Responsibilities
All Victory Congressional Internship participants are required to:
- Work full-time every week in a congressional office assignment (eight weeks in the summer, ten weeks in the spring/fall)
- Participate in all LGBTQ Victory Institute-sponsored activities, including program orientation, weekly leadership development sessions, assignments, receptions, and program wrap-up
- Comply with the LGBTQ Victory Institute and Congressional office policies regarding work performance and personal conduct
Qualifications
The Victory Congressional Internship is open to undergraduate students of all genders, orientations, abilities, races, and political affiliations. Women, people of color, trans* individuals, individuals with disabilities and individuals from low-income backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
All Victory Congressional Internship 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)
- Currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate degree program and completed at least one year by the beginning of the internship; spring and fall program participants must not graduate prior to the end of the program
- Applicants need not be pursuing majors in social sciences
- Active participation in public and/or community service activities
Application
You will be asked for the following information and materials:
- Contact Information
- Academic Information and Confirmation of Eligibility (must have completed the first year of college and have not yet graduated from college by the end of the internship program)
- Demographic Information
- Statements of Interest
- Where do you see yourself in five years and how would the Victory Congressional Internship help you get there? (Maximum 700 words)
- Talk about two policy issues of importance to you. (Maximum 700 words)
- Resume – attached to your application
Applicants should submit a one-page typed resume that is clean, accurate, and well laid-out. Resumes should include your best contact information and should summarize your academic experience, work experience, and honors, awards and activities. Keep in mind that this resume is used to help secure you an internship; we may share it with potential host Congressional offices.
In addition to submitting an application online, please obtain one letter of recommendation, either from a professor or academic advisor from your academic institution or one that speaks to your leadership. Ask your reference to send their letters directly to leilani.fletcher@victoryinstitute.org. Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format on letterhead is preferred, but not required. All letters of reference must be emailed to leilani.fletcher@victoryinstitute.org by the application deadline – no exceptions.
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Selection Process
The Victory Congressional Internship is open to students of all genders, orientations, abilities, races, and political affiliations. We seek LGBTQ college students who will bring diverse perspectives to Capitol Hill and will benefit from the opportunity, as determined by our selection committee. Other factors include:
- Solid scholastic achievement
- Strong analytical and writing skills
- Public/community service
- Evidence of leadership skills and interest in the political process
- Quality of application and, in some instances, interview performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can high school/undergraduate/graduate students apply?
We do not accept high school or graduate students. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate degree and have completed at least their first year of college prior to the start of the internship. With the exception of summer participants, spring/fall program participants must not graduate prior to the end of the program.
Can a foreign student with an (F-1) visa apply?
No, only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply.
Do I have to be a political science/social science major?
We seek a diverse array of educational backgrounds including, but not limited to engineering, arts, and science, and students passionate about a variety of issues or policy areas.
Can you send me an application form?
Please review the VCI webpage under programs. Applications are submitted electronically
Do you provide housing or help finding housing?
We provide housing and a stipend to cover additional living expenses.
Can I receive academic credit for my internship?
We will do our best to work with your university to ensure you receive academic credit for the internship as long as their requirements do not interfere with our program requirements.
Is there a GPA requirement?
No. While academic excellence is sought in program applicants, we look for a well-rounded student who demonstrates ambition, academic ability, leadership ability, maturity, and involvement in campus and community activities. Weakness in GPA can often be compensated for with a strong resume, a good recommendation, and a well-written essay.
Where do interns get placed?
Most interns are placed in Congressional offices with members of the LGBTQ Equality Caucus. While there is no guarantee with a specific member of congress, our office will place all Victory Congressional Interns with an office for their program.
Do I have to find a Congressional office to be placed with?
No. We will place interns directly, based on the resume submitted with your application.
What kind of resume should I submit?
Applicants should submit a one-page typed resume that is clean, accurate, and well laid-out. Resumes should include your best contact information and should summarize your academic experience, work experience, and honors, awards and activities. Keep in mind that this resume is used to help secure you an internship; we may share it with potential host Congressional offices.
Can I send parts of the application separately?
Applications must be sent containing all required items, with the exception of the letters of recommendation. The letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to the Victory Institute by email by the application deadline.
What are the hours required?
Your congressional internship will typically last from about 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM, Monday-Thursday, and in leadership development trainings at Victory will typically last from 9:00 am – 6:00 pm on Fridays, but may vary. There will be occasional weekday evening programs and 1-2 weekend activities over the course of the internship.
What will I do as a congressional intern? Congressional internship responsibilities will vary based on the office in which you are placed. The aim of this program is first-hand experience with the day-to-day workings of Capitol Hill. Interns will come away with genuine insight into the processes that shape national policy. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Legislative correspondence (answering constituent mail, data entry, stuffing envelopes, etc.)
- Legislative and issue research projects as determined by the office’s intern coordinator
- General office support (answering phones, photocopying, sending faxes, data entry, etc.)
- Attendance at Congressional hearings, or House or Senate floor debate, for research
- Running errands on Capitol Hill (pick up and delivery of research packets)
What will Victory Congressional Internship programming look like?
Before and after your congressional internship, VCI programming will include an orientation and a wrap-up session. The orientation will serve as an introduction to Capitol Hill and the wrap-up will concentrate on what can be taken away from the internship experience.
Throughout the semester, Victory Congressional Interns will meet with prominent LGBTQ Hill staffers, advocates and leaders, and participate in group discussions, team building and leadership building activities, and tours.