15 Public Policy Research Internships for Undergraduates
If you are a college student interested in public policy, research internships offer the chance to explore topics like legislation, social programs, and policy analysis while contributing to evidence-based projects. You will collect information, review reports, and organize materials for ongoing projects. By working with data and legislative issues, you will develop analytical and writing skills that will make your resume stand out in a crowded job market.
Why should I do a public policy research internship in college?
Through a research internship, you will get to see how major public policy decisions are made. You can explore specific fields within public policy, such as education, environmental policy, or economics, to see if it’s the right fit for your career. This practical exposure proves to employers that you can handle professional responsibilities and think critically under pressure. The connections you make with mentors can give you access to internship or job opportunities in the future.
There are many organizations and government offices that offer public policy research roles to college students. Research groups like the Brookings Institution and the Center for Strategic and International Studies hire students to help experts analyze data and write reports on social and economic issues. Government institutions like the White House and the Department of State give you a direct look at how laws are made. Below, we have listed 15 public policy research internships for undergraduates to help you start your search.
1. White House Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; roughly 100–150 interns per cohort
Dates: Summer: June 3 – August 7; Spring: January 21 – April 10
Application Deadline: Summer: January 5; Spring: August 11
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, or are recent graduates; 18+; must pass a comprehensive background investigation and a drug test
The White House Internship Program focuses on supporting policy, communications, and administrative functions within the Executive Office of the President. You assist with research, briefing preparation, constituent correspondence, and project work tied to policy, communications, or administrative functions. Your assignments require clear writing, attention to detail, and adherence to federal workplace practices. You also take part in orientations, office meetings, and occasional special events that show how government offices coordinate daily responsibilities. Supervisors provide guidance on tasks and expectations for deliverables throughout the term. The internship provides formal experience within a federal office setting and documentation of your participation.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Cost varies depending on the program type; financial aid is available / No stipend
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Approximately 25%; around 100 students per cohort
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort; Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: High school students, undergraduates, and gap year students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks
The Ladder University Internship Program is a remote program that connects you with startups or organizations working on projects that may involve public policy topics such as social impact, government services, or regulatory research. You may spend time reviewing policy documents, compiling background research, or summarizing how existing laws and regulations affect a product, service, or target population. Public policy research roles typically involve organizing datasets, tracking policy developments, or preparing written briefs for internal use by the host organization. You communicate regularly with your Ladder coach to clarify project needs and share progress on assigned tasks. The work is completed remotely and follows a set timeline that ends with the submission of a final project deliverable.
3. U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. and various international posts
Stipend: GS-04/Step 1 base pay, which covers reasonable travel allowance and housing assistance
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; approximately 200 interns per cohort
Dates: Year–round cohorts, including Summer (May – August/September), Fall (September – December), and Spring (January – May)
Application Deadline: Summer: Early October; Fall: Late February/Early March, Spring: Late June/Early July
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with at least a 3.2 GPA, currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program is based in State Department offices and bureaus that handle U.S. foreign policy and diplomatic operations. In this internship, you will get to draft or edit reports, communications, talking points, or other written materials that relate to global issues and U.S. policy objectives. Additionally, you could support planning for events, meetings, or conferences with domestic or international stakeholders. As an intern, you will also regularly participate in meetings with officials or contribute background research on political, economic, or social topics to inform decision-makers. Your assignments vary by office and can include work with geographic or functional bureaus that address specific regions or policy areas.
4. The Legislative Internship Program- Washington State Legislature
Location: Olympia, Washington
Stipend: $2,400/month
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; 70 interns
Dates: January 6 – March 12
Application Deadline: Typically, October
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled at a Washington state college or university
The Washington State Legislative Internship Program is a full-time, nonpartisan internship that runs during the state legislative session in Olympia. You will work in a legislative office or with caucus staff on tasks that support day-to-day legislative operations. Your responsibilities may include tracking bills, conducting policy research, drafting correspondence, and assisting with constituent inquiries. You also attend committee hearings and floor sessions to follow how proposals move through the legislative process. Some assignments involve preparing summaries of legislation or compiling background information on policy topics for staff use. Throughout the session, you interact with lawmakers, staff members, and members of the public in professional government settings.
