CPAR John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship Program

John R. Lewis Social Justice Policy Fellowship – Overview

The 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, John R. Lewis 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.

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 CPAR 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 CBCF’s mission. During their term, Fellows may also organize social justice forums, serve as an expert in their field, and produce issue briefs, fact sheets and other publications related to social justice. 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.

Candidate Requirements
• U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program (currently September 2026 through September 2027)
• A graduate or professional degree completed prior to the fellowship start date
• A demonstrated commitment to social justice either through public policy, professional experience, or community-related activism aimed at improving the living conditions for Black communities
• At least three (3) years of community activism or grassroots organizing in a leadership position
• 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

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
• Two (2) 6-month rotations with placement in the U.S. Congress and the CBFC’s Center for Policy Analysis and Research, maintaining a schedule of forty (40) hours per week
• Complete research and deliverable production (issue briefs, fact sheets, etc.) for publication by CBCF
• Participate in monthly Professional Development Sessions

Fellowship Benefits

• John R. Lewis Fellows receive a full salary and benefits for the duration of the program. The salary is $70,000 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 legacy of Congressman John Lewis (2-page limit)
• 2 letters of recommendation, submitted electronically (hard copy letters will not be accepted)
• 1 Essay Question Response

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.

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