I just want to share with everyone that no matter what challenges, adversities you face in life, that you can overcome them… and once you overcome those adversities, use your story, your testimony to others, to help others get through their storm

Wayne Messam

I had the opportunity to intern with Congressman Cleaver during the 2022 fall semester and learned invaluable skills relating to networking, office administration, and legislative research. During my time there, the staff ensured all interns were comfortable in the office and learned to utilize congressional systems. The congressman also engaged with us as interns asking about our opinions on current policies and adjustments in the office. Each day I came into the office, my work was purposeful and tailored to the interest I had expressed to the staff. I had a chance to sit in on committee briefings, research for civic education, and comprise memos for staffers on related policy issues. We must bridge the gap between Capitol Hill and HBCU students’ ability to work in policy without the financial burden of finding a job or housing. There are tremendous opportunities here for Prairie View A&M students, thanks to Congressman Cleaver. Aside from a great work environment, my success in D.C. also came from simply having a place to reside. During stay  WISH housing, I left with lifelong friendships, career versatility, and positive exposure to other interns and congressional officials. The HBCU National Center is integral to WISH housing, leaving students with peace of mind. To express my gratitude, I wanted to share my experiences and spread the word about the opportunities HBCU students deserve to participate in!

Congressman Cleaver is a strong and experienced advocate for all underrepresented communities in Missouri’s 5th District. Representative, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to constituents for eighteen years. So far, in March of 2023, he introduced the Civics Learning Act of 2023  to substantially bolster civics education in schools nationwide, which provides a proper, robust education in civics and our constitutional system of government to students in every community. This June, Representative Cleaver introduced the Foster Youth Bill of Rights Resolution. The first-ever federal Resolution of its kind that helps ensure foster youth across America are informed about their rights while in foster care. The bill seeks to resolve the issues of food insecurity, educational rights, and access to family communication. Also, in June, he introduced pro LGBTQIA+ legislation ensuring “$400,000 in Community Project Funding he was able to secure. PRIDE Haven helps homeless LGBTQI+ transition-aged youth aged 18-24 access safe, welcoming, and accepting drop-in and overnight shelters.” Residents are cared for through “case management, connection to community resources, shower and laundry facilities, computer access, a safe place to sleep, and healthy meals.” 

Working for Congressman Cleaver is a firsthand example of what being a “Productive Panther” means. In his effort to connect with and strengthen Prairie View A&M University‘s network on Capitol Hill, he is looking for qualified interns to work in his Washington, D.C. office for the fall semester. Applications open this Saturday, July 1st, 2023. To apply to the Washington, D.C. Office, please submit a single pdf containing a cover letter with intended start and end dates, a resume, and a writing sample to MO5internships@mail.house.gov by Friday, August 4th. Please contact Congressman Cleavers, Legislative Correspondent & Staff Assistant, Brock Boze, at Brock.Boze@mail.house.gov, with further questions about the job or candidate requirements. 

In addition to a paid internship opportunity, Cleaver interns and all HBCU interns are provided fully-paid housing. Qualified HBCU students are housed together during their D.C. internship program, sponsored by the HBCU National Center. Students can enjoy a building occupied by like-minded peers to network with, Fully furnished bedrooms equipped with Kitchen essentials, an accessible downstairs laundry facility, and all utilities administered by WISH Housing. The HBCU National Center seeks “to foster experiential learning, mentorship, and networking in Washington, DC for students attending historically black colleges and universities(HBCU). Advancing diversity in America and its workplaces is critical to its continued success.” Thanks to the Honorable Jacqueline Lewis initiative, all HBCU students can enjoy living in Washington, D.C. The fall housing application is currently open, and they’re processing acceptances on a rolling basis. All Applications must be completed by a University Liaison. HBCU National Center Fall Housing Application Here.

Do not worry if you do not get a job through Congressman Cleavers’ office; the HBCU National Center helps students find internships. I hope to see more Panthers on the Hill and more HBCU Students following their public servant and policy dreams! As Panthers, we must remember our roots of organizing for democracy and equality through civic action. 

Follow Texas Girl Writes for more HBCU opportunities and student news and visit Cleaver.House.Gov for more information on internships.