Congressinal Black Caucus Communications Internship Program

Semester: Fall 2010
Deadline: May 14, 2010 (postmark date)
Program Dates: August 30 - December 10, 2010
To apply online: http://www.cbcfinc.org - Communications Internship Application

Mission
The CBCF Communications Internship Program provides college undergraduates the opportunity to work directly with the press secretary or communications director on Capitol Hill in a CBC member office or congressional committee. This semester-long program seeks to increase minority participation in public relations, journalism, and other media-related fields.

Program Description
The CBCF Communications Internship is a semester-long program for college students who are interested in learning about press and media relations on Capitol Hill. Interns work with the press secretary or communications director in Congressional Black Caucus member offices. Interns contribute substantially to their host offices by researching legislation, preparing press releases, writing op-editorials, writing arguments for a position, organizing and helping to prepare for briefings and forums, and performing various office tasks. Housing and a stipend are provided.

George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program
CBCF has partnered with George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program to give CBCF interns an unrivalled experience – both in Washington and the United States. This program offers a combination of hands-on coursework and networking opportunities at some of the most famous addresses in the country. While earning academic credit, CBCF interns work side by side with like-minded peers and professional politicos, and leave the program with the knowledge and skills to become more involved in politics at the local, state and national levels. For more information, videos and testimonials from alumni visit GWU’s website at: www.siwpolitics.gwu.edu.

Qualifications
• U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S.
• Currently or recently enrolled in college full-time when applying for program
• Demonstrated professional familiarity with journalism, public relations, or other
media-related fields

Selection Process
Selecting a CBCF Communications Intern is based on a combination of the following criteria:
• Strength of faculty nomination
• Strong writing skills
• Exposure and some work experience in communications fields
• Evidence of leadership skills
• Quality of paper application and interview performance

The selection is highly competitive. Each student must be nominated by a faculty member from his or her institution. Each nominator is asked to submit on behalf of the student: 1) a CBCF nomination form, 2) the student’s resume, 3) two writing samples from the student, and 4) a the student’s transcript. Nominations will be reviewed by a CBCF selection committee, which will contact semi-finalists for phone interviews. CBCF will soon thereafter notify the finalists.

Additional Information
For more information, please call (202) 263-2800 or send an email to internships@cbcfinc.org . Type “Communications Internship Program” in the subject line. Send completed application forms and all required documents to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, 1720 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. Any applications that are incomplete or received after the deadline will not be considered.