Congressional Fellowship

Intern for a Member of Congress, either in a District Office or on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.

Meet political insiders and grow your support network.

Learn key leadership skills alongside a politically inclusive cohort of young leaders.

During the Running Start/Walmart Congressional Fellowship, you'll:

Work with a US Senator or House Representative, learning firsthand how Congress serves its constituents and growing your political network.
Spend 3 intensive days in Washington, DC getting experience on Capitol Hill and making connections with high-level DC insiders.
Learn and grow with a tight-knit cohort from all walks of life and diverse political ideologies with regular political leadership workshops.
Get hands-on practice of real-world campaign skills through a campaign simulation, and build your network for a future political career.
Receive a $1,000 stipend and all expenses paid in-person training in Washington, DC.

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 and ideologically inclusive cohort of other women leaders.
You're between 18 - 25 years old.

1 page PDF resume
1 page writing sample that answers the question: What is an issue in your community that you would like to solve? How would you implement your solution?
Refer to this sample document as an example of the writing that is often used in Congressional office internships and format yours as such.
Information on your anticipated Congressional internship experience: Running Start will work to place Fellows in Fall 2026 internships, but we also welcome applicants who have already secured their own Spring or Summer 2026 internship.

February 15: Priority application deadline.
After February 15: Selected priority applicants will be contacted for a 20 minute interview.
Early March: Selected priority applicants will be offered acceptance to the program.
March 15: Final deadline
Late March: Depending on program needs after priority acceptances, Selected additional applicants will be contacted for a 20 minute interview and may be offered acceptance to the program.
March - August: Fellows who are seeking a Fall 2025 internship placement will work with Running Start to secure a Congressional internship.
June - November, exact dates TBD: All Fellows will participate in virtual training on a regular basis.
September, exact dates TBD: The 2026 cohort will participate in in-person training in Washington, DC.
Late November: The 2026 Fellowship program concludes.

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

What Alums Say

- Hailey Fisher

Program Impact