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 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 2024 Capitol Pathways program year has concluded. Stay tuned for announcements on planning for 2025!
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 Student Spotlight: Melody Her
Highlighting Capitol Pathways student Melody Her, a 3rd year St. Catherine University student interning at St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce this Spring 2023.
Capitol Pathways Students Gather for First Meeting and Social
Our Capitol Pathways program continues as the students finally meet each other in person, and others, during the recent cohort meeting and social. Thanks to all students, alumni, supporters, and others who could make it to our first social of this program year.
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.
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