Supporting Congressional Internships
Networking opportunities, trainings, and resources for interns and the offices that host them
Coordinating the First Branch Intern Project
The First Branch Intern Project began as the “Virtual Intern Project'' in April 2020, when several organizations began meeting regularly to discuss supporting Capitol Hill interns during the pandemic. The project has evolved into an ongoing collaboration to provide resources and networking opportunities for Congressional interns and to promote diversity among those applying for and attaining Congressional internships.
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Weekly “Intern Update” Newsletter
A free weekly newsletter, specifically for interns, focused on understanding Congress, staying up-to-date on Congressional events, and sharing resources for career opportunities after an internship.
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Maintaining the First Branch Intern Project Website
The First Branch Intern Project website compiles news, events, and resources to help Congressional interns make the most of their time on Capitol Hill.
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Supporting a New House Intern Resource Office
In April 2023, the First Branch Intern Project provided recommendations to the Committee on House Administration on the creation of a new House Intern Resource Office.
Hosting Internapalooza
Internapalooza is a welcome event for each incoming class of Congressional interns held in partnership with members of the First Branch Intern Project, and in collaboration with the Committee on House Administration. Launched in 2020, in response to the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic and inspired by hearings by the House Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress, Internapalooza provides a warm welcome and advice for all incoming Hill interns, and one of the most comprehensive sources of data on Congressional internships.
“It gave me useful tips and tricks for the internship and I feel more prepared for dealing with challenges that may come up.”
“Gave me more confidence in myself that I do belong in the rooms I am in.”
“A great confidence booster, because you are learning tricks and skills that can help you move forward post-internship.”
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Internapalooza Spring '24
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the eighth “Internapalooza” orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns.
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Internapalooza Fall '23
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the seventh “Internapalooza” orientation and welcome event for the Fall class of Congressional interns.
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Internapalooza Summer '23
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the sixth Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns, featuring presentations on networking, career planning, and standing out in a Congressional internship.
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Internapalooza Summer '23 Videos
Internapalooza Summer ‘23 featured presentations from current and former Congressional staff, former Congressional interns, and subject-matter experts on Congress, all geared towards helping interns make the most of their time on Capitol Hill.
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Internapalooza Spring '23
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the fifth Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the spring class of Congressional interns. The event featured welcome remarks from the first Gen Z Member of Congress, Rep. Maxwell Frost.
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Internapalooza Fall '22
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the fourth Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the Fall 2022 class of Congressional interns, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
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Internapalooza Fall '22 Videos
Over three interactive webinars and asynchronous online activities, interns learned skills to help them succeed in a Congressional internship, including professional etiquette, writing, networking, and more.
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Internapalooza Summer '22
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the first in-person Internapalooza orientation and welcome event for the Summer class of Congressional interns, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress.
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Internapalooza Spring '22
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the second Internapalooza, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Keynote speakers included several Members of Congress.
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Internapalooza Spring '22 Videos
Current and prospective interns attended virtual sessions designed to familiarize them with Congress and give them skills to succeed in their internship and beyond. Prospective interns also had the opportunity to take part in sessions with intern coordinators and practice interview workshops.
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Internapalooza Fall '21
POPVOX Foundation and the organizations of the First Branch Intern Project hosted the first-ever Internapalooza, in collaboration with the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress (ModCom). The event was inspired by ModCom’s hearing on “Professionalizing and Enriching the Congressional Internship and Fellowship Experience.”
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Internapalooza Fall '21 Videos
Internapalooza provided a chance for incoming Congressional interns to network with peers and mentors, learn from current and former staff on tasks and expectations in Congressional internships, and make the most of opportunities opened up by an internship in the First Branch.
Additional Resources
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The Modern Intern: 3 Steps for Working in Congress with GenAI
March 11, 2024
A cheat-sheet for Congressional interns to equip them with a roadmap of how to stand out and be innovative interns without accidentally slipping into any GenAI pitfalls.
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Understanding and Using AI as a Congressional Intern: Tools and Tips from Congressional Experts
March 11, 2024
POPVOX Foundation and the Capitol Hill Intern Association hosted a panel discussion exploring actionable tips for utilizing free AI tools to enhance the work of Congressional interns.
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The Evolution of Congressional Internships
February 20, 2024
POPVOX Foundation and the Capitol Hill Intern Association hosted an insightful panel discussion exploring the rich history and continuing importance of Congressional internships.
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First Branch Intern Project Organizations Commend Establishment of House Intern Resource Office
April 27, 2023
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HuffPost: Survey Finds Congress’s Talent Pipeline Flush With Wealthy Students From Elite Schools
July 7, 2022
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Event: Approaching Your Internship for Success
January 25, 2022
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Fulcrum: How to Keep Internships Vital to a Functioning Congress During Covid
August 28, 2020
