Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Established by Rep. Gregg Harper, R-Miss., the Congressional Internship Program for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities is a unique program designed to give students with varying intellectual disabilities an opportunity to gain congressional work experience.  

Working in conjunction with George Mason University’s Mason LIFE Program – a postsecondary education program for young adults with intellectual disabilities – and the Committee on House Administration, Harper launched the internship program with four Mason LIFE students and six House offices.  After only one semester, the program tripled in size with nearly twenty Congressional offices participating.

Today, Harper continues to expand the program to accommodate additional students so that they are given the same exciting educational and enrichment opportunities typically afforded to congressional interns working here in the nation’s capital.

How the Program Works

Each participating office will host a Mason LIFE student and his or her work coach for one two-hour session each week.  During the two-hour sessions, which are held Monday and Friday mornings and afternoons, the interns will work with their congressional office and their work coach to complete various office tasks as assigned. 

In addition to fulfilling their weekly office responsibilities, the interns will have an opportunity to enjoy various enrichment activities coordinated by the program administrators.  Some of the prior enrichment activities have included Capitol tours and trips to one of the many Smithsonian museums nearby.

How to Get Involved

If your office is interested in participating in the program, or for more information, please contact the Committee at 5-8281.