Walmart Awards One Million Dollar Grant To The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

Washington, DC – The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) yesterday announced a $1 million grant from Walmart to support the CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program. The announcement marks Walmart’s renewed commitment to supporting deserving African-American college students who are interested in internships on Capitol Hill or with government agencies. Walmart has donated $2 million to this program since 2006.

The CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program is a semester-long internship program that prepares participating students for careers in public service or the private sector. As a result of Walmart’s funding, interns also receive a stipend and housing during their internships.

“CBCF is proud to accept this generous award from our partners at Walmart,” said CBCF Chairman Donald M. Payne. “There is nothing more important than investing in the futures of our young people.  The grant will help to ensure that CBCF will be able to develop leaders who will be primed to make a positive impact on the lives of African-Americans. It is a guaranteed return on investment that is immeasurable,” he said.

“Diversity is core to Walmart’s success and we are always honored to partner with organizations that share our commitment to helping minority students succeed in life. The congressional internship program is a wonderful example of an initiative for African-American students that works,” said Kimberly Woodard, Walmart’s director of federal government relations and CBCF board member. “The program’s success over the last six years has raised the bar for congressional internships and we commend the CBCF for its commitment to promoting diversity on the Hill.”

Walmart’s first grant to the CBCF in 2006 – an initial $1 million, three-year grant, established the CBCF/Walmart Strive for Excellence Scholarship Program and the CBCF/Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship Program. The programs were created to provide students with the funding and experiences needed to reach their educational and career goals. Since 2007, more than 80 exceptional college-aged students have participated in the internship program.

“Walmart has been a great friend to CBCF in helping young people to connect the dots between community, governance and the importance of public policy which aims to improve the quality of life for millions of African-Americans. What better way to hone those skills than in our nation’s capital,” said Elsie L. Scott, Ph.D., president and chief executive officer of CBCF.

The funding also supports the CBCF partnership with the George Washington University’s Semester in Washington Program to give interns an opportunity to earn academic credit. This partnership offers a combination of hands-on coursework and networking opportunities with like-minded peers and professional politicos.

For more information about CBCF’s internship programs, application criteria and deadlines, go to www.cbcfinc.org.