The 7th Project, a Birmingham-based nonprofit committed to partnering “with the community to provide assistance with educational opportunities, nutritional needs, economic development and basic quality of life improvements in Alabama’s 7th Congressional District,” according to its website, announced the opening of its 2020 Congressional Summer Internship Program Tuesday.

The program provides college students who are residents of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District, have high academic achievement and a demonstrated financial need the opportunity to take part in a four-week internship in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-AL.

The organization provides housing on a college campus in the area, as well as a stipend for living and travel expenses, to those selected to take part in the internship, though applicants can also be selected to serve in one of Sewell’s district offices.

“The Congressional internship program has proven to be a monumental success, having provided scholarships to more than 40 students since 2014,” a press release stated. “Program alumni have gone on to start careers on Capitol Hill and work with organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and Teach for America. These students are making powerful investments in their communities and across the 7th District.”

The program is open to any undergraduate or graduate students with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher and applications, as well as more information, can be found at www.The7thProject.com.

The deadline for applications is March 13, 2020.

“We found that many students from Alabama’s 7th District weren’t able to take advantage of the Washington internship opportunity because of economic barriers,” said Ted Hosp, Board Chairman of The 7th Project. “We felt it was important to step in and fill the gap. Internships open so many doors for young people and it is our hope that these students will continue to bring the knowledge and experience they gain back to their communities and make a positive impact in the 7th Congressional District.”

Among the latest students to be selected to serve in one of Sewell’s offices was Samuel Nevels, a Hale County native and student at Troy University, who served in the congresswoman’s Selma office.

“I was extremely grateful for the opportunity to represent the 7th Congressional District as part of Congresswoman Terri Sewell’s team this summer,” Nevels said in a newsletter distributed by The 7th Project. “This was by far one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much and met so many great people.”

For her part, Sewell, who once served as an intern in her congressman’s office, realizes the value of the program.

“The 7th Project has been a wonderful partner in providing interns for my office,” Sewell said. “I was blessed to have the opportunity to work as an intern for my congressman while in college, so representing the 7th District is truly a full circle moment for me. I know what is possible when young people are given resources and opportunities to grow and succeed. It is up to us to nurture the next generation of leaders and I’m thankful that The 7th Project is committed to helping make that possible.”