Apply for the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program® 2027 - a competitive national internship for students and recent graduates with lived experience in U.S. foster care who want to shape federal child welfare policy.
Applications for the 2027 Foster Youth Internship Program® are open. Participants complete remote preparatory onboarding from 1 February - 28 May 2027, then a full-time eight-week congressional internship in Washington, D.C. from 31 May - 23 July 2027. Each intern writes a federal child welfare policy report and is placed in the legislative office of a Member of the U.S. Congress.
Part one of the application is reviewed on a rolling basis and closes on 1 November 2026. Invited applicants complete part two (including recommendations) by 2 December 2026. This Opportunity Station guide is original copy based on official CCAI programme pages. It is not a reprint of any third-party blog.
Quick Facts - CCAI Foster Youth Internship Program 2027
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI) |
| Programme | Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program® 2027 |
| Host Landmark | United States Capitol, Washington, D.C. 🇺🇸 |
| Remote onboarding | 1 February - 28 May 2027 (~10 - 15 hours/month) |
| Congressional internship | 31 May - 23 July 2027 (full-time, eight weeks in D.C.) |
| Funding | Monthly stipend (remote) + weekly stipend (D.C.); housing, travel to/from D.C., and office transit covered |
| Part one deadline | 1 November 2026 (rolling review - apply early) |
| Part two deadline | 2 December 2026 (invitation only) |
| Official Gateway | CCAI Foster Youth Internship - Apply |
About the Programme
The Foster Youth Internship Program® began in 2003 to bring the perspectives of people who have experienced the U.S. foster care system directly to federal policymakers. CCAI works with congressional offices to secure a placement for each participant and organises orientation, advocacy training, networking, and professional development.
Interns research and write a federal child welfare policy report that is presented to Congress, the Administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and advocates nationwide. As of 2026, the programme has 273 alumni.
Participants are not employees of CCAI or of their congressional office. Interns must live in CCAI-assigned dormitory-style housing in Washington, D.C. for the in-person phase and follow programme guidance and regulations.
Programme Structure
1. Remote preparatory onboarding (1 Feb - 28 May 2027)
- About 10 - 15 hours per month (roughly 40 - 60 hours total)
- Preparatory learning for Capitol Hill advocacy and leadership
- Begin policy research: topic selection, advisor support, drafting, and revisions
2. Congressional internship in Washington, D.C. (31 May - 23 July 2027)
- Full-time eight-week placement in a congressional legislative office
- Orientation, advocacy trainings, policy discussions, and networking
- Office work may include research, written materials, hearings, briefings, and constituent support
- Mandatory programme activities may include evenings and weekends
- CCAI does not guarantee every office assignment will focus on child welfare
Benefits
- Monthly stipend during remote onboarding
- Weekly stipend during the Washington, D.C. internship
- Housing in Washington, D.C. arranged by CCAI
- Transportation to and from Washington, D.C.
- Public transportation to and from the congressional office
- Advocacy training, research support, and professional development
- Published policy report shared with federal policymakers and advocates
Exact stipend amounts are set out in the official 2027 application instructions. Participants cover some smaller personal expenses.
Eligibility
- Lived experience: At least 12 consecutive months and/or a total of at least 20 months in the U.S. foster care system; willing to draw on that experience for advocacy
- Education: At least four semesters completed at an accredited college, university, or vocational school by 31 May 2027
- Status: Currently pursuing a credential immediately before the internship, or graduated within about the prior year
- Skills & interest: Strong research, writing, and grammar skills; clear interest in improving federal child welfare policy
- Availability: Must complete the full remote onboarding and the entire D.C. programme (no late arrival or early departure)
Confirm every rule in the official 2027 CCAI Foster Youth Internship Application Instructions before you apply.
Required Application Materials
The application has two stages. December 2 is not an alternative first deadline - you must submit part one by November 1 and be invited to part two.
Part one (due 1 November 2026)
- Background, education, foster care experience, and policy interests
- Short written responses
- One-page resume (PDF)
- Research / policy essay connecting lived experience to one legislative change (with supporting research and APA citations - follow the official format rules)
Part two (invitation only; due 2 December 2026)
- Additional scenario responses (e.g. bipartisanship, teamwork, time management)
- Current academic transcript
- Two recommendations (track forms yourself)
CCAI requires original work. Plagiarism - including AI-generated application writing - may result in disqualification. Leading candidates may be invited to a Zoom interview (historically mid-to-late January).
How to Apply
- Read the 2027 CCAI Foster Youth Internship Application Instructions and the informational flyer on the official Apply page.
- Confirm you meet every eligibility requirement before starting the online form.
- Draft answers offline, then submit part one by 1 November 2026 (earlier is better - review is rolling).
- If invited, complete part two, recommendations, and transcript by 2 December 2026.
- Questions: contact Lisette DuFore Benz via the contact details on the official CCAI site.
Official Links
CCAI Foster Youth Internship - Apply (official)
CCAI Foster Youth Internship - About (official)
Related Opportunities on Opportunity Station
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- Global Leadership Dialogue 2027
- Browse all Internships
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the application deadline?
Part one: 1 November 2026 (rolling). Part two (invited only): 2 December 2026.
Is the internship paid?
Yes. CCAI provides a monthly stipend during remote onboarding and a weekly stipend in Washington, D.C., and covers major housing and travel costs. Exact stipend figures are in the official 2027 instructions.
Who can apply?
Students and recent graduates with the required U.S. foster care experience, education milestones, and availability for the full 2027 programme.
Is the whole programme in Washington, D.C.?
No. Remote preparation runs February - May 2027; the eight-week full-time congressional internship runs 31 May - 23 July 2027 in Washington, D.C.
Where do I apply?
Through the official process linked from the CCAI Apply page after reading the 2027 instructions.
