[Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute](https://chci.org)

December 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

$34,200 stipend for nine months; round-trip travel, health insurance, Metro stipend, and professional development support included

A nine-month paid fellowship in Washington, D.C. offering recent graduates hands-on public policy experience and leadership development focused on the Latino community.

--- ## Description The Public Policy Fellowship Program is a prestigious nine-month, full-time paid fellowship in Washington, D.C., designed for recent college graduates passionate about advancing the Latino community and gaining hands-on experience in public policy. Fellows are placed in congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit advocacy organizations, or the private sector, with at least half of the fellowship spent on Capitol Hill. The program includes weekly leadership development sessions based on CHCI’s four Pillars of Leadership, professional networking, and opportunities for personal and career growth. Fellows are expected to complete community service, attend CHCI events, and publish an issue brief on a topic relevant to the Latino community. --- ## Due Dates - December 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline; applications due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Fellows receive a gross stipend of $34,200 for the nine-month program (prorated to an annualized equivalent of $43,200). - Additional support includes: - Domestic round-trip transportation to Washington, D.C. - Medical, dental, and vision insurance (all premiums paid by CHCI) - $200 per month Metro stipend - Professional development stipend (e.g., LinkedIn Premium subscription) - Access to exclusive leadership training and networking opportunities --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field within three years of the program start date. - For the 2026-2027 cycle, eligible degrees must be conferred between May 2023 and August 2026. - High academic achievement is preferred (GPA of 3.0 or higher). - U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, asylee status, or other work authorization (including DACA with valid employment authorization) is required. - Applicants must not be concurrently enrolled in a graduate program during the fellowship. - Individuals in accelerated bachelor’s/master’s programs are not eligible (consider the CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship instead). - Open to individuals of any background who are committed to advancing the Latino community. --- ## Application Process - Complete the online application through the [CHCI Application Portal](https://chci.smapply.org/). - Required materials: - One-page resume or CV (PDF) - Most recent unofficial transcript - One professional recommendation (questionnaire format) - At least four essays (300–600 words each) - Selection process: 1. Written application review by committee (alumni, board, staff) 2. Asynchronous video interview (for semi-finalists) 3. Live Zoom interview with program staff (for finalists) - Applicants are encouraged to apply early and ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline. --- ## Additional Information - Fellows are expected to work a minimum of 32 hours per week at their placement. - Participation in weekly leadership development, orientation, community service, and CHCI events is required. - Housing is not provided, but resources and support for the housing search are offered. - The program is highly competitive, with a focus on demonstrated leadership, commitment to public service, and strong communication skills. - Subject matter expertise in business, communications, STEM, health, or energy is valued but not required. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview & Application](https://chci.org/programs/public-policy-fellowship-program/) - [CHCI Application Portal](https://chci.smapply.org/) - [Program Flyer (PDF)](http://chci.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Public-Policy-Fellowship-Program-Flyer.pdf) - [FAQ](http://chci.org/programs-2/public-policy-fellowship-program/faq/) - [All CHCI Programs](https://chci.org/programs) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |---------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [CHCI Contact Page](https://chci.org/contact/) | | Program Questions | [programs@chci.org](mailto:programs@chci.org) | | Phone | 202-543-1771 | ---

Public Policy Fellowship Program

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