Internships

Himes Internship Program:

A Congressional internship can be a rewarding and exciting way to explore if a career in public service is the right path for you. The Himes office is dedicated to ensuring every intern has a worthwhile, educational experience that broadens their professional skillset, enhances their understanding of how Congressional offices operate, and aids in their overall career development. 

To that end, we are committed to removing financial barriers for potential interns. Our office offers need-based stipends, and we encourage all eligible applicants to apply. Additional stipend information can be found below.

District Internships (Bridgeport & Stamford):

Internships in Bridgeport and Stamford are open to all high school and college students as well as recent graduates. We are now accepting applications for the spring cohort. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST.  

Please note: When you submit a district office internship application, you are applying for both the Bridgeport and Stamford offices. Your placement will be determined based on staffing needs, commute time, and other factors.

* Given the competitiveness of the summer cohort, high school students living in the district are encouraged to apply during the school year. Internship schedules can be arranged around school commitments. 

Washington, D.C. Internships:

Internships in Washington are open to undergraduate- and graduate-level students as well as recent graduates. We are now accepting applications for the spring cohort. The application deadline for the Washington, D.C. office is Friday, November 8, 2024 at 5:00 pm EST.

* Priority is given to applicants from Connecticut's 4th Congressional District, although all interested persons are encouraged to apply. 

** Further preference is given to college students with junior or senior standing, and recent graduates.

Application Process:

There are four internship cohorts in a year; application deadlines for the upcoming cohort can be found above.

Himes Internship Cohort Dates:

  1. Spring (Jan/Feb – May)
  2. Summer I (May – Early July)
  3. Summer II (Early July – Aug)
  4. Fall (Sept – Dec)

Strong internship candidates will have:

  1.  A demonstrated interest in politics, government, American history, or related fields.
  2. Precise attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills, and a sense of humor.
  3. Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced work environment.
  4. For Washington D.C. candidates: scheduling flexibility that allows for 24-40 hours of work a week.

Required application materials:

  1. Resume
  2. Cover letter (one page)
  3. 1–3-page writing sample
  4. Completed Internship Application Form
  5. To be considered for a stipend, you must submit a 1-page statement of purpose explaining how the funds will assist you in participating in the internship

Submission Instructions:

DISTRICT OFFICE INTERNSHIPS:

To submit your application for a Himes District Internship, please email your completed materials to HimesDOInternships@mail.house.gov.

WASHINGTON D.C. OFFICE INTERNSHIPS:

To submit your application for a Himes Washington D.C. Internship, please email your completed materials to Himes.Internship@mail.house.gov.

NOTE: the email for submission to our district internship program is different than that for our Washington, D.C. internship program. Please double check that you are submitting your application to the appropriate email address.

Stipend Opportunities:

Need-Based Stipend Program:

The Himes office offers stipends to applicants in each cohort who have demonstrated financial need. To be considered for a stipend, applicants must submit a 1-page statement outlining how they would not otherwise be able to participate in the internship program without financial support. Please submit this information along with all other required materials by the application deadline. 

Applicants for summer internships in DC and/or in Connecticut with demonstrated financial need are encouraged to apply for the Kevin J. Sutherland Washington, D.C., Internship or the Jack Bryant Connecticut Internship.  Additional details below.

Named Stipend Program Overview and Application Information:

*Only available over the summer*

Kevin J. Sutherland Washington, D.C. Internship

Kevin Joseph Sutherland was a Connecticut native dedicated to public service and advancing policy that would positively impact people’s lives. A former intern in Congressman Himes’ Washington, D.C. office, Kevin graduated from American University in 2013, later joining New Blue Interactive where he worked until his tragic death at age 24.

In honor of Sutherland’s passion for public service, the Office of Congressman Himes names one applicant the “Kevin J. Sutherland Scholar.” This distinction offers the successful candidate a three-month summer internship in Washington, D.C. and $5,400 stipend.

Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrated financial need. Over the course of the summer, Kevin J. Sutherland Scholars complete a capstone project on a policy issue of their choosing to be presented at the conclusion of their internship.

Jack Bryant Connecticut Internship

Jack Bryant was a community leader whose activism and dedication to his beloved city of Stamford stood as a model of how to be an engaged citizen and good neighbor. Beloved deacon, past President of Stamford’s NAACP Chapter, and Stamford Board of Education Member, Bryant died due to complications from COVID-19 in April 2020. Among other endeavors, he was passionate about connecting students with opportunities for higher education.

In recognition of Bryant’s public service, the Office of Congressman Himes offers one intern candidate a $5,400 stipend and a three-month summer internship in our District Offices. This stipend is for interns with demonstrated financial need and an interest in pursuing a career in public service.

Named Stipend Application:

To apply for either the Kevin J. Sutherland or Jack Bryant internship, please fill out the following in addition to the standard application materials listed above:

  • 1-2 page written statement explaining how your background and goals align with the stipend you're applying for and how you could otherwise not participate in the internship program without financial support
    • Include in your statement the stipend and internship location for which you would like to be considered