CLDP Opens Doors to Big Opportunities
Program Overview
What are the program dates?
Once accepted into the program, fellows will work with MPAC staff to apply for and secure internships/fellowships on Capitol Hill. The program itself lasts approx. 10 weeks, from Memorial Day through August 2nd.
Can i choose my own internship?
CLDP does not restrict you from pursuing internships with preferred congressional offices on your own. As placement isn’t guaranteed, MPAC staff works closely with fellows to prepare application materials and facilitate application submissions. Where preffered offices don’t work out, we utilize our relationships with offices in need of interns to help secure placement.
Fellows and staffers with Rep. Andre Carson in the US Capitol for MPAC’s 2021 Eid on the Hill.
What benefits does the program offer?
- A generous stipend
- Free housing
- Placement in Congressional office
- Application material consultations
- Pre-program guides and preparation
- Comprehensive orientation
- Policy and professional development curriculum
- Invitations to events around the city
- Mentorship program with Hill staff and alumni
- Access to our alumni networking platform
- Post-program job/internship placement support
The Process
Map Out Your Strategy
Refine Your Applications
Over the course of two weeks, fellows will work with MPAC staff to revise and edit application materials to prepare for submission to internships and fellowships on Capitol Hill.
Application Submission & Placement
Living in DC + introductions
Orientation
The day after move-in day, orientation officially begins. During orientation, fellows will speak with advisors and MPAC staff about strategies for networking and how to behave and succeed in internships. MPAC organizes team building activities and tours of Washington, DC as part of the orientation.
10-Week Internship Begins
After orientation, all CLDP fellows participate in a 10-week internship/fellowship program with a Congressional office that can include Members of Congress in the House or Senate, Committees, and Caucuses. Throughout these 10 weeks, CLDP fellows will participate in a substantive curriculum advancing their knowledge of various policy issues.
- Networking: MPAC shares various opportunities around the city for networking, social events, and policy briefings. We encourage fellows to network while they are in DC. We also help facilitate introductions to professionals who work in the space of our fellows’ interests.
- Guidance: MPAC maintains communication with each congressional office a fellow is placed in to receive feedback on the fellow’s performance and provide guidance on opportunities for improvement.
- Communication: MPAC stays in contact with fellows through WhatsApp, email, phone, and in-person to guide fellows throughout their experience and answer any questions they have.
- Career planning: MPAC helps fellows in considering future career plans after completing the program by providing support with post-program job and internship placements. We do this by reviewing applications, identifying opportunities, developing and mapping career plans, making connections, recommendations, and flagging applications.
Ongoing mentoring
After completing the program, all CLDP fellows are integrated into the MPAC alumni network which provides networking and mentorship opportunities amongst all MPAC alumni. This network was created for alumni to organize and communicate in issue specific groups, as well as to share information about events and job listings.
“…it is a different and unique place that forces you to learn things extremely quickly; a Hill internship describes what government really is – much better than AP Government class.”
Dhuha Baig
2019 Cohort
Requirements
- Muslim or an active member of the Muslim community
- Undergraduate student (incoming junior-senior), graduate student (including PhD, JD), or a recent graduate (within the last year) of an accredited university in the US
- Maintaining a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average
- A US Citizen, Permanent Resident, or DACA recipient
Application Information
What makes a competitive application?
At its heart, the CLDP program strives to both prepare and empower the next generation of Muslim leaders. With that in mind, it’s essential that the application committee understands what steps you have taken in the past and continue to take moving forward to becoming a proactive leader.
Successful applications showcase three things in particular:
- The applicant’s experience in policy, government, and community
- A clear goal of future public service ambitions
- How the applicant’s Muslim identity is a catalyst in why they hope to serve in places like Washington D.C.
What are the important deadlines and dates?
- Applications are due January 8th at 11:59pm
- Apps will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis beginning in December, with acceptance offers issued shortly after.
Housing and Financial
Does CLDP provide financial support?
Where will I be living?
I have no experience living in Washington D.C. Will we be given an orientation to the city?
What kind of clothing should I bring?
“CLDP is like an incubator for different policy-related careers, you don’t have to run for office to gain something valuable.”
Amira Daugherty
2019 Cohort