CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship 2026–2027 – Paid Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Meta Description

Apply for the CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship 2026–2027: 9-month paid placement in Washington, D.C., $40,950 stipend, leadership training & Capitol Hill experience.

/chci-postgraduate-fellowship-2026-2027-paid-washington-dc

CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship 2026–2027: A Paid Nine-Month Policy Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

The CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship Program 2026–2027 is now accepting applications. This prestigious, fully paid nine-month fellowship offers Master’s or JD graduates a rare chance to work directly within the U.S. legislative process, build professional policy-making experience, and contribute to Latino community advocacy in Washington, D.C.

What is the CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship?

The CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship is designed for emerging leaders committed to public service and Latino community issues. For the program year 2026–2027, fellows will:

• Work four days per week in congressional offices, federal agencies, or other policy-relevant institutions.
• Spend one day per week in leadership development training under CHCI’s “Four Pillars of Leadership,” which focus on personal growth, collective power, and community impact.
• Gain firsthand exposure to legislative processes, policy research, stakeholder engagement, and community-centered public policy work.

Fellows can concentrate on policy areas including health, education (K–12), technology, child welfare, housing, or law depending on their background and interest.

Who Is Eligible?

To apply for the 2026–2027 cycle, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Hold a Master’s degree or a Juris Doctor (JD) awarded within two years of the fellowship start date (i.e., between ~May 2024 and August 2026). Doctoral students are not eligible.
• Meet U.S. employment authorization criteria: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or individuals with valid and unrestricted work authorization at the time of application. Applicants on F-1 or M-1 visas are not eligible.
• Demonstrate leadership potential, commitment to public service, strong analytical skills, excellent writing and oral communication, and a dedication to serving the Latino community or broader public policy issues.

Fellowship Timeline & Structure

• Program Duration: August 19, 2026 – May 21, 2027 (nine months)
• Workload: Minimum 32 hours per week at a placement site (Capitol Hill office, federal agency, think tank, nonprofit, etc.)
• Weekly Leadership Development: One full day per week dedicated to leadership training, policy forums, and cohort activities under CHCI’s “Four Pillars of Leadership.”
• Outputs Required: Fellows must research, write, and publish a policy issue brief on a topic relevant to the Latino community and host a Capitol Hill briefing to present findings and policy recommendations.

What You Get: Fellowship Benefits

Participants in the CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship receive a comprehensive package designed to support them throughout the nine-month period:

• Gross stipend of $40,950 for the duration of the fellowship (equivalent to an annualized ~$51,720 salary, prorated).
• Transportation support: stipend or voucher for domestic round-trip travel to Washington, D.C.
• Metro stipend: $200 per month to support commuting within D.C.
• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums fully covered by CHCI.
• Professional development support: Access to LinkedIn Premium subscription (one year) to support networking and career growth.
• Networking & leadership development: Weekly leadership sessions, CHCI cultural and community events, and networking opportunities with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and other changemakers.

This fellowship provides not just financial support, but also a platform to build a career in public policy, advocacy, and community leadership.

Application Process & Deadline

• Application opens: August 15, 2025
• Deadline: December 1, 2025 (11:59 PM Eastern Time)
• Required application materials: résumé/CV, academic transcripts, personal statement or essays, proof of work authorization, letters of recommendation (if required).
• Selection Process:
  1. Written application screening
  2. Asynchronous online interview
  3. Final live Zoom interview with CHCI staff & alumni only strong candidates proceed.

Because the fellowship is highly competitive, early preparation and a compelling personal statement are strongly advised.

Why This Fellowship Matters

• Real-world policy impact: You’ll work directly on Capitol Hill or in influential federal agencies and contribute to public policy shaping issues that matter to Latino communities and beyond.
• Leadership and professional growth: Through intensive weekly leadership training and exposure to legislative processes, you’ll build essential communication, analytical, and advocacy skills.
• Financial stability: The generous stipend and benefits allow fellows to focus fully on policy work and career growth without financial stress.
• Networking & career pathways: Fellows join a community of past and current leaders, giving access to a network of decision-makers, policymakers, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations invaluable for future career opportunities.
• Unique specialization: With focus areas such as health, education, law, housing, technology, and child welfare you can align the fellowship with your academic background and passion.

Is the CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship Right for You?

You should consider applying if you:

• Hold a recent Master’s degree or JD (within 2 years of Aug 2026)
• Are legally authorized to work in the U.S. (citizen, permanent resident, asylee, DACA with valid authorization)
• Are passionate about public policy, Latino community advocacy, or national legislative processes
• Have strong analytical and communication skills, leadership potential, and commitment to public service
• Are ready to commit ~32 hours per week, plus leadership sessions and policy deliverables, from Aug 2026 to May 2027

Final Thoughts

The CHCI Postgraduate Fellowship Program 2026–2027 offers a transformative opportunity for eligible Master’s or JD graduates to step into the world of U.S. public policy, advocacy, and leadership. With a strong stipend, full benefits, hands-on legislative experience, and leadership development, this fellowship is ideal for emerging leaders committed to making real impact in their communities and beyond.

If your credentials match don’t miss the December 1, 2025 deadline. Start preparing your application now to maximize your chances.