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 Black communities. Distinguished by two six-month rotations, Social Justice Fellows will be 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 will produce social justice policy research and analysis on topics that include, but are not limited to, criminal justice reform, education, community/economic development, health equity, and civil rights. While working in Congressional Black Caucus member offices, Fellows will 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 in the areas of social justice. In the Center for Policy Analysis and Research, Fellows will work under the NREI Senior Director, with CPAR staff, 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. During their term, Fellows 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
• U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program (currently September 2025 through September 2026);
• At least five years of community activism or grassroots organizing in a leadership position OR a graduate/professional degree completed prior to the fellowship 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;
• Demonstrated commitment to social justice either through public policy, professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions for Black communities.

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

Application Materials
• The completed online application must be submitted by 11:59PM EST, May 2, 2025;
• 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.

Selection Process
The selection process is highly competitive. Annually, CBCF accepts fewer than 10% of those who apply for a limited number of available fellowship positions per cycle. 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.

NREI Social Justice Essay Prompts
Essay 1: You are working in the office of a congressional member as a subject matter expert in your respective profession. Draft a memo to your congressional member discussing three policy areas that you deem most critical to the advancement of Black communities, why your representative should prioritize these items on their agenda, and how they can create awareness on these issues. Be sure to cite your sources. [1,000 words maximum]

Essay 2: Choose a social justice policy issue (i.e., criminal justice reform, Black maternal health, school-to prison pipeline, public education, or racial discrimination in the workplace) you find most relevant to the Black community in the last three congressional sessions. Discuss the status of the legislation, the key members involved with the issue, and the potential or current effects of the legislation on Black communities. Be sure to cite your sources. [1,000 words maximum]

Fellowship Components
Fellows will remain in the fellowship for a 12-month period and participate in the following programming components:
• Work experience in Washington, D.C.;
• Attend a one-week orientation;
• 6-month each rotation placement in the U.S. Congress and the CBFC’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research, maintaining a forty (40) hours a week schedule;
• Complete research and deliverable production (issue briefs, fact sheets, etc.) for publication by CBCF;
• Participate in monthly Professional Development Sessions.

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.

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.