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.
The application for our 2025 Capitol Pathways Program is now closed.
Join our Capitol Pathways Newsletter to stay updated on the program.
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 Student Spotlight: An Garagiola-Bernier
“For me, this picture represents the great advances Indigenous Women are making into the political sphere, and the recognition of the value of our voices in crafting policy that will impact many generations to come.”
Capitol Pathways Student Spotlight: Maddie Schumacher
Our #CapitolPathways internship program has crossed the halfway point! 34 college students of color are working with their individual host organizations for 10+ hours a week in a paid internship, which provides them access to legislators, lobbyists, and...
#CapitolPathways: Students gather for meeting & social
A few times throughout our Capitol Pathways internship program, which takes place each year during the state's legislative session, we bring the whole cohort together to connect with one another, share their internship experiences thus far, and participate...
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.
This program is made possible in part by major donors:
F.R. Bigelow Foundation
McKnight Foundation
Otto Bremer Trust
Summer Fund