Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program

  • CBCF Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program*
    The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program partners recently graduated students with some of the nation’s top executives in the private sector to experience how public policy is influenced and developed at every level. Through the Pathways to the C-Suite Internship Program, participants gain practical and meaningful work experience in a corporate setting and obtain first-hand experience working with organizations whose top priorities include diversity, employment retention, and internship-to-employment opportunities. This program will take place in person from August 22nd to December 13th, 2026. Interns will receive housing and a $4000 stipend (paid biweekly in increments of $500) and are placed in a corporate sponsor’s office. Interns interact with senior-level business leaders, explore multifaceted business challenges, and build skills to prepare them for careers in corporate America. Over the course of the 16-week internship, participants also take part in business networking, team-building events, and leadership development sessions to enhance their professional and leadership skills.
    CBCF will offer information sessions to allow prospective applicants to learn more about our internship program. Should this be of interest, please register for the information session of your choice:

Info Session Dates and Registration Links:

CBCF Fall 2026 Internship | Virtual Information Session #1
Date: Apr 14, 2026 06:30 PM
Registration Link: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/pOl8HvTrS-et-tXAOq-GBg

CBCF Fall 2026 Internship | Virtual Information Session #2
Date: May 20, 2026 06:30 PM
Registration Link: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/ifDv9lN_RTu2M5SlMEBNOg

CBCF Fall 2026 Internship | Virtual Information Session #3
Date: Jun 9, 2026 06:30 PM
Registration Date: https://cbcf.zoom.us/meeting/register/Eqv7QDETTtCfB42E5wq1DQ

Candidate Requirements
Note: You must use your full first and last name as your display name when creating your application account.

  • Interns must have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Must be 21 years of age for the Pathways to C-Suite Internship
  • Interns must be a college graduate by the start of the Fall program OR must have not graduated with a bachelor’s degree more than 2 years from the internship program start date
  • Interns must have U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program (August 22nd to December 13th, 2026)
  • Interns must have availability to participate full-time upon acceptance
  • Interns cannot be enrolled in classes for the duration of the program (in some cases, the program can be used for credit with university approval)
  • Interns cannot yet have obtained a graduate degree
  • Interns cannot be actively enrolled in graduate studies
  • Interns cannot be enrolled in classes for the duration of the program (in some cases, the program can be used for credit with university approval)
  • Interns must have a general familiarity with the federal legislative process, the U.S. Congress, the Congressional Black Caucus and its members, and related policy
  • Interns must have superior analytical skills
  • Interns must have outstanding oral and written communication skills
    Note: Upon acceptance, interns must stay in the provided CBCF housing, with a roommate, for the duration of the program.

Application Materials
The completed online application must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET, June 26, 2026. The following items will be requested through the online application:
*1 Video Recording in response to a provided prompt (located within the opportunity)

  • 1 Essay Question Response (located within the opportunity)
    - Choose a social justice policy issue (e.g., criminal justice reform, voting rights, the school-to-prison pipeline, public education, housing, racial discrimination in the workplace, etc.) that you believe is most relevant to the Black community and should be championed by members of the Congressional Black Caucus through legislation. Discuss the current effects of this issue on the Black community and identify specific aspects the legislation should address to create a positive impact. Be sure to cite your sources. (150 words maximum; not including citing; Arial font, size 12, single-spaced)
  • 2 letters of recommendation; uploaded by applicant (must be uploaded directly to the application portal); letter must be on a formal, professional letterhead and include contact information; pdf format; include recommender’s signature; emailed copies of letters will not be accepted. ALL DOCUMENTATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 11:59 pm ET, June 26, 2026. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  • Resume listing extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and specific skills (1-page limit)
  • Transcript; unofficial accepted (must be uploaded directly to the application portal)

PLEASE NOTE:
You must complete the General Application to gain access to the opportunities. If, for any reason, you are unable to access the opportunities, it may be because you are unqualified for the opportunity. Please reach out to internships@cbcfinc.org for assistance as necessary. Note that application materials are not accepted via email.

Requests for Accommodations
Interns may request an accommodation for a medical reason such as a disability (as defined by applicable law), pregnancy (or childbirth or a related medical condition), being a nursing mother, or any other trait, characteristic, or class for which applicable law requires the CBCF to provide reasonable workplace accommodations.

Accommodation requests for the Fall 2026 Internship should be submitted to Human Resources in writing no later than June 26, 2026.

Additional Note: Former interns, 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 internship programs.

Selection Process
The Internship is a highly competitive program. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of program alumni, staff, and board members. Top candidates receive an invitation to interview. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and leadership potential, including community involvement, commitment to public service, and ability to challenge self.

Questions?
Please contact: internships@cbcfinc.org

CBCF is a non-partisan 501©(3) equal opportunity organization that provides scholarships, internships, and fellowships to eligible applicants.

Award
$4,000
Scopes
Internships
Deadline
06/26/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Have you previously participated in a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation internship program?
  2. Have you previously participated in an internship?
  3. Have you been arrested for something greater than a misdemeanor?
  4. If you answered yes, please explain in detail the charges and the result.
  5. Did (Do) you attend an historically black college or university?
  6. If yes was selected indicate the historically black college or university: No abbreviation (ex. Virginia State University)
  7. Video Response: Please provide a link to your video response outlining two important reasons that inspired you to apply for this internship (3 mins maximum). Please note you are required to dress professionally, speak clearly, and choose a clean, well-lit background. Test your equipment to ensure clear video and audio. This is your chance to authentically showcase your passion and make a strong impression!
  8. Choose a social justice policy issue (e.g., criminal justice reform, voting rights, the school-to-prison pipeline, public education, housing, racial discrimination in the workplace, etc.) that you believe is most relevant to the Black community and should be championed by members of the Congressional Black Caucus through legislation. Discuss the current effects of this issue on the Black community and identify specific aspects the legislation should address to create a positive impact. Be sure to cite your sources. 150 words maximum; not including citing; Arial font, size 12, single-spaced
  9. Please identify a policy area of interest
  10. Briefly explain your interest in the policy area you listed above and also any additional ones you also interested in.
  11. Upload a legible copy of your current transcript in a PDF file. We must be able to read clearly the name of academic institution, student name and information, courses, grades and other information detailed on the transcript (unofficial accepted).
  12. Upload resume in a PDF file listing your employment, community service, academic information, extracurricular activities, honors and special skills.
  13. Please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the Congressional Internship with the CBCF. Ensure that your letter is 12 pt. font Times New Roman and uploaded as a pdf.
  14. Letter of Recommendation 1: Upload letter of recommendation in PDF format submitted on formal, professional letterhead and include contact information. The letter must contain recommender's full name, professional title, contact email, and telephone number.
  15. Letter of Recommendation 2: Upload letter of recommendation in PDF format submitted on formal, professional letterhead and include contact information. The letter must contain recommender's full name, professional title, contact email, and telephone number.
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