Scholarships

Apply by 11:59PM EST on April 15 for the summer 2026 Capitol Hill scholarship!

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Interning on Capitol Hill and looking for financial help? Apply now for WCSF’s 2026 scholarship to support the effort of making Capitol Hill a more inclusive workplace for all women. Being a part of WCSF’s scholarship will not only allow you to gain financial support but also networking possibilities and career guidance from professionals on WCSF’s Board.

This scholarship is designed to broaden the voices and experiences of female staff on Capitol Hill. It strives to ensure more women from diverse backgrounds are able to bring their experience and knowledge to the legislative process. Because interning is so often a prerequisite to a full-time job, having women enter the pipeline at the very beginning is key to their continued success. Understanding that the high cost of living and working in D.C. is often a barrier for people seeking internships on Capitol Hill, WCSF encourages women from middle and low-income backgrounds to apply.

2026 Deadline and application process

Application materials are due no later than 11:59pm EST on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Finalists will be notified to schedule an interview with members of the selection committee, and final awards will be announced no later than May 24, 2026. Applications will be reviewed and awards will be granted on a rolling basis. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Eligibility Requirements

An applicant must already have applied for an internship with a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner of Congress, or a U.S. Senate or House committee, formalized caucus, or leadership office located in Washington, D.C. A letter confirming the internship will be required before award recipients receive any funding.

Applicants must identify as a woman, be at least 18 years old, and have a diploma from an accredited high school.

Selection Criteria

In evaluating applications, high priority will be placed on:

· The applicant's financial need, including any financial expenses relating to the internship.

· A strong connection between the internship and the student's overall academic and career goals.

· Women who have applied for internships with a high level of responsibility.

· The quality of the application, resume, references and essays.

· Academic track record.

Terms and Conditions

The Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation Scholarship recipient must complete the entire internship described in the application materials. Failure to complete the internship, or failure to be truthful about financial need, will be considered a material breach of the program requirements, subjecting the student to forfeiture or repayment of the scholarship funds. Exceptions to the forfeiture/repayment requirement will be granted only in extreme and unusual circumstances as determined at the sole discretion of the Foundation board of directors. These funds are awarded for the internship described in your scholarship application and may not be transferred to any other internship.