Capitol Pathways

Celebrating 10 Years

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 and policymaking more representative of our diverse communities, our program provides students legislative and career readiness training alongside an immersive hands-on internship experience during the legislative session.

We are recruiting for the 2025 Capitol Pathways program year!

Host application is now open, and the student application will open on October 21!

Join our Capitol Pathways Newsletter to stay in the know on news and events.

About Capitol Pathways

Everyone should have access to opportunities in public service and policy, and our government should be representative of our diverse communities.

Since 2016, the Capitol Pathways program has placed BIPOC college students in paid internships with government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms where they have gained policymaking experience and built relationships in and around the Capitol.

Each year during Minnesota’s legislative session, interns gain the following to advance their future policy careers:

  • Develop relationships with established policy leaders.
  • Gain first-hand experience in different policy and government careers.
  • Increase their understanding of policymaking and the legislative process. 
  • Create a strong professional resume.

24%

Percentage of Minnesota’s population who identify as part of the BIPOC community

17%

Current members of the state legislature who identify as BIPOC

300

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: David Mesta

Capitol Pathways Spotlight: David Mesta

We continue highlighting this year’s Capitol Pathways students with David Mesta a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato interning with Second Harvest Heartland.

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This program is made possible in part by major donors:

F.R. Bigelow Foundation

McKnight Foundation

Otto Bremer Trust

Summer Fund