Supporting Congressional Internships

Whether you're a seasoned intern or new to the world of political networking, this event will equip you with the tools and confidence to make meaningful connections and advance your career goals on Capitol Hill.

March 11, 2024

A cheat-sheet for Congressional interns to equip them with a roadmap of how to stand out and be innovative interns without accidentally slipping into any GenAI pitfalls.

March 11, 2024

POPVOX Foundation and the Capitol Hill Intern Association hosted a panel discussion exploring actionable tips for utilizing free AI tools to enhance the work of Congressional interns.

February 20, 2024

POPVOX Foundation and the Capitol Hill Intern Association hosted an insightful panel discussion exploring the rich history and continuing importance of Congressional internships.

“Internapalooza” — a four-year civil society-led effort to provide a welcome and orientation experience for Congressional interns — demonstrates the success of an approach to “de-risk” institutional change through prototypes and collaboration.

Founded during the COVID-19 pandemic with a goal to improve the Congressional internship experience, the First Branch Intern Project successfully incubated initiatives to grow Congressional capacity and create new pathways to public service.

In April 2023, the First Branch Intern Project provided recommendations to the Committee on House Administration on the creation of a new House Intern Resource Office.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the eighth “Internapalooza” orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the seventh “Internapalooza” orientation and welcome event for the Fall class of Congressional interns.

The Fall ‘23 Internapalooza showcased presentations by current and former Congressional staff, former Congressional interns, and Congress-subject-matter experts focused on guiding interns to maximize their time and experience on Capitol Hill.

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, featuring presentations on networking, career planning, and standing out in a Congressional internship.

Internapalooza Summer ‘23 featured presentations from current and former Congressional staff, former Congressional interns, and subject-matter experts on Congress, all geared towards helping interns make the most of their time on Capitol Hill.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the fifth Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns. The event featured welcome remarks from the first Gen Z Member of Congress, Rep. Maxwell Frost.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the fourth Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the Fall 2022 class of Congressional interns, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

Over three interactive webinars and asynchronous online activities, interns learned skills to help them succeed in a Congressional internship, including professional etiquette, writing, networking, and more.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the first in-person Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the Summer class of Congressional interns, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.

Getting ready to start a new internship in DC? We’ve rounded up some of the top tips and takeaways from the First Branch Intern Project’s “Know Before You Go” webinar to put your mind at ease.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the second Internapalooza, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Keynote speakers included several Members of Congress.

Current and prospective interns attended virtual sessions designed to familiarize them with Congress and give them skills to succeed in their internship and beyond. Prospective interns also had the opportunity to take part in sessions with intern coordinators and practice interview workshops.

POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the first-ever Internapalooza, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (ModCom). The event was inspired by ModCom’s hearing on “Professionalizing and Enriching the Congressional Internship and Fellowship Experience.”

Internapalooza provided a chance for incoming Congressional interns to network with peers and mentors, learn from current and former staff on tasks and expectations in Congressional internships, and make the most of opportunities opened up by an internship in the First Branch.

July 7, 2022

Data shows Congressional interns come largely from rich households and selective schools, impacting the pipeline of future Congressional staff.

August 28, 2020

Remote internships are expanding opportunity and bridging the traditional gulf between Capitol Hill and Members' offices in their districts, but they can be tough for offices and interns to navigate.

Panelists discuss what it means to be a self-starter in a Congressional office, and how interns can approach this experience as the first step of a rewarding career.

Whether you're just starting out on your search, preparing for an interview, or getting ready to dive into your internship experience, this guide from Pay Our Interns has you covered.

Sheeva Azma's eBook shows you how to apply to internships in Congress, and includes her best advice to aspiring Congressional interns.

Melissa Dargan and Victor Yang share insights on what you can do to get the most value from your internship on Capitol Hill, including personal finance advice for interns.

A guide for Member offices, developed by TourTrackr and the Modernization Staff Association, with assistance from POPVOX LegiDash

Developed by the Modernization Staff Association, with contributions from the Congressional Management Foundation, College to Congress, Pay Our Interns, LegiDash, Tour Trackr, Advocacy Blueprints, with assistance from POPVOX LegiDash

This CRS report addresses frequently asked questions about Congressional interns and internships and provides a summary of some of the policies and guidance provided by the House and the Senate related to internships.