The Congressional Award

What this program actually is

The Congressional Award is a volunteer run by US Congress. It's built for 8th–12th grade students who want to combine remote and in-person work with US Congress on Public Policy.

The program runs for 6-24 months, based out of All states. There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

Who it's for

Programs like this get the strongest applications from students who can point to a specific reason they want this one — not just "any research program" or "any internship."

• Students in 8th–12th grade — check the official page for exact grade cutoffs before applying.
• Open to students nationwide (and often internationally — verify on the official site).
• Strongest fit for students already curious about: Public Policy. You don't need prior formal experience — curiosity beats credentials.

Typical day-to-day in programs like this

The following describes what participants generally do in volunteer opportunities of this shape — not a confirmed schedule for The Congressional Award. Always check the official program page for the actual activities.

• Engage with a structured program in your field of interest.
• Meet peers and mentors you wouldn't otherwise cross paths with.
• Leave with something concrete — a project, credential, network, or a clearer sense of what to do next.

How to apply well

Selection is competitive but not unrealistic. A thoughtful application usually beats a decorated one.

• This program lists rolling admissions rather than a single deadline — but "rolling" usually means spots or funding fill over time, so applying earlier is still an advantage. Don't wait for a deadline that may never come.
• Read the official page twice before writing anything. Note the exact prompts and word counts.
• Answer the actual question. Reviewers read hundreds of essays; specificity beats polish.

Cost, funding & logistics

Cost and logistics kill more applications than eligibility does. Sort these out before you get emotionally invested.

• Format: Hybrid — some remote, some in-person components.
• Duration: 6-24 months.
• There's no cost to participate. That covers the program itself — check the official page separately for whether travel, housing, or meals are included.

After the program

The most valuable thing you leave The Congressional Award with is usually not the credential — it's the two or three people you met and the one concrete thing you made. Keep in touch with your mentors and peers; they're the beginning of a professional network in Public Policy.

Add the program to your resume, but also write down (for yourself) what specifically you learned, what you'd do differently, and what question you now want to answer next. That reflection is what turns a summer into a direction.