Congressional Fellows Program on Energy

Application Deadline: August 31, 2012

Program Dates: September 10, 2012 - May 23, 2014

Click Here for 2012 Application

Mission

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Congressional Fellows Program was created in 1976 in order to increase the number of African Americans working as professional staff in the U.S. Congress. The Congressional Fellows Program offers public policy training to young professionals by providing them with an opportunity to work on Capitol Hill.

The Congressional Fellows Program on Energy is a two-year policy training and leadership development program which targets early career-policy professionals who are committed to contributing to energy policy.

Program Description

CBCF Fellows work in congressional member and committee offices, attend leadership development seminars, complete a community service project and produce policy papers. During the first-year office placement, Fellows gain invaluable experience as they assist in the development of legislative and public policy initiatives in CBC Member Offices. Fellows work 40 hours per week on a range of staff assignments, including legislative analysis, responding to constituent mail, drafting talking points and speeches for members, and coordinating logistics and public testimony for Congressional hearings. During the second half of the program, fellows transition to a congressional committee. The committee placement complements their experience in a member’s office and provides the fellows with a full view of the legislative process.

The Fellow will gain extensive exposure to lawmakers and policy professionals dedicated to formulating and implementing energy policy such as Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards (CAFÉ) for passenger vehicles, and improving U.S. energy infrastructure, energy conservation and the development of new technologies and alternative fuels.

Qualifications

• U.S. citizen or permit to work in the U.S. through May 2014
• Graduate or professional degree completed prior to the start date fellowship program. In some rare instances, extensive and relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirements
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process, Congress and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and its members
• Demonstrated interest in public policy, and commitment to creating and implementing policy to improve the living conditions for underserved and underrepresented individuals

Selection Process

Selection as a CBCF Fellow is based on a combination of the following criteria:

• A record of academic and professional achievement
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process, Congress, and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
• Evidence of leadership skills and the potential for further growth
• Demonstrated interest in public policy
• Quality of paper application and interview performance

Additional Information

Participants in the Congressional Fellows Program must reside in or relocate to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Fellows are paid an annual salary of $40,000, with benefits. Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing and other associated expenses.
Send letters of recommendations and transcripts in one envelope to:

CBCF Congressional Fellows Program
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
1720 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036
Attn: Leadership Institute Manager

(CBCF)