Through the generosity of the Open Horizon Foundation and the McLaughlin Doty Foundation, the TXST Center for Research, Public Policy, and Training has established a fund to provide TXST students who are first-generation and Pell-eligible with the opportunity to serve as congressional interns at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., during a Spring or Fall semester. Interns will engage with and deepen their understanding of the policymaking and legislative processes, gain invaluable professional skills and practical government work experience, and build a more robust professional network.
The ability to apply academic theory in a professional work environment is critical to a successful internship. To support student success in this area, program participants will enroll in a nine-credit-hour internship program during their internship semester. Additional credit hours can be added as needed for financial aid.
Interns work full-time and are paid for the semester in which they are selected. While interning at the U.S. Capitol will require hard work and some late nights, it can also be an extremely rewarding experience that better positions one to achieve their long-term career goals.
While applicants must meet minimum requirements, the selection process involves much more. For example, applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude, a solid work ethic, excellent communication skills, adaptability, and creativity.
Scholarship and Housing
Each intern will receive a $10,000 scholarship made possible by the Open Horizon and the McLaughlin Doty Foundations. A key component of the program is that all housing costs are covered by the scholarship funds awarded to participants. Each semester, TXST places students at a housing site chosen by the program administrator. TXST has primarily worked with WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing) to accommodate the interns. The housing scholarship is awarded to every intern and is integral to making this internship opportunity possible for all TXST students. The awarded student can use the remaining funds for travel expenses, clothing, or other day-to-day expenses while interning in Washington, D.C.
Background Screening
Finalists must successfully complete background screening as a precondition to an internship.
Location: Classroom 505, Career Services, LBJ Student Center
Recorded Session
Eligibility Requirements
Pell-eligible, or was Pell-eligible in undergrad, if a graduate student
First generation in their family to attend college
Pursuing a degree at Texas State University
Minimum credit hours and GPA must be met when beginning the program. Students are encouraged to apply the semester before they meet these requirements.
Undergraduate Students – have completed a minimum of 60 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA.
Graduate Students – have completed a minimum of 15 semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.25 GPA.
Required Application Materials
Recent Photograph
Resume
Two Letters of Recommendation
Essay
Social Media Accounts
Official or Unofficial Transcripts
Disclosure Statement
Completed Application
Timeline for Fall 2026
TXST has established a general timeline for the application, awarding, and placement of interns. However, please note that the timeline may be adjusted as circumstances necessitate.
February 1, 2026 - Application opens
February 22, 2026 - Priority deadline
March 1, 2026 - Application closes
March:
Review Committee begin assessing applications
Review Committee begins conducting interviews
Review Committee notifies those selected for internships
April - Begin placing selectees with Congressional offices
Start the Application Process
The priority deadline for Fall 2026 is February 22, 2026. The final deadline is March 1, 2026.
