Minnesota Capitol Pathways
Capitol Pathways opens access to policymaking and public service to the next generation of leaders who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). It is a paid spring internship program for BIPOC students who are currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year college or university in Minnesota. With the long-term goal of making Minnesota state government more representative of our diverse communities, our program provides legislative and career readiness training alongside an immersive hands-on internship experience with organizations doing work at or around the Capitol during the legislative session.
We are gearing up for the next program year of Capitol Pathways for the 2023 legislative session! We will be recruiting intern host organizations in September, and opening the student application in late October 2022. Sign up for our newsletter for updates!
About Capitol Pathways
Everyone should have access to opportunities in public service and policy, and our government should be representative of our communities.
Since 2016, the Capitol Pathways program from the Citizens League places college students who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC) in paid internships with government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms where they can gain experience and build relationships in and around the Capitol.
Each year during Minnesota’s legislative session, interns can expect to accomplish several things that will help them in their future careers:
- Build relationships with established policy leaders
- Gain exposure to various kinds of careers in government
- Get real-world experience in career fields they would like to learn more about
- Create a strong professional resume
20%
Percentage of Minnesota’s population who identify as part of the BIPOC community
12%
Current members of the state legislature who identify as BIPOC
228
The number of BIPOC college students that have participated in the program since 2016, many of them continuing their careers in policy and government
Capitol Pathways Updates
Capitol Pathways Spotlight: Ileana Mejia, Host
As we prepare for next year’s Capitol Pathways internship program, we are highlighting the students, hosts, and alumni that contribute to this program’s success.
Capitol Pathways End of Session Celebration
Thanks to all who joined us to celebrate the conclusion of the seventh year of Capitol Pathways! View photos and video from the event.
Capitol Pathways Spotlight: Abdihamid Badri, 2019 Alum
To Abdihamid, Capitol Pathways is unique and critical because it centers the experiences of students of color and acknowledges the barriers they face when entering the policy space. Read more about his Capitol Pathways experience.
SUPPORT CAPITOL PATHWAYS
A gift of any amount is valuable and goes directly to support the program. Donate today to support BIPOC students and their path to becoming civic leaders in Minnesota.
DONATE
This program is made possible in part by major donors:
F.R. Bigelow Foundation
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Jefferson Lines
McKnight Foundation
Otto Bremer Trust
Schwan’s Corporate Giving Foundation
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