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 students legislative and career readiness training alongside an immersive hands-on internship experience during the legislative session.
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
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: Maddie Geschu, 2019 Alum
By the time Capitol Pathways alum Maddie Geschu (they/them) was into their college career, they knew they had a heart for public service, working for people, and building community.
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.
2023 Capitol Pathways Cohort

Princess Gataud

Rashaunea Ambers Winston

Melody Her

Abshir Mohamed

Karla Alarcon

Micah Coatie

Wiwin Suryani

Padra Lor

Idil Dirie

Yusra Hassan

Alexis Prathammanon

Shelley Pacheco

Joana Acosta-Palmeros

Layssa Pena

Mena Feleke

Genesis Fernandez

Priscilla Mayowa

Anjali Muppidi

Zahra Jumani

Moses Yazachew

Sharon Izuora

Mariam Mikayelyan

Salma Ibrahim

Abby Adegeye

Jesus Gonzalez Ruiz

Olaitan Olanrewaju

Amanda Nogueira Moreira de Souza

Jack Peng

Safiya Mohamed
Students not pictured: Sundus Abdi, José Aviña, Yasmin Lopez, Ridwan Mohamed
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:
Clifton Allen Larson Foundation
F.R. Bigelow Foundation
Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
Jefferson Lines
McKnight Foundation
Otto Bremer Trust
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