The Running Start / Walmart Star Fellowship is an exciting program that brings together college women from across the country to intern on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Each semester we place seven college women in offices to intern for a female Representative or Senator. Housing and a stipend are provided. We are looking for female college students who are juniors, seniors or recent graduates to apply. During the semester, the Star Fellows intern Monday through Thursday in an office on Capitol Hill, and then each Friday, the Fellows participate in a political seminar where they learn the nuts and bolts of politics and the importance of running for elected office. Fellows learn from top campaign strategists, consultants and other important movers and shakers in Washington.

Thank you to the Walmart Foundation for their continued support of this program!

Dates for Semesters (14 Weeks)

Program	Start Date	End Date	Applications Available
Fall 2012*	Sept. 14, 2012	Dec. 14, 2012	March 14 – April 20, 2012
Spring 2013*	Jan. 18, 2013	April 19, 2013	Sept. 17 – Oct. 31, 2012
Fall 2013*	Sept. 13, 2013	Dec. 13, 2013	Feb. 4 – April 12, 2013
Spring 2014	Jan. 17 2014	April 18 2014	Sept. 1 – Oct. 1, 2013
Fall 2014	Sept. 12 2014	Dec. 12 2014	Feb. 2 – April 1, 2014

* No longer accepting applications for this semester.

Star Fellowship includes:

• Interning on Capitol Hill: We place our Fellows in the offices of female Representatives and Senators so they can learn from successful women firsthand. Each young woman will intern Monday through Thursday full-time in the office where she is placed. (Specific times will be designated by the Intern Coordinator in each office);

• Free housing on Capitol Hill with close proximity to the metro for easy transportation to Friday Seminars;

• A $2,000 stipend for living expenses during the semester;

• Friday Seminars: All Star Fellows will attend Friday Seminars where they will be given a deeper knowledge of politics and the opportunity to learn about how politics really works from top people in the field. Seminar topics include: History of American Women in Politics, Campaign Fundamentals, International Women in Politics, Political Advocacy, Social Activism, Media Training, Fundraising Fundamentals, Public Speaking. Lunch will be provided each Friday;

• Interview Component: Fellows will learn not only how Capitol Hill works but also why and how the Member of Congress they work for ran for elected office. Each Star Fellow will be required to interview the Member they work for and present to the other fellows and Running Start staff on what they learn. A written component is included in this project.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Deeply motivated college women (juniors, seniors & recent graduates ONLY) who are interested in serving a Member of Congress on Capitol Hill, want to learn more about politics, and are interested in researching and understanding the importance of getting more women to enter careers in politics.

• We look for students who have proven that they are motivated in the classroom and in extra circular activities.

• Priority will be given to students who can demonstrate their involvement with their community and their school. Students who have held leadership positions or who are interested in running for elected office should mention this in their application.

College Credit:

We understand that getting college credit while interning in Washington, DC, is an important issue for students. Students can inquire with their school about gaining internship credit for the Running Start/Wal-Mart Star Fellowship directly through their college or university.

Running Start cannot guarantee college credit for this program. Individual students must work with their university or college to receive credit. We recommend that you speak with your school’s career center and/or academic counselor.