The Chancellor’s U.S. Capitol Internship Program and Scholarship Application Information

Fall 2025 Semester

Application Information

The Chancellor’s U.S. Capitol Internship Program was established to provide TXST students the unique opportunity to serve as legislative interns at the U.S. Capitol. Interns will engage with and develop a greater understanding of the policy making and legislative processes as well as gain invaluable professional skills, practical government work experience, and a more robust professional network.

The ability to apply academic theory in a professional work environment is critical to a successful internship experience. To ensure student success in this area, program participants will enroll in a three-credit-hour leadership course (in addition to the six-credit-hour internship program) during their internship semester.

While applicants must meet certain minimum requirements, there is much more to the selection process. For example, applicants must demonstrate a positive attitude, solid work ethic, excellent communication skills, adaptability, and creativity. Interning at the U.S. Capitol will require hard work and some late nights, but it can also be an extremely rewarding experience that better positions one for achieving their long-term career goals. 

Background Screening

Finalists must successfully complete background screening as a pre-condition to an internship.

Eligibility Requirements 

Students from all disciplinary backgrounds are eligible for consideration. Those interested in applying will be required to submit an Application Form with an essay, résumé, transcript, photograph, and two letters of recommendation. Note: Though you do not need to submit your TXST transcript, your transcript will be evaluated as part of the selection process. Applicants must be in good standing with TXST and meet the below academic requirements: 

  • Undergraduate Students – have completed a minimum of 60 TXST semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.0 TXST GPA.  
  • Graduate Students – have completed a minimum of 15 TXST semester credit hours with a minimum cumulative 3.25 TXST GPA. 

Please note that a scholarship offered to students selected for this program can affect your overall financial aid offer. 

Application Deadline

Applications are due Monday, March 17, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. 

Application Submission Directions

Applications must be submitted and received by TXST Global in their entirety (with all components) via one of the following submission methods:

  • to uscapitolintern@txstate.edu (convert all files to pdf format before sending via e-mail.); or
  • in person/mailed to
    • Associate Vice President of Operations for TXST Global
      601 University Drive
      J.C. Kellam Building, Suite 480
      San Marcos, Texas 78666
      (open Monday-Friday 8am-5pm).

All Applicants Must Provide the Following Information:

Recent Photograph

Attach a recent headshot of yourself to the application.

Résumé 

Include a one-page résumé outlining your educational background, honors and recognitions, work experience, special skills (including foreign language proficiencies), etc.

Letters of Recommendation 

Two letters of recommendation are required. At least one letter must be from a TXST faculty or staff member. Letters may be given to the student in a sealed envelope with the recommender’s signature over the flap. The letters should then be included with the application materials. If students will not mail/deliver their application packet, letters may be sent directly to uscapitolintern@txstate.edu by the person making the recommendation. It is the student's responsibility to make sure that the recommendation is transmitted by the deadline. 

Essay 

The essay is an essential part of your profile and will be sent to potential congressional placement sites. Congressional supervisors will rely heavily on your essay to assess your writing and communication skills as well as determine whether you will be a good match with their office. The essay also allows you to provide more details about your life experience and aspirations beyond your transcript and résumé. Take time to write a clear, thoughtful essay about your interests and goals to present yourself in the best possible manner. Do not specify a specific office or type of internship, but rather make the essay reflect your abilities and career plans. Your essay will be evaluated on content, style, and writing ability. This essay should be typed, double-spaced, and not exceed 1,000 words. 

Your essay can include: 

  • Academic, professional, and personal goals for the internship. 
  • Demonstrated leadership on campus and in your community. 
  • A brief discussion of your personal background. 
  • Major issues related to the field in which you wish to work. Included in this discussion should be your personal views on at least one of these issues. 
  • Skills you want to learn and those you want to improve. 
  • How your previous experience or interests have helped you prepare for this internship.  

Social Media Accounts 

Due to the nature of the internship, part of the application process includes research into an applicant’s social media history. It is important that all interns represent themselves in a positive and professional image both in person and online. Freedom of speech is an important aspect of social media, but applicants must understand that any content posted to the Internet can be seen as a reflection of TXST, the Chancellor’s Internship Program, and the office in which an intern may be placed. Please note that any content posted under “privacy” settings are still considered “public”. Please take the time to clean up content on your social media accounts. Provide a document that lists the handles/links to your social media accounts.

You must include the handle/link to your accounts, even if they have been deactivated. If you do not and are found to have accounts that you leave out of this application, it will count as an incomplete application.

Note: Though you do not need to submit your TXST transcript, your transcript will be evaluated as part of the selection process.
 

Application Form

Download and complete the Application Form.