Congressional Foster Youth Internship Program

Click Here for the 2008 Foster Youth Internship Application PDF

The Congressional Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program provides talented college students, who have spent their formative years in foster care, an opportunity to intern in Congressional offices for the summer. These young adults, who have beaten the odds and thrived in spite of difficult circumstances, bring their unique perspectives and resilient spirits to serve in the offices of the U.S. Congress. The FYI Program raises awareness about the 517,000 children in foster care, and specifically the 114,000 currently available for adoption, by bringing members of Congress in direct contact with those who have personal experience of the foster care system.

Supplemental to the interns’ work on Capitol Hill, CCAI enhances the experiences of the interns by organizing an orientation and training program, bimonthly educational sessions, and a mid-summer retreat. In addition, CCAI provides a stipend, covers all housing and travel expenses, and acts as an ongoing support network for the FYI program participants. The Dave Thomas Foundation, as the founding sponsor, and the Annie E. Casey Foundation provide funding to make this program possible.

Since the programs inception, 49 Members of Congress from 21 states have participated and 60+ former foster youths from 23 states have completed the program.  If you have additional questions about the program, please contact Chelsea Buffington at (202) 544-8500 or chelsea@ccainstitute.org