14 Internships in DC for Undergraduates
Internships are one of the most effective ways for college students to translate academic knowledge into career-ready skills. By working on projects in professional settings, you will strengthen your resume, clarify your career interests, and develop competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that employers look for. Internships also expand your professional network and give you concrete accomplishments to discuss in interviews or graduate school applications. Whether you’re exploring public policy, business, STEM, media, or nonprofit work, internship experience helps you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
Why should I do an internship in college?
An internship in college can significantly increase your employability by giving you exposure to workplace expectations and industry standards. Employers often prioritize candidates who have demonstrated initiative through internships. You gain technical and field-specific skills, build a portfolio of work, and receive professional references who can speak to your performance. Internships also help you test potential career paths before committing to them long term.
Washington, D.C., offers many internships for undergraduates, with its access to federal agencies, global nonprofits, think tanks, media outlets, consulting firms, and mission-driven startups. The city’s policy institutions, international organizations, and advocacy groups make internships here especially valuable if you’re interested in government, law, international affairs, or public service. To help you navigate your options, we’ve narrowed down a list of 14 internships in Washington, D.C. for undergraduates based on selectivity, professional development opportunities, mentorship access, and work experience.
1. CNN News Gathering and Political Internships: DC – Summer
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $19/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; ~8–12 slots
Dates: 11 weeks; option 1: June 1 – August 14; option 2: June 8 – August 21
Application Deadline: March 8
Eligibility: Rising junior or senior undergraduates (18+), minimum 3.0 GPA, authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship
In the CNN Newsgathering and Political Summer Internship in Washington, D.C., you dive straight into broadcast journalism, U.S. politics, and the election cycle. You will conduct candidate research, monitor live political events, fact-check news, and help with location stakeouts. The internships also give you access to top media executives through an exclusive speaker series and direct mentorship from seasoned news veterans. Throughout the summer, you will build practical skills in journalistic newswriting, political data analysis, and hands-on editorial production. You will also learn to thrive under the strict, real-world deadline pressures of a busy newsroom.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: 10–25%; 70–100 students
Dates: Multiple cohorts each year (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours per week for 8–12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, fully remote opportunity that places you with startups and nonprofits across a range of industries, including technology and AI-adjacent fields. During the internship, you work on a clearly defined, real-world project tied to an organization’s operational, product, or growth priorities. Depending on your placement, responsibilities may include data analysis, workflow automation, technical research, market validation, or software-related initiatives. You collaborate directly with a manager at your host organization, operating within a structured remote environment that emphasizes accountability, milestone tracking, and deliverable-based performance. Throughout the experience, you receive professional feedback and gain exposure to how distributed teams manage execution, deadlines, and performance metrics. Apply now!
3. Undergraduate Intern in Digital Strategies (Engineering) – Pew Research Center
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid; onsite Tuesday–Thursday, remote up to two days/week)
Stipend: $18.50/hour; modest relocation stipend available
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 1 intern
Dates: June 1 – August 14 or June 15 – August 28
Application Deadline: February 11
Eligibility: Rising juniors and seniors who have completed at least two years of college; experience with React is required
The Undergraduate Intern in Digital Strategies (Engineering) at Pew Research Center is a paid summer opportunity within the organization’s digital team. You will work alongside engineers responsible for maintaining and improving the Center’s digital publishing infrastructure, including its WordPress-based platform. A significant focus of the role is contributing to modern WordPress development initiatives, particularly through the Gutenberg project, which aims to enhance the flexibility and functionality of the WordPress ecosystem. During the internship, you gain hands-on experience building interactive web applications using Gutenberg Blocks and React. You will contribute to real production code, collaborate in a professional engineering workflow, and strengthen your front-end development skills in a mission-driven environment.
4. U.S. Department of State – Pathways Internship Programs (IEP & ITEP)
Location: Various locations across the United States
Stipend: Paid (GS pay scale; grade based on education level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; positions posted as needed on USAJOBS
Dates: Year-round; appointments vary by program type
Application Deadline: Rolling; apply through specific USAJOBS vacancy announcements
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in qualifying educational programs (high school through graduate level); minimum 2.0 GPA; must be able to obtain a Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret)
The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Programs provide paid opportunities for students to gain direct exposure to federal careers while completing their academic programs. You are hired under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with grade levels determined by the level of completed education, ranging from high school enrollment (GS-1) to graduate-level qualifications (GS-11). The program includes two tracks: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Experience Program (ITEP). IEP appointments are non-temporary and typically last the duration of your academic program. IEP participants are eligible for federal employee benefits, noncompetitive promotions (if qualified), and potential noncompetitive conversion to the competitive service within 180 days of completing their program.
