Established in 1995, Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan public policy organization whose mission is to bring together a community of bipartisan women policymakers and trusted partners to advance issues of importance to women, develop the next generation of women leaders, and foster a more effective and representative democracy. WCPI sponsors programming for women Members of Congress and women congressional chiefs of staff, a congressional fellowship program, policy briefings on Capitol Hill, and several signature special events focused on key bipartisan women’s issues.
We are committed to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Our board, staff, programs, and events reflect our goal to empower voices that often are underrepresented in public policy dialogues, and create a culture of mutual respect and shared success.
JOB opportunities
We do not have any openings at this time.
Fellowship program
The application for the 2023 fellowships opened on April 1, 2022.
The Women’s Congressional Policy Institute has been the home of the Congressional Fellowships on Women and Public Policy (formerly the WREI Fellowships) since 2014. The fellowships are extended each year to a select number of students pursuing a graduate degree or those who have recently completed a master’s, doctorate, or professional degree with a proven commitment to equity for women. Fellows gain practical policymaking experience and graduate credit as they work from January to July in congressional offices.
Internship Program
The Fall 2022 application cycle is now open and will run till June 1, 2022. We will notify candidates selected for interviews by early July.
As part of our efforts to help build the pipeline of young women considering careers in public policy, we host interns throughout the year.
Communications/Development Interns and Policy Interns support WCPI’s programs, as well as its legislative and fundraising efforts.
These paid internships are open to current undergraduate students and those who graduated within six months of the application cycle deadline.
Students currently enrolled in a graduate program are not eligible for the internship program and are strongly encouraged to apply to our fellowship program. Please see the fellowship page for more information.
The deadline for each application cycle is 11:59 p.m. Eastern (no exceptions); the timelines are as follows:
- Summer internship application cycle: Open December 15, 2021 – February 1, 2022
- Fall internship application cycle: Open April 15, 2022 – June 1, 2022
- Spring internship application cycle: Open September 15, 2022 – November 1, 2022
Please direct any questions about the internship program to internships@wcpinst.org.
Click here to submit the Communications/Development Internship application.
The Communications/Development intern plays a key role in helping expand our outreach and fundraising initiatives. Successful interns will have their finger on the pulse of social media and digital outreach and a genuine interest in development/fundraising work.
The Policy Internship program strives to develop the next generation of women leaders in public policy and in the nonprofit sector. Interns are responsible for assisting WCPI staff in our programmatic and administrative work. Such work includes publishing our Weekly Legislative Update and assisting with congressional briefings.
Is this internship remote or in-person?
As of now (March 2022), we are anticipating the internship to operate in a hybrid manner. Interns may complete duties remotely but are encouraged to be able to participate in in-person events as needed. However, in-person participation is not a requirement and will not be a significant consideration in the selection process.
How much are WCPI interns paid?
WCPI interns are paid District of Columbia minimum wage, which currently stands at $15.20 per hour.
When can I expect to hear back regarding my internship application?
Due to the high volume of applicants we receive, we only contact candidates who are selected for interviews. Selected candidates can expect to hear from us in mid-March for the Summer internship, early July for the Fall internship, and early December for the Spring internship.
Will additional materials/documents help my application?
WCPI only reviews applicants’ cover letters, resumes, and 500-word interest statements in the selection process. Please do not send additional materials, such as letters of recommendation or transcripts. They will not be considered in the selection process and have no impact on a candidate’s application.
Are graduate students eligible to apply?
The WCPI internships are only open to current undergraduate students or those who have graduated less than six months ago. Students pursuing graduate or professional degrees are not eligible for the internship program and are strongly encouraged to apply to our congressional fellowship program instead.
Is the WCPI internship open to all majors?
Yes, students of any major or field of study are encouraged to apply.