Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the New Leaders Fellowship and Internship program?
The New Leaders Internship Program is for college students and other young leaders interested in a 10 week-long paid summer internship and leadership development program in Washington DC.  The 2009 internship program runs from June 8th-August 10th (these dates are still tentative).

How many New Leaders do you accept each summer?
We anticipate selecting 65 New Leaders this summer.

Is there a fee for your program?
No; there is never a cost to you to apply or participate in the New Leaders Program. Program participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from Washington, DC, and for housing and other living expenses during the program.

I can't afford to spend my summer doing an internship. Can I?
All New Leaders will receive at least $3,750 during the ten-week program.  This amount is to cover your housing and other living expenses during the program, as well as to hopefully provide you with a bit of savings. 

Does CPL provide housing for its New Leaders?
CPL typically has dorm-style housing available at a group rate during the summer for New Leaders.  While you are free to make other housing arrangements, many New Leaders from out of town find this to be the easiest option.  If you choose to live in the CPL housing, you will be responsible for paying for it out of the $3,750 you receive during the summer.

How are people matched to partner organizations for their internship?
Our goal is to help find the right internship for you. New Leaders are matched with partner organizations based on their interests, skill level and the needs of the partner organization. After New Leaders are selected, you have the opportunity to pick the partner organizations where you would be most interested in interning. Partner organizations often review resumes, conduct a phone interview and sometimes ask for a writing sample before making a decision.

Can't I just apply for an internship directly?
Many of our partners regularly offer internships, and you are welcome to apply to them directly if you choose. Our goals are to help you find the right internship for you, as well as to offer you the leadership training, coaching and networking opportunities to create the most rewarding experience possible. As a New Leader, you will also be part of a community of 50 other diverse, exciting young progressive leaders from across the country.

Does my acceptance into the New Leaders Program guarantee an internship with a particular organization?
We accept individuals who we believe will be a good fit for our program. In the end, the partner organizations providing the internship will make the final decision on which interns to hire. Given the number of opportunities available, it is unlikely that we will not find a match for you; however, CPL cannot guarantee you an internship.

What will I do as an intern?
The New Leaders Program is designed to help you have the most interesting and rewarding experience possible. Specific intern responsibilities vary according to the needs of our partner organizations; however, all include substantive work such as conducting research, coordinating events, managing databases, covering congressional hearings, fundraising, participating in direct service, and writing for newsletters or other publications. Interns should also expect some clerical duties such as filing, answering phones, or photocopying. In addition, all New Leaders are required to actively participate in the training, networking and mentoring opportunities that CPL organizes supplemental to their internship.

Can I receive college credit for the New Leaders Program?
That depends. Many interns receive academic credit for their summer experience, but each college/university and each of our partnering organizations have their own policies and procedures regarding granting credit. Since CPL itself does not award academic credit, the student is responsible for getting the proper approvals and documentation from his/her home institution to receive credit.

Is there an age requirement for the New Leaders Program?
Participants generally must have received their high school diploma or its equivalent by the start of the program in June 2009.