Program Overview
The Victory Congressional Fellowship (VCF) brings one to three outstanding LGBTQ+ young professionals to Washington, DC, for an intensive leadership program. The program includes:
- A year-long fellowship in the Congressional Equality Caucus supporting the Executive Director of the Congressional Equality Caucus
- An educational and leadership development program to learn about the legislative process and careers in policy-making
In December, the fellow will attend the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s annual International LGBTQ+ Leadership Conference for three days of training, skills building, networking and discussion alongside hundreds of openly LGBTQ+ leaders in government, politics, advocacy, business and community organizations.
The fellowship prepares young LGBTQ+ professionals to become informed decision-makers and influential leaders who can change their communities and our world.
Congressional Members of the LGBTQ+ with Victory Institute CEO & President, Mayor Parker, and two Victory Congressional Fellows (17-18 and 18-19)
Apply to the Victory Congressional Fellowship
Thank you for your interest in the 2023-2024 Victory Congressional Fellowship. We are no longer accepting applications at this time. We will begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 Victory Congressional Fellowship on November 1, 2024.
Application Materials
- Professional resume (one-page)
- Professional bio and headshot
- One letter of recommendation*
- Three short essay responses
- Other important contact and demographic information
You must submit one letter of recommendation that speaks to your leadership and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Please have your recommender email the letter directly to Leilani Fletcher, U.S. Programs Manager, at leilani.fletcher@victoryinstitute.org.
Benefits
- Monthly living stipend totaling $39,000 over ten months
- This salary is in line with that of an individual making $46,800 per year.
- Monthly healthcare reimbursement of $400
- Airfare or other transportation to and from Washington, DC, at the beginning and end of the program
- Complimentary registration and access to LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference in December 2023
- Participate in one of Victory’s 4-Day Candidate & Campaign Trainings
- Plan and execute a Victory Policy Briefing on Capitol Hill (Spring 2024)
- Networking opportunities at numerous Victory events
- Access to a lifelong national network of Victory alumni
Qualifications
The Victory Congressional Fellowship is open to people of all genders, orientations, abilities, races, and political affiliations. All applicants must meet the following criteria to satisfy the Victory Institute and congressional requirements:
- U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident or permit to work in the U.S. (Foreign students with F-1 visas are not eligible)
- Bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from an accredited educational institution within three years of program start date
- Excellent oral and written skills
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- 21 years of age before the day of arrival in Washington, D.C.
- Active participation in public and/or community service activities
Meet the 2022-2023 Victory Congressional Fellows
Janise Waites & Zach Larkin are the newest Victory Congressional Fellows named by LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Learn more about them here.
Program Alumni
- Blake Jelley, 2013-2014
- Ben Panico, 2014-2015
- Kristopher Sharp, 2015-2016
- Midushi Pandey, 2016-2017
- Brandon Studler, 2017-2018
- Aliya Bean, 2018-2019
- Benjamin Hong Starr, 2021-2022