INTERNSHIPS
Working in a Congressional office can be a rewarding and exciting experience. An internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain valuable political insight and observe first-hand how our government operates. Interns cultivate a strong workplace skillset by undertaking a variety of administrative and legislative responsibilities in the office.
Our office is dedicated to providing a valuable, educational experience for interns focused on strengthening their professional skillset, increasing their knowledge of working in a Congressional office, and assisting their overall career development. We are committed to removing financial barriers for potential interns. Our office offers need-based stipends, and we encourage all eligible applicants to apply.
Interns in the district offices conduct research, assist with constituent casework and draft correspondence. In both D.C. and the district, interns learn from staff and play an important role in communicating with constituents, including assisting answering phones, inputting constituent opinion and supporting the office.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interns are accepted throughout the year on both a full- and part-time basis. Priority is given to applicants from Connecticut's 4th Congressional District, although all interested persons are encouraged to apply. In my Washington, D.C. office, further preference is given to college students with Junior or Senior standing, and recent graduates.
Please apply to either my district offices or D.C. office.
Required Application Materials:
- Resume
- Brief cover letter
- 1-3 Page writing sample
- This Internship Application Form
- For Need-Based Stipend, first page of FAFSA SAR or written statement
Bridgeport and Stamford Offices
Given the competitiveness of the summer program, high school students living in the district are encouraged to apply during the school year. The offices are open 9-5, and internship schedules are arranged around school commitments.
Internships are available expressly for the purpose of furthering educational objectives.
The Spring Internship Program is open to all high school and college-level students. We are now accepting applications for the spring term. The deadline to apply is December 8th, 2023 at 5:00 pm EST. Interns will start on January 10th and end on May 10th, 2024.
Please note: When you submit a district office internship application, you are applying for both the Bridgeport and Stamford offices. The specific location of your internship will be decided by the intern selection staff based on a few factors, including commute time and the offices’ needs.
Please email your application to HimesDOInternships@mail.
Washington, D.C. Office
The Spring Internship Program is open to undergraduate- and graduate-level students as well as recent graduates. The application deadline for the Washington, D.C. office is December 8th, 2023 at 5:00 pm EST. The internship program will start on January 10th and end on May 10th, 2024, subject to change per accepted interns' schedules.
Please email your application to Himes.Internship@mail.
STIPEND PROGRAM
Need-Based Stipend Program
Congressman Himes' office offers stipends for applicants with demonstrable financial need. To be considered for the stipend, applicants should submit the first page and the financials page of their most recent FAFSA Student Aid Report (SAR) or a written 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 respective deadlines. Applicants for summer internships in DC and/or in Connecticut with demonstrable financial need are encouraged to apply for the Kevin J. Sutherland Washington, DC, Internship or the Jack Bryant Connecticut Internship. For additional details, please see below.
Named Stipend Programs
*Please note that our named stipend programs are available only during the summer.
Kevin J. Sutherland Washington, DC Internship
Kevin Joseph Sutherland was a Connecticut native dedicated to public service and policy efforts that would positively impact people’s lives. Sutherland completed an internship in Congressman Himes’ Capitol Hill office and went on to work for New Blue Interactive after graduating from American University in 2013 until his tragic death at age 24. Described by friends and family as someone who enjoyed politics and was dedicated to impactful change, his enthusiasm for public service lives on.
In commemoration of Kevin Sutherland’s commitment to public service, the Office of Congressman Himes has a named intern stipend of $5,400 for a cumulative three-month summer internship in the Washington, D.C. office. Preference will be given to applicants with demonstrable financial need. The recipient will complete a capstone project on a policy issue of their choosing throughout the duration of the internship.
Jack Bryant Connecticut Internship
Jack Bryant was a community leader who impacted Stamford and all of Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District. 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, Jack was passionate about connecting students with opportunities for higher education.
In commemoration of Jack Bryant’s life of public service, the Office of Congressman Himes has a named intern stipend of $5,400 for a cumulative three-month summer internship in our District Offices.This stipend is dedicated for interns with demonstrated significant economic and financial need who are interested in pursuing 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 detailing interest in the stipend
- Include in statement which stipend and location
- First page of FAFSA and/or 1-2 page written statement outlining how applicants could not otherwise to participate in the internship program without financial support
If you have any questions concerning the program, please do not hesitate to contact the D.C. office at (202) 225-5541 or the district offices at (203) 333-6600.