Congressional Fellowship

A group of nineteen women stand in front of the Capitol Building in Washington,D.C.

2024-2025 Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship
The Congressional Fellowship is Running Start's most advanced and intensive program, designed to create tomorrow's leaders today. It is a part-time politically inclusive experience so Fellows can still learn in school or have other professional experiences
during the Fellowship term.

Program Term:
September 2024 - May 2025 (with some internship search work from May - August 2024)

Program Fee:
$0 out-of-pocket
Fellows receive a $1,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid week in Washington, DC

Many women sit at a long conference table and watch a presentation during the Congressional Fellowship Program.

Intern for a Member of Congress

Throughout this two semester-long program, Congressional Fellows learn about politics first-hand from Members of Congress, both in their home District Offices and on Capitol Hill in

Washington, DC. Fellows grow their network of political insiders and understand what it takes to

run, win and serve.

The Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship is for you if:

You’re interested in politics, public policy and public service

(no prior professional political experience required)

Learning how Members of Congress engage constituents in their communities sounds exciting.

You want to learn about running and governing from a role model at the

highest level of government.

You’re looking to be challenged and supported by a diverse cohort of other women leaders.

You're between 18 - 25 years old

Hailey, a Congressional Fellowship alum, stands in front of a view of trees and buildings and is smiling toward something out of frame.

Through Running Start and working [for a Member of Congress], 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 Congressional Fellowhship

You’ll work with a US Senator or House Representative in their District office, learning firsthand how Congress serves its constituents and growing your local political network.

You’ll spend an intensive week in Washington, DC getting experience on Capitol Hill, and making connections with high-level DC insiders.

You’ll learn and grow with a tight-knit cohort from all walks of life and diverse political ideologies with political leadership workshops every week (75+ hours of training).

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 a $1,000 stipend and an all expenses paid week of

in-person training in Washington, DC.

Annie, a Congressional Fellowship alum, and several other women stand in a circle and present to an audience. The members of the audience are sitting at circular tables all around the presenters.

As a Fellow, you 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

Download a Sample Agenda

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

Meet Leela

Want to join us in 2024?

Applications are opening soon. Sign up to stay in touch about Congressional Fellowship updates!

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More than 90% of alums said the Congressional Fellowship connected them with a network of politically motivated peers!

Martha, a Congressional Fellowship alum, is posing for a picture. She is wearing a black blazer and has long brown hair, bangs, and has on gold glasses. The woman taking her picture is holding a phone and smiling.

Throughout my Running Start experience, I’ve learned about the importance of bipartisanship to be able to create innovative solutions.

Martha Amaya, Alum

Thanks to $2,000,000+ of support from Walmart, Running Start has trained 160+ Congressional Fellows since 2009. Congressional Fellows have worked for more than half of the women in Congress in 85+ different offices!