Apply for the Public Policy Fellowships 2027 and gain paid experience in Washington, D.C., working with congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and public policy leaders.
Public Policy Fellowships 2027 offer recent college graduates an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in public policy, leadership, and government through a paid nine-month fellowship in Washington, D.C. Organized by the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI), the fellowship is designed for emerging leaders who are committed to advancing the Latino community and pursuing careers in public service, advocacy, government, and policymaking.
Fellows work alongside congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private sector partners while participating in leadership development, networking, and professional training.
Fellowship Summary
- Programme: Public Policy Fellowship Program 2027
- Organization: Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)
- Programme Type: Paid Fellowship
- Location: Washington, D.C., USA
- Duration: 9 Months
- Programme Dates: August 18, 2027 – May 19, 2028
- Application Opens: August 15, 2026
- Application Deadline: December 1, 2026
- Eligible Applicants: Recent College Graduates
- Application Mode: Online
About the Fellowship
The CHCI Public Policy Fellowship prepares emerging leaders for careers in public service by combining professional work experience with structured leadership development.
During the fellowship, participants:
- Work four days each week at a placement site.
- Participate in weekly leadership development sessions.
- Learn about the U.S. legislative process.
- Build professional networks.
- Examine public policy issues affecting the Latino community.
- Develop practical policy analysis and advocacy skills.
The programme is built around CHCI’s Four Pillars of Leadership:
- Self Discovery
- Transformation through Collective Power
- Rooted in My Strength
- Planting Seeds for Tomorrow
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Gross stipend of $34,200 over the nine-month fellowship
- Domestic round-trip transportation support to Washington, D.C.
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- $200 monthly Metro transportation stipend
- One-year LinkedIn Premium Professional Development subscription
- Weekly leadership development training
- Professional mentoring
- Exclusive networking opportunities
- Hands-on public policy experience
- Career development support
Fellowship Responsibilities
Throughout the programme, fellows will:
- Attend orientation before the fellowship begins.
- Work a minimum of 32 hours per week at their placement organization.
- Participate in weekly leadership development sessions.
- Complete community service hours.
- Attend CHCI conferences, summits, and networking events.
- Research and publish a policy issue brief.
- Participate in Hispanic Heritage Month activities.
- Follow CHCI professional standards and programme requirements.
Fellowship Placements
Participants may work with organizations such as:
- U.S. Congressional Offices
- Federal Government Agencies
- National Nonprofit Organizations
- Public Policy Institutes
- Advocacy Organizations
- Private Sector Organizations
These placements provide firsthand experience with policymaking and legislative processes.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants should:
- Have earned a bachelor’s degree in any field within three years of the programme start date.
- Demonstrate strong academic performance (a GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred).
- Show evidence of leadership potential.
- Demonstrate commitment to public service.
- Possess strong analytical skills.
- Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Applicants must also be:
- U.S. citizens,
- Lawful permanent residents,
- Asylees, or
- Individuals legally authorized to work full-time in the United States without employer sponsorship.
Eligible DACA recipients with valid employment authorization may also apply. International students holding F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible.
Selection Process
The fellowship selection process consists of three stages:
Stage 1
- Online written application
Stage 2
- Asynchronous (pre-recorded) interview
Stage 3
- Final live Zoom interview with CHCI staff
Applications are reviewed by alumni, CHCI leadership, advisory council members, and programme staff before finalists are selected.
Skills You Will Develop
Participants strengthen skills in:
- Public Policy Analysis
- Legislative Research
- Leadership
- Public Speaking
- Professional Writing
- Policy Advocacy
- Community Engagement
- Stakeholder Management
- Government Relations
- Critical Thinking
- Collaboration
- Strategic Communication
Why Apply?
This fellowship provides an outstanding opportunity to:
- Build a career in public policy.
- Gain direct experience with the legislative process.
- Develop leadership skills.
- Expand professional networks.
- Work alongside policymakers and national organizations.
- Publish a policy issue brief.
- Receive mentorship from experienced professionals.
- Launch a career in government, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, or public affairs.
How to Apply
- Visit the official CHCI website when applications open.
- Create an online application account.
- Complete the fellowship application.
- Upload all required documents.
- Submit recommendation requests.
- Complete the asynchronous interview if invited.
- Participate in the final Zoom interview if selected.
- Await the final fellowship decision.
Required Documents
Applicants should prepare:
- Updated CV or Resume
- Bachelor’s Degree information
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement or essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of work authorization
- Supporting leadership or community service experience
Career Opportunities After the Fellowship
Graduates of the programme may pursue careers in:
- Public Policy
- Government
- Congressional Offices
- Public Affairs
- Legislative Affairs
- Advocacy
- Nonprofit Leadership
- International Development
- Public Administration
- Research Organizations
- Community Engagement
- Political Consulting
Conclusion
The Public Policy Fellowships 2027 provide an exceptional opportunity for recent graduates passionate about public service and leadership. Through paid professional experience in Washington, D.C., structured leadership training, mentorship, and direct exposure to the legislative process, fellows gain the knowledge, networks, and practical skills needed to become the next generation of public policy leaders.
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