Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program 2026

🏛️ About the Program

The semester-long Emerging Leaders Internship Program, sponsored by Walmart, aims to create a corps of trained, young leaders equipped with the skills, outlook, and contacts necessary to generate and sustain positive change in Washington, D.C. and their local communities.

🎁 Benefits

• Housing provided for interns.
• $4,000 stipend (paid biweekly in increments of $500).
• Placement in various congressional offices, committees, subcommittees, or federal agencies.

📜 Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• GPA: At least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Must be a college graduate by the start of the Fall program OR must not have graduated with a bachelor’s degree more than 2 years before the internship program start date.
• Must have U.S. citizenship or a permit to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program (August 22nd to December 13th, 2026).
• Must be available to participate full-time upon acceptance.
• Cannot have obtained a graduate degree or be actively enrolled in graduate studies.
• Cannot be enrolled in classes during the program duration (in some cases, the program can be used for credit with university approval).
• Must have a general familiarity with:
  • The federal legislative process.
  • The U.S. Congress.
  • The Congressional Black Caucus and its members.
  • Related policy issues.
• Must possess:
  • Superior analytical skills.
  • Outstanding oral and written communication skills.

📝 Application Process

The completed online application must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET, June 26, 2026. The following items are required:

1. Video Recording: Respond to a provided prompt (details within the opportunity).
2. Essay Question Response:
   • Choose a social justice policy issue (e.g., criminal justice reform, voting rights, the school-to-prison pipeline, public education, housing, racial discrimination in the workplace, etc.) relevant to the Black community.
   • Discuss the current effects of this issue on the Black community and identify specific aspects the legislation should address to create a positive impact.
   • Word limit: 150 words (excluding citations).
   • Formatting: Arial font, size 12, single-spaced.
3. Two Letters of Recommendation:
   • Must be uploaded directly to the application portal.
   • Letters must be on formal, professional letterhead and include contact information.
   • Format: PDF with recommender’s signature.
   • Emailed copies will not be accepted.
4. Resume:
   • Include extracurricular activities, honors, employment, community service, and specific skills.
   • Limit: 1 page.
5. Transcript:
   • Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
   • Must be uploaded directly to the application portal.

Note: All documentation must be submitted by 11:59 pm ET, June 26, 2026. No exceptions.

📅 Application Deadline

June 26, 2026

📌 Additional Information

For more details, visit the official CBCF Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program page.

This opportunity is a great chance for aspiring leaders to gain invaluable experience in Washington, D.C., while contributing to meaningful change in their communities.

• Interns will receive housing.
• A $4000 stipend (paid biweekly in increments of $500).
• Interns will be placed in various congressional offices, committees, subcommittees, or federal agencies.