Walmart gives $2 million toward diversity internships on Capitol Hill

Walmart announced two $1 million grants to the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) to help provide internship opportunities on Capitol Hill for diverse youth. The Bentonville retailer said funding to these nonprofits totals more than $6 million in the past few years.

“At Walmart, our commitment to diversity and inclusion spreads beyond our stores and out into the communities where our associates and customers live,” Julie Gehrki, vice president of programs at Walmart, said in a statement. “Through relationships with organizations like CHCI and CBCF that reflect the diversity of American society, we can open the door to help more young people build a career in public service and expand the pipeline of talent on Capitol Hill and beyond by providing our future leaders with the tools needed for success.”

Pew Research reports black people make up less than 20% of U.S. lawmakers and Walmart said the grants aim to give more hands-on access and education on Capitol Hill. Walmart said although diverse populations represent approximately 36% of the population, only 7.1% are senior staffers in the Senate, according to the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Over three years the CBCF will receive a $1 million grant to help prepare college students and young professionals for careers in public policy and advocacy. The funding will provide exposure to the development and implementation of national policies — from Capitol Hill to federal field offices — as well as support intern housing, monthly stipends, professional development and leadership training.

CHCI will also get $1 million over three years that will provide Latino undergraduates with paid summer or spring Congressional internships. Through Walmart’s support, students will gain valuable work experience, benefit from a strong leadership development curriculum, participate in a community service project and interact with professionals and industry leaders in Washington, D.C.

Walmart said the Walmart Foundation also recently granted nearly $4 million to organizations to promote access, equity and inclusion among diverse populations as part of the foundation’s competitive grant competition.