-19 Guidelines and Vaccination Policy
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has carefully been following specific government guidance on making our workplace, and our working arrangements, COVID free in order to offer protection to our interns. For this reason, we encourage all of our interns to be vaccinated (boosted) against the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 vaccines work well to prevent sever illness and hospitalization due to COVID. Vaccination also helps lower your chances of developing Long COVID. The CBCF will continue to monitor government guidelines as well as COVID-19 cases to determine if we need to make any updates to our COVID vaccination policy.

Requests for Accommodations
• Fellows may request an approved exemption from the vaccination requirement as an accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious reasons. A medical reason such as a disability (as defined by applicable law), pregnancy (or childbirth or a related medical condition), being a nursing mother, having a documented medical condition that contraindicates the vaccination, or any other trait, characteristic, or class for which applicable law requires the CBCF to provide reasonable workplace accommodations.
• Fellows may request an accommodation for a non-medical reason, such as an objection to being vaccinated on the basis of sincerely held religious beliefs and practices.
Accommodation requests should be submitted to Human Resources in writing.

Additional Note:
Former Fellows, immediate relatives of a CBCF employee, CBC Member, CBC Spouse, a staff person of a CBC Member or Spouse, a member of the CBCF Board of Directors, Corporate Advisory Council Member of CBCF, or any CBCF-sponsoring entity are not eligible for CBCF Fellowship programs.
Please email nrei@cbcfinc.org with any questions.