POPVOX Foundation, First Branch Intern Project, host second “Internapalooza” of the 118th Congress in Collaboration with the Committee on House Administration

Jun 9

Orientation prepares Congressional interns to succeed in careers on and off the Hill

WASHINGTON, DC, June 8, 2023 — POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the sixth “Internapalooza” orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns on June 8, 2023. Over 400 House and Senate interns gathered in the Congressional Visitors Center auditorium to hear presentations on networking, career planning, and standing out in a Congressional internship.

The event was organized by POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project , in collaboration with the Committee on House Administration. The event featured welcome remarks from all Members of the Modernization Subcommittee, including a special in-person welcome from Chair Stephanie Bice [R, OK], who encouraged the interns interested in a career on Capitol Hill to “think about what's your focus, what do you enjoy? Is it policy? Scheduling? Do you want to be a Chief of Staff? There are all these different ways that you can be involved on the Hill and it's a great opportunity for you to test the waters, see what you really want to do, and find out what the future holds for you.”

The event began in Fall 2020 in response to challenges of maintaining congressional internships during the pandemic and in response to recommendations from the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to improve training resources.

Speakers covered advice on leveraging the unique opportunities of a Congressional internship, understanding Congressional procedure, and making a good impression on employing offices. Attendees also had the chance to meet and network with speakers and other attendees at an evening reception.

Fact Sheet

About POPVOX Foundation

POPVOX Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit organization that works to inform and empower people and make government work better for everyone.

This includes reimagining the concept of civic infrastructure, and providing new ways for government to share information and engage the public, with an emphasis on diverse participation and rebuilding public trust. Its work focuses on government capacity, engagement, and innovation.

About the First Branch Intern Project

The First Branch Intern Project began as the “Virtual Intern Project” in April 2020, when several organizations began meeting regularly to discuss supporting Capitol Hill interns during the pandemic. The project has evolved into an ongoing collaboration to provide resources and networking opportunities for Congressional interns and to promote diversity among those applying for and attaining Congressional internships.