5. U.S. Department of State – Paid Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.; select U.S. offices; limited placements at U.S. Embassies and the U.S. Mission to the United Nations (New York City)
Stipend: GS-04/Step 1 base pay
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 230–250 students for the summer session; smaller for Fall/Spring
Dates: Summer, Fall, and Spring cohorts available
Application Deadline: Varies as per cohort
Eligibility: U.S. citizens; minimum 3.2 GPA; undergraduate juniors/seniors or graduate students returning to school after the internship; must receive Public Trust, Secret, or Top Secret clearance
The U.S. Department of State Paid Student Internship Program offers undergraduates and graduate students direct exposure to diplomacy, foreign policy, and federal operations. You will be placed in geographic or functional bureaus in Washington, D.C., domestic field offices, or select international assignments. You may participate in high-level meetings, contribute to policy memos and briefing materials, draft communications used by policymakers, or support international conferences and multilateral events. Assignments vary by bureau but frequently involve substantive policy research, writing, and administrative coordination that support U.S. foreign policy objectives. You may engage with U.S. or foreign audiences, assist with public diplomacy efforts, and gain insight into how diplomatic strategy is executed across diverse regions.
6. Internships at World Resources Institute (WRI)
Location: Washington, D.C., and international offices
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 20+ interns year-round, up to 60 during summer
Dates: 3 months (Full-time); standard start dates are June 16, July 1, or July 20
Application Deadline: Rolling/Varies by position
Eligibility: Current students, recent graduates, or candidates seeking experience in environmental and sustainability-focused work; must have existing U.S. work authorization; must be a resident of DC, MD, or VA by the start date
The World Resources Institute (WRI) Internship Program offers hands-on experience within a globally recognized environmental research organization. Internships are available in Washington, D.C., as well as in international offices, and span issue areas such as climate change, energy, sustainable cities, food systems, environmental governance, and communications. As an intern, you will contribute to research, policy analysis, communications strategy, or operational projects that support WRI’s global sustainability mission. You often assist with data analysis, literature reviews, stakeholder engagement, report drafting, and event coordination. In addition to project-based contributions, you gain exposure to WRI’s collaborative work culture and have opportunities to network with experts in environmental policy, economics, science, and international development.
7. Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $8,000
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 10–15 interns per summer
Dates: June 1 – August 7
Application Deadline: March 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors, seniors, rising juniors, or recent graduates (within six months) majoring in art history or a related discipline; minimum 3.0 GPA; must qualify for financial need and eligibility for federal student aid
The Katzenberger Foundation Art History Internship is a need-based summer program supporting undergraduate research and collections work at the Smithsonian Institution’s art museums and archives in Washington, D.C. Funded by the Katzenberger Foundation and administered by the Smithsonian’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, the program provides experience in art historical research, collections management, and museum operations. As an intern, you may contribute to projects related to art and art history collections, cultural heritage research, archives, costumes and textiles, or public-facing museum initiatives. Responsibilities often include conducting research, assisting with cataloging and documentation, supporting exhibitions, and contributing to written materials.
8. Internships at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid, amount not publicly disclosed
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 4 interns per summer cycle
Dates: June 8 – August 14
Application Deadline: February 6
Eligibility: Undergraduate students (sophomore, junior, or senior) or recent graduates; at least 18 years old; minimum 3.0 GPA
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) Internship Program offers a cohort-based experience within a “migratory museum” model that brings Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history, art, and culture to communities nationwide. Rather than operating solely within a traditional museum structure, APAC develops innovative exhibitions, digital initiatives, and public programs that emphasize civic engagement, dialogue, and social justice. You can choose between two tracks: Education or Operations. The Education track focuses on expanding AANHPI representation in K–12 curricula and strengthening knowledge of educational platforms and community partnerships. The Operations track centers on exhibition development and provides insight into museum procedures, logistics, and behind-the-scenes workflows.
9. Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (Georgetown University)
Stipend: $4,000 + travel support up to $250 (case-by-case basis)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 24 fellows
Dates: June 10 – July 24
Application Deadline: January 30
Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors enrolled in U.S.-accredited institutions; minimum 2.5 GPA; must be authorized to work in the U.S. (DACA/TPS recipients and eligible F-1/J-1 visa holders may apply)
The Academy for Research, Clinical and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES) Program is a summer opportunity designed to support undergraduates interested in research, medicine, and health equity. Hosted at Georgetown University, the program provides structured exposure to clinical environments, academic research, and discussions centered on healthcare disparities and equity-focused practice. As a participant, you engage in research-oriented learning experiences, professional development programming, and mentorship designed to prepare you for careers in medicine, public health, and related health professions. The program emphasizes academic enrichment, collaboration, and dialogue to improve access to care and advance equity within healthcare systems.
10. Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid (GS-3 to GS-9, based on education level)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; small to medium cohort sizes
Dates: Summer term (exact dates announced with application posting)
Application Deadline: TBD (posted via official announcement)
Eligibility: Current degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate students; U.S. citizens; minimum 3.0 GPA; able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI clearance; 16+; resided in the U.S. for at least three of their previous five years
The Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students hands-on experience within the U.S. Intelligence Community. Internships are structured to develop foundational skills required for careers in intelligence, homeland security, and federal service. You may be placed in functional areas such as intelligence analysis, counterterrorism, cyber threat analysis, border security, transnational organized crime, or nation-state threat assessment. Additional placement areas include open-source collection, policy development, strategic communications, data science, IT engineering, performance management, and program operations. Depending on the assignment, you may conduct analytical research, contribute to intelligence products, support partner engagement efforts, or assist with technical and data-driven initiatives.
11. FBI Honors Internship Program (HIP)
Location: FBI Headquarters and field offices nationwide
Stipend: GS-4 pay scale
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; specific office cohorts are small
Dates: June – August (full-time summer internship)
Application Deadline: March 5
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in a U.S.-accredited undergraduate, graduate, or postdoctoral program; minimum 3.0 GPA; able to receive Top Secret Clearance and pass all of the FBI employment background investigation; 18+ by the application deadline
The FBI Honors Internship Program (HIP) serves as a direct pipeline to full-time FBI employment, offering participants immersive exposure to federal law enforcement, intelligence operations, and national security work. As an intern, you will be assigned to tasks based on organizational needs and your academic background, with opportunities available at both headquarters and field offices. Responsibilities vary by division but may include intelligence analysis, cybersecurity support, operational research, legal assistance, data analysis, forensic services, and administrative or strategic support functions. You work alongside FBI professionals and gain insight into investigative processes, interagency collaboration, and national security priorities.
12. NPR Internship Program
Location: Onsite (Washington, D.C.), remote, or hybrid, depending on team
Stipend: $20/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 30–50 interns per cycle
Dates: Fall/Winter cohorts (28 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by cycle (see individual postings)
Eligibility: Current students enrolled in an accredited degree program or graduates within 12 months of internship start; must be authorized to work in the U.S.
The NPR Internship Program offers paid opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain hands-on experience in public media and journalism. You will contribute across departments, including newsroom research, audio production, digital editing, data analysis, social media engagement, embedded graphics, coding, and audience research. As an intern, you work alongside editors, producers, developers, and journalists who shape NPR’s national coverage. Responsibilities vary by placement but may include pitching story ideas, supporting investigative research, editing web content, designing digital features, or assisting with multimedia production. The program emphasizes skill-building, mentorship, and exposure to newsroom workflows within a nationally recognized media organization.
13. Kennedy Center Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $17.95/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 20–30 interns per session
Dates: Fall: 14 weeks between September and December; Spring: 14 weeks between January and April; Summer: 10 weeks between June and August
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort; Fall: Mid-June; Spring: Mid-October; Summer: Early January
Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program; recent graduates (within 6 months) not yet enrolled in graduate study; international students are eligible but must provide valid work authorization
The Kennedy Center Internship Program is a structured professional development experience designed for students interested in arts administration, nonprofit leadership, and cultural management. You will be placed in individual departments at the Kennedy Center, where you will support programming, operations, marketing, development, education initiatives, or other institutional functions. In addition to departmental placements, the program includes a leadership-focused curriculum. You participate in seminars with senior staff, attend cross-departmental meetings to understand large-scale arts operations, and conduct informational interviews across the Center’s 13 departments. You also collaborate on a capstone project, strengthening teamwork and strategic thinking skills.
14. Intern – DC United Grounds
Location: Washington, D.C. (Audi Field)
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; typically 2–4 interns
Dates: May 15 – August 15
Application Deadline: Rolling until filled
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students eligible to receive college credit; must be available for match days, nights, and weekends, and pass a background check
In this internship, you work directly under the Director of Grounds, assisting with day-to-day maintenance and event preparation at Audi Field. Responsibilities include field setup and breakdown for MLS matches, Washington Spirit games, UFL events, international friendlies, concerts, and other full-stadium events. You also gain exposure to turf management practices, including field lining, resodding projects, irrigation systems, fertility programs, and integrated pest management (IPM). Throughout the summer, you develop operational knowledge of both synthetic and Bermuda grass surfaces while learning how large-scale sporting venues execute logistics under tight timelines. The role requires flexibility, physical stamina, and the ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends during event days.
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