Congressman Himes KJS DC Summer Internship Stipend

Before 2019, congressional interns were generally not compensated for their important work on Capitol Hill. When Kevin interned in Congressman Jim Himes’ office during his senior year at American University, he did not get paid despite putting in upwards of 20 hours a week to earn college credit. Kevin noticed that the ranks of the Capitol Hill interns were not very diverse and were not representative of the American population as a whole - and he knew that financial limitations were a big factor. This disturbed him greatly as he knew that a functioning democracy depended on the People’s representatives reflecting the diversity of the governed.

In 2018, Congress passed a bill allocating a modest amount of funding to allow both House and Senate lawmakers to finally pay their interns. Funds were first made available starting in 2019. In 2021, Kevin’s representative, mentor, and friend, Congressman Jim Himes, created the Kevin J. Sutherland Washington, DC Summer Internship Stipend Program in memory of his former intern. This three month internship in Congressman Himes' DC office is aimed at providing financial support for young people seeking a career in public service who might not ordinarily have access to such an opportunity. While the KJS Legacy Project does not directly fund this stipend, we recognize it as a significant part of Kevin Sutherland’s legacy.

To learn more and to apply, got to: https://himes.house.gov/internships and scroll down to Stipend Opportunities

  • Isabel Kalb

    During the summer after my sophomore year of college, I had the honor of being the KJS scholar in Congressman Jim Himes’ DC office working for Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District where I grew up. Through this stipend, I was able to spend 12 weeks learning about and being part of the political process up close, from writing co-sponsorship recommendations to attending floor votes and subcommittee meetings to compiling press clips, to simply witnessing the day-to-day work of the amazing Himes team. My summer internship has had a deep impact on my life, and it would not have been possible without the Kevin J. Sutherland fund. I am forever grateful for the opportunity, and for the legacy that Kevin left behind as an inspiration for those not just in the Himes district, but across Connecticut and the country as a whole, of what it means to dedicate a life to public service, to give back to the community you come from.

    — Isabel Kalb, Himes KJS DC Summer Intership Stipend Recipient - 2023

  • Nicholas Smart

    "This stipend gave me the financial capability to live in D.C. and participate in an unimaginable experience. Thanks to this stipend, I was able to work with an amazing office and work on important projects. Having the financial stability to be able to contribute to Congressman Himes' office was support that I am so grateful for, and I will use the opportunity provided to me from that support to establish a career in public policy. I will always remember and be thankful for the opportunity this stipend provided me."

    — Nicholas Smart, Himes KJS DC Summer Intership Stipend Recipient - 2022

  • Beatrice Phillips

    “It has been a long time dream of mine to work on Capitol Hill. The Kevin J. Sutherland Stipend allowed me to not only work on the Hill, but also opened the door to a rich and meaningful experience that I will cherish forever. I was able to conduct meaningful work that connected me more deeply with our government, and further with the people of Connecticut. In my time working with Congressman Himes’ staff I learned that continuing Kevin’s legacy begins with an understanding and appreciation for the intricacies of a strong community. Building relationships with others, and truly lending a helping hand to all those who are in need is what builds these communities. I have dedicated my time on Capitol Hill and my work in public service to creating impactful change. I have continued Kevin’s mission in my work in Senator Chris Murphy’s office and throughout my studies at George Washington University.“

    — Beatrice Phillips, Inaugural Himes KJS DC Summer Internship Stipend Recipient - 2021