CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program

Congressional Fellowships
During the first six-months of the Fellowship Program, Fellows are placed in a Congressional office. During the second six-months of the Fellowship Program, Congressional Fellows transition to a Congressional committee or subcommittee. The committee placement complements their experience in a Member’s office and provides Fellows with a full view of the legislative process, including, but not limited to the following.

• Overseeing a bill move from the committee to the floor
• Recommending strategies and tactics on bills and positions
• Writing and reviewing legislative memos

The in-person CBCF Congressional Fellowship Program equips early-career policy professionals who are committed to contributing to public policy with the necessary skills to do so.

CBCF staff will offer information sessions to allow prospective applicants to learn more about our Fellowship program. Should this be of interest, please register for one of the sessions below.

Candidate Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program
• A master’s degree, doctoral degree, or juris doctorate obtained by the start date of the program
• 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 of the global Black community

Note: Do not apply to the Fellowship Program if you have not yet obtained a graduate-level degree (or have obtained one by program start). On occasion, CBCF will consider applications of those who wish to take a leave of absence from their doctoral studies to participate in the program (this ONLY applies when applicants have already obtained a master’s degree). Fellows are not permitted to be actively enrolled in graduate courses or outside employment for the duration of the Fellowship program.

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
• Comprised of (2) six-month rotations, Congressional Fellows are placed in the U.S. Congress with Congressional Black Caucus Members, followed by a committee in alignment with their area of expertise for a total of 12 months.
• Participate in monthly Professional Development Sessions

Fellowship Benefits

• CBCF Congressional Fellows receive a full salary and benefits for the duration of the program. The salary is $60,000 and is non-negotiable.

Fall 2026- 2027 Fellowship Program Dates

• Start Date: September 1, 2026
• End Date: September 3, 2027
• Application Deadline: May 1, 2026

Application Materials

• The following items must be submitted through the online application by 11:59 PM EST, May 1, 2026:
• Resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and special skills (2-page limit)
• Cover letter explaining the applicant’s interest in the Fellowship; discussing how the applicant’s academic and professional background would prepare them to be effective in the Fellowship; describing how the Fellowship aligns with the applicant’s career goals; and reflecting on how the applicant’s values, experiences, or commitments connect to the Congressional Fellowship Program (2-page limit)
• 2 letters of recommendation, submitted electronically (hard copy letters will not be accepted)
• 2 essay Question Responses (located within the Conditional Application)

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.

Requests for Accommodations

• 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 or any other trait, characteristic, or class for which applicable law requires the CBCF to provide reasonable workplace accommodations.
• 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.

Further Questions?
Please email Fellowships@cbcfinc.org with any questions.

Fellowship Informational Sessions and Registration Links
Session 1
Use the link below to register for the February information session.
Date: Feb 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
Registration Link: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/5bDE2_oATXahhX2MXcDZ5Q

Session 2
Use the link below to register for the March information session.
Date: Mar 18, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
Registration Link: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/mw66V6MGSmGssO24coyGyQ

Session 3
Use the link below to register for the April information session.
Date: Apr 15, 2026 at 7:00 PM EST
Registration Link: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/DQGynx8TSZWPBV74JEJ1TA