5. Congressional Research Service Student Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. (some remote options available based on position)
Stipend: Varies based on location and position
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 15–25 interns across various divisions
Dates: 10–12 weeks during the summer, beginning early June
Application Deadline: Varies based on position (late January or early February or ongoing)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students who are U.S. citizens
The Congressional Research Service Student Internship Program is a short-term internship offered through the Library of Congress that introduces you to the work of a federal agency that supports the U.S. Congress with policy analysis and research. You work alongside professional staff on research tasks related to current legislative and public policy topics. Assignments include gathering sources, summarizing policy materials, and contributing background information used in reports and briefings prepared for congressional offices. Work spans subject areas such as law, economics, science, foreign affairs, and social policy, depending on office placement. You also help with internal workflows such as document preparation, data organization, and information management connected to ongoing research requests.
6. The Heritage Foundation – The Young Leaders Program
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 55–60 interns per cohort
Dates: Summer: May 11 – August 7; Fall: September 8 – December 4Application Deadline: Summer: February 1; Fall: May 31
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or work-authorized students who are current undergraduates or recent graduates
The Young Leaders Program is a semester-based internship offered by The Heritage Foundation that combines policy-focused office work with educational programming in Washington, D.C. You work in a department such as domestic policy, foreign policy, economics, communications, or government relations, depending on placement. Daily responsibilities include compiling research, preparing written summaries, assisting with reports, and supporting outreach or event coordination connected to policy topics. You attend regular briefings and lectures that cover constitutional principles and contemporary policy debates addressed by the organization. The schedule also includes professional development sessions and meetings with policy staff and visiting speakers.
7. Brookings Institution Internship
Location: Washington, D.C. Hybrid and remote options are also available
Stipend: Paid, amount/rate not disclosed publicly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; approximately 150 interns annually across three cohorts
Dates: June 1/16 – August 21/September 4; Fall: Mid-September – Mid-December; Spring: Mid-January – Mid-April
Application Deadline: Varies based on cohort; Summer (February 22); Fall (Mid-June); Spring (Mid-October)
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates
The Brookings Internship Program is an internship offered by the Brookings Institution that involves you in the day-to-day work of a public policy research organization. You will work within a team on tasks connected to policy analysis, writing, data organization, or program support. You help with compiling sources, summarizing policy materials, assisting with reports, and supporting events or public discussions linked to ongoing research. You also take part in team meetings and internal briefings that connect your assignments to broader policy topics under study. Work arrangements are set by the hosting team and can include in-person, hybrid, or remote formats depending on the role.
8. Cato Institute Internship
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $17.50/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely competitive; about 25–30 interns per semester
Dates: Spring: Late January – Late April; Summer: Late May – Mid-August; Fall: Mid-September – Mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring: November 2; Summer: February 16; Fall: June 28
Eligibility: Current undergraduates and recent graduates
The Cato Institute Internship Program is an in-person internship based in Washington, D.C., that involves you in research and communications work at a public policy organization. You will work with policy scholars and staff by gathering sources, organizing data, and contributing background research for articles, reports, and public programs. Assignments relate to topic areas such as economics, constitutional law, foreign policy, technology, and regulatory policy, depending on office placement. You also assist with editing, fact-checking, and preparing materials used for publications or policy events. Work is tied to ongoing research projects and publication timelines across different policy centers. The program runs during the summer and academic semesters with defined start and end dates.
9. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Internships
Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid or in-person depending on role)
Stipend: $18/hour
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; approximately 15–20 interns per semester
Dates: Fall: September 2 – December 12; Summer: ~10–12 weeks (June–August); Spring: ~16 weeks (Jan–May)
Application Deadline: Fall: June 20; Summer: Early February; Spring: Early October
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students and recent graduates
This is a semester-based internship at a nonprofit public policy institute that produces research and analysis on economic security, federal and state budgets, health care, and related social policies. Your responsibilities include gathering and synthesizing information from policy sources, preparing written summaries and research materials, and assisting with tasks tied to ongoing projects that address issues affecting low- and moderate-income communities and equity in federal and state policy debates. Work is structured around a defined internship term that runs through a fall, spring, or summer semester and follows a set schedule, with paid compensation and options for remote, hybrid, or in-person engagement depending on the role.
10. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. and U.S. Embassies/Consulates Abroad
Stipend: Paid at a GS-4 equivalent rate
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Extremely selective; 35 students per year
Dates: 10 weeks in summer for two consecutive summers
Application Deadline: Typically, early September
Eligibility: Current sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA; participants must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance
The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP) is a two-summer internship offered by the U.S. Department of State that introduces you to diplomatic and policy work. During the first summer, you begin with several weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by work in a State Department policy office. Your assignments focus on research, writing, and administrative tasks related to foreign policy and international affairs. In the second summer, you work at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas for a full ten-week term. Across both summers, you engage with government staff and observe how U.S. missions coordinate policy and public affairs.
11. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Internship
Location: Remote and hybrid (varies by department)
Stipend: Paid, amount/rate not disclosed publicly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically, 15–25 undergraduate interns
across all departments per season
Dates: Summer: 10 consecutive weeks starting Late May/Early June; Fall: 10–12 Weeks starting Mid-September; Spring: Typically 12 weeks starting Mid-January
Application Deadline: Summer: Late February; Fall: Late June / Early July; Spring: Late October
Eligibility: Undergraduates and graduate students, depending on the internship area
The ACLU Internship Program offers short-term internships across legal, policy, advocacy, communications, and operations teams within the American Civil Liberties Union. Your work on active civil liberties and civil rights matters is handled by the department you join, so assignments reflect what that team is currently working on. Depending on the role, you may help with research, writing, outreach support, case preparation, or organizing information for advocacy and policy efforts. Some positions are tied to litigation and legal analysis, while others focus on public education, communications, or organizational support. Internship terms are offered during the summer as well as at different points in the academic year.
12. Global Leaders Internship-CHLI
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Paid, amount/rate not disclosed publicly
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; typically 10–15 interns per semester
Dates: Spring: January–May; Fall: Late August – Mid-December
Application Deadline: Spring: October 10; Fall: March 31
Eligibility: Sophomores, juniors, seniors, or students within one year of graduation enrolled at a four-year college or university; all majors welcome
The CHLI Global Leaders Program is a semester-long internship that focuses on public policy and legislative affairs in Washington, D.C. You spend part of the term working in a congressional office, where your tasks relate to policy research, constituent communication, and legislative support. The program also includes a placement in a corporate legislative-affairs office, allowing you to observe how private organizations track and respond to policy developments. Throughout the semester, you take part in professional development sessions and briefings connected to policy and leadership topics. The experience involves regular interaction with professionals from government and corporate policy teams.
13. Feminist Majority Internships
Location: Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective; 10–20 interns per location
Dates: Spring: January – May; Summer: June – August; Fall: September – December
Application Deadline: Rolling basis
Eligibility: Undergraduate students of all majors with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in feminist issues
The Feminist Majority Foundation internship program offers opportunities to work on advocacy and policy-related projects connected to gender equality and human rights. You may spend time monitoring legislative activity, summarizing news and policy developments, or compiling research on social and political topics. Some assignments involve drafting written materials for campaigns, reports, or digital platforms used by the organization. You can also participate in event planning, community outreach, or coordination with partner organizations working on related issues. Tasks vary by department and may connect to areas such as public policy, communications, or program operations. Work is typically based in organizational offices, with daily responsibilities aligned to ongoing campaigns and initiatives.
14. American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Summer Honors Program
Location: Remote
Stipend: $250
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly competitive; 12–18 students per class
Dates: One-week intensives held in June or July; select few students may be invited for a five-week multi-seminar track
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students (freshmen through seniors) and recent graduates (within the last year) who are first-time participants
The American Enterprise Institute Summer Honors Program is a week-long, fully funded educational opportunity that focuses on public policy and contemporary societal issues. You will participate in seminars led by AEI scholars or partner instructors to explore topics such as economics, governance, foreign policy, and social issues. Your cohort includes students from diverse backgrounds who engage in thoughtful dialogue and debate throughout the week. Beyond classroom sessions, you attend briefings with guest speakers, join high-level networking events, and visit sites around Washington, D.C. Participants receive reimbursement for travel to the city, housing for the week, most meals, and a modest stipend.
15. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)
Location: Remote
Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; typically 1,500–2,000 interns across 800+ different projects each year
Dates: September – May (one cycle per year)
Application Deadline: Late July
Eligibility: Students enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program for the duration of the internship
The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) is a year-long virtual internship program that connects you with projects across U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of State and overseas posts. You will work on government tasks involving research, communications support, data organization, digital content, and policy-related assignments. The program defines projects by individual offices, so your responsibilities reflect the needs of the specific team you are matched with. Because the internship is fully remote, you complete all assignments online while continuing your regular academic schedule. Collaboration takes place through virtual meetings and regular check-ins with project mentors. Openings span a wide range of policy areas and agency functions, depending on current federal priorities.
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