FAQs: Congressional Internship Application

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1. What is the application timeline?

• The deadline to apply for the Internship is at 11:59 PM EST on January 27, 2023

• First round (applications) decisions made in February, 2023

• Second round (interviews) decisions made during March, 2023

• Final decisions and placement made during April 2023

  • Note: some congressional office placements may require an additional follow-up interview with congressional staff prior to final placement

 

2. How much is the grant and what are the other benefits of the Congressional Internship program?

The grant for the Summer Congressional Internship is $2,500. Payments are made in two $1,250 installments, the first payment at the beginning, and the second payment at the end when all program requirements have been completed.

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3. When does the Congressional Internship begin and when does it end?

The 2023 Summer Congressional Internship is an 8-week program that begins late May 2023 and ends July 2023.

 

4. What do you look for when selecting Congressional Interns?

There are a variety of factors that come into play during the selection process. Selected interns embody APAICS’ diversity goals and demonstrate leadership skills through active participation in student organizations and the greater AA & NH/PI community. In addition to academic achievement, our interns are politically aware, socially sensitive, committed to public service and share a common vision about promoting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander representation in the political process.

 

5. Which office will I be placed in?

APAICS identifies office placements and maintains the final say as to where Congressional Interns are placed. APAICS prioritizes placements in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) member offices. We also place interns in leadership offices, committees, and administrative offices.

 

6. Recommendation Letters

You will need to submit one letter of recommendation through our application portal. If you recommender does not want to submit them to you, they can email the recommendation letter to programs@apaics.org with the subject line “APAICS Congressional Internship Recommendation Letter for [YOUR NAME]”

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7. Is the Internship limited to specific political parties?

No. APAICS is a non-partisan organization and encourages applicants interested in serving in both Democrat and Republican offices to apply. Our goal is to provide the best Congressional Internship experience regardless of party affiliation.

 

8. Can DACA recipients apply?

Yes. Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program. 

 

9. Is housing assistance provided?

Yes. APAICS provides furnished housing (rent and utilities covered) in the DMV area for Congressional interns.

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10. If I am not accepted, can I apply again in the future?

Yes. We encourage applicants who have not been accepted to do so.

 

11. Is there a waitlist for the Congressional Internship Program?

Yes. Those on the waitlist for the Congressional Internship Program will be contacted regarding this process.

 

12. Is it possible to defer my placement as a Congressional Intern?

No. If you do not participate in the program for the term in which you were admitted, you must submit a new application to reapply for a different term.

 

13. Do I have to be in Washington, DC for the Congressional Internship?

Currently, the plan is for all APAICS Congressional interns to be in-person for their internships. APAICS is closely following all CDC and public health guidelines along with the individual policies set by congressional offices to provide interns with a safe experience.

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14. Can I be enrolled in classes during the internship?

No, this is a full-time opportunity that requires your focus and undivided commitment.

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15. Is prior work experience required?

No, but many of our interns have evidenced leadership and communication skills through internships, volunteer experiences, or part-time employment prior to applying to our program.

 

16. What is a typical workday like?

A typical work-day depends on the office where interns are placed, but activities may include: attend briefings and paper reports, research policy and legislation, draft correspondence, lead tours of the Capitol for visiting constituents and answer constituent mail.

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17. To whom do I address my cover letter?

You may address your cover letter to the “APAICS Internship Selection Committee.”

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18. Are high school seniors eligible to apply?

Unfortunately, our internship program is for college students who have already completed at least one (1) semester of college. The youngest eligible applicants are currently Freshmen in college and rising Sophomores at the time of the internship. 

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19. Do I have to identify as AA & NH/PI to apply?

Anyone interested and invested in the AA & NH/PI community, looking to help uplift the AA & NH/PI community, and committed to working in public service are welcome to apply for the program.

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20. Additional Questions?

Please email: programs@apaics.org

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