2025 Congressional Black Caucus Institute

The CBCI Fannie Lou Hamer Government Relations Fellowship answers the call to enhance representation within corporate government relations departments and K Street lobbying firms. This 8-week program provides an in-depth overview of the lobbying and government relations field through courses offered by the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics. As a fellow, you will gain hands-on experience in government relations offices through various corporate partnerships. Our goal is to create a meaningful and enriching experience that provides exposure to this field while making a lasting impact.

PREREQUISITES: 

• HBCU Master’s or Ph.D. students in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, and or Education Policy
• HBCU rising 3rd-year or graduating law students
• 2-5 years of professional work experience, including internships and clinicals
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing public policy issues with an emphasis on those affecting African American communities 

APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:

• 3.2 GPA
• Motivated, self-starter who takes the initiative with experience driving and sustaining multiple projects
• Ability to collaborate on problem-solving, navigate ambiguity, and independently manage daily tasks
• Actively seek perspectives that are different from their own
• Excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills
• Committed to personal reflection and professional development with a desire to
  transform the community through public policy
• Team player who can build relationships with various stakeholders (i.e., cohort, elected officials, partnering organizations, community groups, etc.)

Short Essay A (500 words max): 

Please share your experience working with elected officials, advocating for policy changes, or participating in public policy projects. If you haven’t had direct experience in these areas, explain your passion for public policy and your goals for the future. Provide specific examples of policy challenges you’ve worked on (or hope to work on), the results you’ve achieved (or aim to achieve), and how you’ve collaborated (or would collaborate) with others. Finally, explain how this fellowship is essential to your policy advocacy efforts.

Short Essay B (300 words max): 

Please explain how this fellowship aligns with your career path and future goals. Discuss your personal background, how you've developed professionally, and any relevant opportunities or challenges you've encountered along the way. Additionally, describe what you hope to achieve by participating in this fellowship.

SECTION 2: Extended Essay

Select one of the three topics below for your extended essay. In your own words, clearly state the issue and outline its key components, with a maximum word count of 1,500. Identify specific areas you aim to address and describe your proposed solution. Be sure to mention any partners or resources you would need to achieve your goal.

Topic 1 (1,500-word max):

African American households have a fraction of the wealth of white households, making them more vulnerable to financial crises and leaving them with fewer resources for assistance. Wealth enables families to manage financial emergencies, such as a job loss or health crisis. The ongoing lack of financial security has severe consequences for the African American community.

How would you address the wealth gap that the African American community is facing? Outline the initiatives and policies you would propose to address this issue. Identify key stakeholders, obstacles, and potential strategic partnerships. Highlight the elected officials you would engage to advocate for policy changes.

Topic 2 (1,500-word max):

Student loan debt is a significant barrier to building and sustaining wealth in the Black community. Research shows that 86% of Black college students take out federal loans to attend four-year colleges, compared to 68% of white students. On average, Black graduates owe approximately $25,000 more in student loan debt and are more likely to default on their loans than White graduates. Although various efforts and initiatives have been introduced to address student loan debt and forgiveness, the issue persists.

Discuss this issue by outlining the factors contributing to student loan default. Choose one or more of these factors to explore in depth and explain how you would influence policy to help resolve the problem. Additionally, mention any partners or resources you would need to achieve your goal.

Topic 3 (1,500-word max):

Present an issue that you believe requires greater awareness. Clearly outline the problem, highlighting the key barriers and opportunities involved.

What is your proposed public policy solution to address this issue? Describe your approach to tackling the problem and gaining support. Identify the individuals or groups you would engage with to advocate for this cause.