Congressional Fellowship

Intern on Capitol Hill
Throughout this semester-long program in Washington DC,
Walmart/Running Start Congressional Fellows learn about politics first-hand from Women in Congress and meet the people who helped them get there.
Fellows grow their network of DC insiders and understand what it takes to run, win, and serve.
The Fall 2022 application cycle is now closed.
The Running Start/Walmart
Congressional Fellowship is for you if:
You’re interested in politics, public policy and public service.
Learning firsthand how things work in Congress sounds exciting.
You want to learn about running for office at the highest level of government.
You’re looking to be challenged and supported by
a politically diverse cohort.
You’re a college senior or recent graduate of one year or less.

Through Running Start and working on the Hill, I’ve learned that persistence, hard work, and taking every opportunity that comes to you will set you up for the
best possible future.
Hailey Fisher, Alum
During the Running Start/Walmart
Congressional Fellowship in DC:
You’ll intern for a Congresswoman, learning firsthand how Congress works through policy briefings, constituent relations, and more.
You’ll live, learn, and grow with a tight-knit cohort from all walks of life (and from diverse political ideologies) with leadership workshops every Friday.
You’ll get hands-on practice of real-world campaign skills through a campaign simulation, and build your network for a future political career.
You’ll receive free travel to and from Washington, DC, housing, and a stipend.
What does the day in the life of a Congressional Fellow look like? Follow along with alum Samaya X. Roary!

As a Fellow, you get the experience of interning on the Hill, but you also get unique experiences that you wouldn’t get anywhere else. My favorite was getting the opportunity to not only visit the Speaker’s balcony, but to also get a private tour of her entire office from one of her staffers, who is also an alum of this program!
Annie Jamarik, Alum
I’m studying engineering, and I didn’t think that an opportunity to work in politics would be accessible for me. The Congressional Fellowship has given me the opportunity to meet people who are different from me, and grow from that experience.
Leela Menon, Alum
Want to join us in 2023?
We’re looking for college seniors or recent graduates (of one year or less) who can demonstrate how this opportunity will propel them to the next level of their leadership. Sign up to learn more about the Fellowship!
More than 90% of alums said the Congressional Fellowship connected them with a network of politically motivated peers!

As a low-income student, I could never dream of coming to DC and interning on the Hill [without the Congressional Fellowship]. Throughout my Running Start experience, I’ve learned about the importance of bipartisanship to be able to
create innovative solutions.
Martha Amaya, Alum