2026 Alexis Herman Summer Fellowship Program Washington, D.C

Overview

Who we are

To save time applying, Toyota does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas or any other work authorization for this position at this time. 

The Honorable Alexis Herman made history in 1977 as the first African American U.S. Secretary of Labor and spent a lifetime breaking barriers, championing equity, and advancing the cause of public service. As Toyota’s long-serving Chair for more than twenty years of the Respect for People Advisory Board (formerly known as the Diversity Advisory Board), Alexis’ leadership greatly influenced the development of various strategic programs and initiatives that created a more inclusive culture within Toyota.

To honor her remarkable contributions, Toyota Motor North America has established The Honorable Alexis M. Herman Fellowship. Summer interns will be officially recognized as “Alexis Herman Fellows”. 

This Fellowship will offer (2) exceptional fellows with the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in Toyota’s Government Affairs and Sustainable Development Division.

This eight-week summer fellowship program includes one fellow position located in Toyota’s Washington, D.C. office as the designated Government Affairs fellow.

Fellowship Overview

The Government Affairs- Alexis Herman fellowship provides a comprehensive overview of lobbying, government relations, and public advocacy. The goal is to create a meaningful experience that deepens fellows' understanding of the government affairs field within Toyota and makes a lasting impact.

Term Dates:

2nd week of June – August 1st (to accommodate Congressional recess)

What You’ll be Doing

• Producing issue policy presentations and internal documents for Toyota GA employees.
• Monitoring and reporting on federal activities, including legislative hearings and regulatory rulemakings.
• Creating background materials, position statements, and facilitating attendance at events with Toyota GA representatives.
• Researching and circulating Advanced Briefings on Toyota’s policy concentrations.
• Engaging in various projects and tasks as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Must have reliable transportation
• Must have the right to work in the United States and not require Toyota sponsorship for immigration-related employment (including, but not limited to H-1B, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, TN, or F-1 OPT extension) now or in the future
• Minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher
• Strong writing skills, interpersonal abilities, a cooperative attitude, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity.
• Motivated self-starter who takes initiative and has experience managing multiple projects.
• Ability to collaborate on problem-solving, navigate ambiguity, and independently manage daily tasks.
• Team player who can build relationships with various stakeholders (e.g., cohort, elected officials, partnering organizations, community groups).
• A desire to learn about the U.S. Federal government and a genuine passion for public policy and politics.
• Pursuing a law degree, masters, PhD, or pre-law in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Communications, or Education Policy

What we’ll bring

During your interview process, our team can fill you in on all the details of our industry-leading benefits and career development opportunities. A few highlights include:

• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility and respect
• Professional growth and development programs and opportunities
• Competitive wages
• Paid Holidays
• Housing & Relocation Assistance Not Provided

Belonging at Toyota

Our success begins and ends with our people. We embrace all perspectives and value unique human experiences. Respect for all is our North Star. Toyota is proud to have 10+ different Business Partnering Groups across 100 different North American chapter locations that support team members’ efforts to dream, do and grow without questioning that they belong.

Applicants for our positions are considered without regard to race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, religion, military or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Have a question, need assistance with your application or do you require any special accommodations? Please send an email to [email protected].