Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). · Washington, D.C.
Applications are open for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship Program 2027, a professional development and public policy opportunity for students and recent graduates with lived experience in the United States foster care system. The programme is designed to help young people turn their experiences into informed advocacy and contribute to improvements in federal child welfare policy.
The programme combines remote preparatory training with an intensive, full time congressional internship in Washington, D.C. Participants learn about the federal legislative process, work in the offices of Members of the United States Congress, receive advocacy training, and research and write a policy report addressing an important child welfare issue.
CCAI works with congressional offices to arrange placements for participants and provides orientation, research support, networking opportunities, and professional development activities. The resulting policy report is shared with Congress, the Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and policymakers and advocates across the country.
The Foster Youth Internship programme began in 2003 to bring the experiences and perspectives of people who have experienced the US foster care system directly to federal policymakers. It provides participants with an opportunity to learn how legislation is developed and to advocate for changes that address challenges faced by children and young people in foster care.
The programme is organized by CCAI, a nonprofit organization that works with congressional offices and other stakeholders on adoption and child welfare issues. Participants contribute their perspectives as people with lived experience while developing the research, writing, communication, and professional skills required for policy advocacy.
During the internship, participants may undertake legislative office duties, support research projects, attend congressional hearings and meetings, engage with constituents, and assist with briefings and events. The specific responsibilities depend on the congressional office in which each participant is placed.
• Monthly stipend during the remote preparatory period.
• Weekly stipend during the in person internship in Washington, D.C.
• Housing in Washington, D.C., arranged by CCAI.
• Transportation to and from Washington, D.C.
• Public transportation to and from the congressional office.
• Advocacy training and professional development.
• Exposure to the federal legislative process and congressional operations.
• Research support and guidance while developing a federal child welfare policy report.
• Opportunities to build professional connections with congressional staff, advocates, and other interns.
The programme has two main stages.
February 1 to May 28, 2027
The remote preparation period involves an estimated 10 to 15 hours per month, or approximately 40 to 60 hours in total. Participants complete preparatory learning and begin developing the skills and knowledge required for their work in Washington, D.C.
They also prepare for the policy research and writing process, which involves selecting a relevant topic, conducting in depth research, working with an advisor, drafting the report, and revising it in line with programme deadlines.
May 31 to July 23, 2027
The in person phase is a full time, eight week experience in Washington, D.C. Participants are placed in congressional offices and take part in orientation, training, policy discussions, and other programme activities.
Possible responsibilities include:
• Supporting congressional office administration and constituent services.
• Researching policy issues and preparing written materials.
• Attending committee hearings, meetings, and press conferences.
• Assisting with congressional briefings and programme events.
• Researching and writing a federal child welfare policy report.
• Participating in advocacy training and professional development activities.
CCAI does not guarantee that every congressional office assignment will involve child welfare issues directly. Participants must also attend mandatory programme activities, which may include evening and weekend commitments.
Applicants must meet all the programme's eligibility requirements.
• Lived experience in foster care: Applicants must have spent at least 12 consecutive months and/or a total of at least 20 months in the United States foster care system at some point in their lives. They must be willing to share their experiences to raise awareness and contribute to policy change.
• Education: Applicants must have completed at least four semesters at an accredited college, university, or vocational institution by May 31, 2027.
• Current student or recent graduate status: Applicants must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution before the internship begins or have earned a degree within the year preceding the programme start date.
• Research and writing skills: Applicants should demonstrate strong research, writing, and grammar skills.
• Interest in child welfare policy: Applicants must have a strong interest in improving federal child welfare policy.
• Full programme availability: Applicants must be available for both the remote preparatory period and the entire in person internship in Washington, D.C.
The application process has two parts. Candidates should read the official application instructions carefully and prepare their materials before starting the online forms.
Part one requires background and education information, details about foster care experience and policy interests, and short written responses. Applicants must also provide a resume of no more than one page and a research essay.
The research essay must explain how the applicant's life experiences shaped their interest in the programme, how the internship connects with their future goals, and one legislative change they would propose to address a significant barrier to permanency for children in the child welfare system. Supporting research and APA citations are required.
Candidates invited to part two will be asked to provide additional short responses addressing scenarios related to bipartisanship, teamwork, personal strengths, professional growth, and time management. The full application also requires two recommendations and an academic transcript.
CCAI states that applications must reflect applicants' original work. Plagiarism, including the use of artificial intelligence to produce application responses, may result in disqualification. Applicants should therefore write and revise their own responses and follow the official instructions.
Washington, D.C.
Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI).
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