Legislative internship program offers rare pathway into public service for the next generation of Luso-American leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. — At a moment when civic engagement and public service feel increasingly distant to many young Americans, a new initiative is offering a direct, paid pathway into the heart of American democracy—specifically for those whose roots trace back to Portugal.

The Luso-American Development Foundation (FLAD), in partnership with eight elected officials of Portuguese ancestry in the United States, has launched the fifth edition of its Legislative Internships Program, aimed at Portuguese-American youth eager to gain hands-on experience in government while strengthening ties to their community.

The program is open to U.S. citizens of Portuguese ancestry between the ages of 18 and 25 and will select up to eight interns to serve in legislative offices at both the federal and state levels between April and August. Internships last between 10 and 12 weeks, with flexible start dates and schedules designed to accommodate students and recent graduates.

“This is not a symbolic experience,” FLAD officials emphasize. “It is a real immersion in public service, policy-making, and the daily work of representative democracy.”

A Rare Opportunity at the Highest Levels

Selected interns will work directly in the offices of members of Congress and state senators who themselves reflect the long-standing Portuguese presence in American political life. Available placements include offices on Capitol Hill with David Valadão, Jim Costa, Lori Loureiro Trahan, and Sam Liccardo, as well as state legislative offices with Jack Martins, Jessica de la Cruz, and Michael J. Rodrigues.

At the federal level, interns are expected to commit 30 to 40 hours per week and will receive a $2,000 stipend. For state legislative offices, the commitment ranges from 15 to 20 hours per week, with a $1,500 stipend. In Washington, D.C., FLAD will also cover accommodation costs of up to $600 per week for interns who must relocate.

More Than an Internship

While open to students from all academic backgrounds, the program places a strong emphasis on academic merit, leadership potential, and a demonstrated interest in public service. Interns will engage in legislative research, constituent services, policy briefings, and community outreach—gaining first-hand exposure to how laws are shaped and implemented.

Applicants are also asked to reflect on their Portuguese heritage, either through a written cover letter or a short video, underscoring the program’s deeper mission: to cultivate a new generation of Portuguese-American civic leaders who understand both their cultural inheritance and their role in American society.

Interns are expected to collaborate with FLAD on community-related initiatives during their placement and to submit a reflective report after completing the program, detailing what they learned and how the experience will shape their future careers.

How to Apply

Applications are open until March 1, 2026, and must be submitted online through FLAD’s official application portal. Required materials include a résumé, a letter of recommendation, academic transcripts, and a personal statement explaining the applicant’s interest in public service and connection to Portuguese heritage.

For many young Portuguese Americans—especially those from communities in California, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York—this program represents a rare chance to step inside the institutions that shape national and state policy, while carrying their community’s story with them.

In an era when representation matters more than ever, FLAD’s Legislative Internships stand as a reminder that heritage can be a bridge, not just to the past, but to the corridors of power where the future is decided.

From Press Release–FLAD is a Sponsoring organization of PBBI-Fresno State.

https://www.flad.pt/en/applications-open-flad-legislative-internships-2026/