CCAI's Foster Youth Internship (FYI) Program is a highly esteemed Congressional Internship for young adults who spent time in the foster care system. The FYI program began in 2003 as an effort to raise awareness to federal policymakers about the needs and unique perspectives of those who spent time in foster care. As part of the program, CCAI organizes retreats, advocacy trainings, and various networking opportunities with experts in the child welfare field. Throughout the summer, the FYI interns spend time researching about policy issues affecting foster children across the country. These experiences allow the interns to create a policy report that is presented at a Congressional briefing and released to child welfare advocates across the country.
As a result of the program, federal policymakers are shown firsthand the experiences of youth in foster care, and as a result go on to use their new knowledge to inspire legislative change. Interns participating in this program benefit both personally and professionally, gaining experience and skills that will bolster their careers for years to come and with a foundation to be lifelong advocates for improving the foster care system.
The application form is now available.
For the application form, click HERE.
For the professional recommendation forms, click HERE.
The application deadline is Friday, January 11, 2013 at 11:59pm Eastern Time. CCAI must receive your completed application (including the application form, resume, transcript, essay, short answer questions, and 2 letters of recommendation and recommendation forms) by this date via email to allison@ccainstitute.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You will be notified of the selection committee's decision whether you will move forward to the interview phase by February 15, 2013. All applicants will know of their acceptance into the Foster Youth Internship Program by February 22, 2013.
The dates for the 2013 Foster Youth Internships Program are May 28, 2013-July 30, 2013.
Please click here for Frequently Asked Questions. Review all FAQs and the application form before calling or emailing with questions. Contact Allison Cappa at 202-544-8500 or allison@ccainstitute.org This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Click here to watch a video made about the 2010 FYI interns to see the incredible experience they had as part of the FYI Program.
"Spending all summer in Washington, DC advocating change for foster youth all over the nation will forever be one of the greatest memories in my life" -Mason, FYI 2008
"CCAI opened doors and provided incredible opportunities for me" -Keshia, FYI 2009