top of page

Congressional Fellowship

Fellowship Candids_WebRes-S51_9596 (1).jpg

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

Fellowship Candids_WebRes-A7107378 (1).jpg

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

IMG_2891.JPG

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_edited.jpg

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

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 2024? 

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

By providing your cell phone number, you agree to receive calls and texts to your number from Running Start about issues and ways to get involved. Msg frequency varies. STOP to quit. Msg and data rates may apply.

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

IMG_2867 (1).JPG

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!

Thank you to our sponsors

Walmart, white.png
the-home-depot-logo-black-and-white_edited.png
Untitled design (3).png
Heading (5).png
Heading (2).png

Connect With Us

  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
bottom of page