15 Political Internships for Undergraduates

If you're an undergraduate student interested in public policy, government, or civic leadership, a political internship can offer solid insight into how laws are made and public decisions are shaped. 

From placements in Capitol Hill to think tanks and advocacy organizations, these programs provide opportunities to contribute to legislative research, policy development, communications, and grassroots organizing. Many also include stipends, housing, or professional development training to support student participation. 

Whether you're focused on domestic issues, foreign policy, or civil liberties, these 15 political internships for undergraduates offer a practical way to build relevant skills and explore future careers in the public sector.

1. White House Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective
Dates: September 17 – December 12
Application Deadline: June 4
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated (within 2 years) from a two- or four-year college or graduate program

This highly competitive internship places you at the heart of the federal executive branch, offering a front-row seat to public service at the national level. As an intern, you’ll be assigned to a department within the Executive Office of the President, where you'll contribute to current projects while building your leadership and policy knowledge. Weekly speaker series and professional development sessions will help deepen your understanding of government operations and public leadership. The program emphasizes civic responsibility and encourages interns to engage in service opportunities and community impact initiatives throughout the semester.

2. Ladder’s University Internship Program

Location: Remote
Cost: Varies with program type
Acceptance Rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple 8–12 week cohorts offered year-round (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter)
Application Deadline: Varies by cohort (typically January, May, September, November)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, high school, and gap year students able to commit 10–20 hours/week

Ladder Internships offers a flexible, remote internship program where you're matched with a mission-driven startup or organization aligned with your interests—ranging from health tech and biotech to public policy, nonprofit advocacy, and political consulting. Each participant joins a real team and works on current projects relevant to the company while receiving mentorship from both a company supervisor and a dedicated Ladder Coach. Whether you're interested in exploring healthcare innovation or diving into social impact and policy work, Ladder provides a structured environment to build skills, develop your professional network, and present your work in a final showcase.

3. The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program 

Location: Washington, D.C. and select offices across the U.S.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid internship (stipend amount not specified)
Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
Dates: Varies by cycle (summer, fall, spring)
Application Deadline: To be announced; sign up for updates
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate juniors/seniors and graduate students

If you're interested in foreign policy, diplomacy, or international relations, the U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program offers a solid opportunity to work directly within the country’s foreign affairs apparatus. Interns may attend high-level meetings, help draft briefing materials, assist in organizing international conferences, or communicate U.S. policy to domestic and foreign audiences. Placements vary across functional and regional bureaus, mostly in D.C., and provide hands-on experience in diplomacy. This is a paid opportunity designed to help you explore the inner workings of government and global engagement.

4. Pathways Internship Program 

Location: Various locations across the United States
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid (amount varies by position and grade level); federal benefits may apply
Acceptance Rate: Rolling selection based on department needs
Dates: Year-round (including seasonal and academic breaks)
Application Deadline: Varies; positions posted on USAJobs on an as-needed basis
Eligibility: U.S. citizens currently enrolled at least half-time in high school, college, or graduate school

The U.S. Department of State’s Pathways Internship Program provides two distinct tracks for students interested in federal careers: the Internship Experience Program (IEP) and the Internship Temporary Program (ITEP). IEP offers longer-term placements with promotion potential and eligibility for federal benefits, while ITEP is more flexible, allowing students to work during academic breaks. Both tracks are paid and provide pathways to full-time federal employment through noncompetitive conversion opportunities. Positions range across departments and locations, offering practical experience in government while students complete their education.

5. The Library of Congress/Congressional Research Service (CRS) Student Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C. (some remote options available based on position)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid (salary varies based on location and position); relocation not covered
Acceptance Rate: Highly selective and subject to congressional needs
Dates: Up to 10 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: 2025 applications are currently closed; dates vary by year
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students from all academic backgrounds

The CRS Student Internship Program is a short-term experiential learning opportunity hosted by the Library of Congress’s Congressional Research Service. You may work either in research divisions, supporting legislative analysis on public policy issues, or in infrastructure offices focused on operations like publishing, communications, and IT. Interns gain experience in federal research, policy development, and congressional support, while also exploring career pathways in public service. While most positions are in D.C., some may be eligible for telework, and placement is based on both subject area and institutional needs.

6. Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS)

Location: Remote
Cost/Stipend: None; may qualify for academic credit
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Academic year (approximately 10 hours/week)
Application Deadline: Varies annually (applications typically open in summer)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are high school graduates and enrolled in a degree-seeking undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program for the duration of the internship

The Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) offers an opportunity for college and graduate students to intern with U.S. government agencies from anywhere in the world. Interns contribute to real projects supporting federal offices both domestically and abroad, engaging in work that ranges from research and data analysis to communications, software development, and policy assistance. Though unpaid, the internship provides flexibility and meaningful experience in public service and is often eligible for college credit. Each year, hundreds of federal projects are posted, allowing students to apply their academic skills in impactful ways in an entirely virtual format.

7. Global Leaders Internship- CHLI 

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; monthly living stipend provided; housing on Capitol Hill included
Acceptance Rate: Competitive
Dates: Spring: January–May
Application Deadline: October 10 (for Spring  cohort)
Eligibility: Open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, or students within one year of graduation enrolled at a four-year college or university; all majors welcome

This semester-long internship places you first in a Congressional office and then in a corporate legislative affairs team, offering a dual experience in public policy. The first half of the program is spent learning the legislative process up close, followed by exposure to corporate public affairs. You’ll also take part in weekly workshops, professional development sessions, and networking events with leaders across government and industry. The program includes LinkedIn Learning courses, housing in D.C., and membership in professional associations like CHSA and HLA.

8. American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Internship

Location: Remote and hybrid (varies by department)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly competitive
Dates: Summer (exact dates vary by department)
Application Deadline: Varies by department
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, graduate students, and law students, depending on the internship area

Whether you're interested in law, advocacy, communications, or development, the ACLU’s National Internship Program places you at the heart of today’s civil rights and liberties issues. Interns are paired with specific departments, such as legal, advocacy, or communications, and contribute to impactful projects while receiving direct mentorship and training. Remote and hybrid opportunities are available year-round, but summer placements are the most structured and widely offered. Interns should expect to engage deeply with social justice issues and gain valuable skills applicable across nonprofit, legal, and public policy careers.

9. Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internships

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid; includes housing and stipend
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not disclosed
Dates: Spring: January–May (16 weeks); Fall: August–December (16 weeks)
Application Deadline: Varies by term
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or those with work authorization; African American/Black college students or recent graduates with a minimum 2.5 GPA

CBCF’s internship programs offer you an in-depth introduction to national policymaking, combining hands-on legislative experience with mentorship, professional development, and leadership training. You'll be placed in congressional offices, committees, or subcommittees on Capitol Hill, gaining practical exposure to the political process. Specialized tracks include the Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship, which focuses on public policy and legislative engagement, and the State Farm Communications Internship, which centers on political communications, media, and public affairs strategy. Both tracks provide structured training, networking opportunities, and support for graduate study and future federal employment.

10. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C. and U.S. Embassies/Consulates Abroad
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Two consecutive summers (each 10 weeks)
Application Deadline: Late August (exact date varies yearly)
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are current sophomores or juniors with a minimum 3.2 GPA; must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance

This two-summer internship immerses you in the world of U.S. diplomacy through hands-on experience at the U.S. Department of State. In the first summer, you'll receive professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by a placement in a State Department policy office. In the second, you’ll be posted to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad for a global diplomatic experience. The program is designed to attract students with academic excellence and financial need, giving you both a strong foundation in foreign policy and a rare opportunity to contribute to U.S. diplomatic efforts.

11. Cato Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid ($17.50/hour)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Fall (Mid-September to Mid-December)
Application Deadline: June 30
Eligibility: Open to undergraduates, recent graduates, and graduate students

The Cato Institute offers a fall internship for students interested in policy research, communications, fundraising, and legal studies through a libertarian lens. You'll work closely with scholars in areas like constitutional law, foreign policy, and health care, supporting them through research, editing, and data analysis. Interns are placed according to their interests and may also assist with communications and event logistics. In addition to practical experience, you’ll attend an in-depth seminar series covering classical liberal thought, contemporary policy issues, and professional development topics like public speaking and writing for publication.

12. Feminist Majority Internships

Location: Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles, California
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance Rate: Rolling admissions
Dates: Spring: January–May; Summer: June–August; Fall: September–December
Application Deadline: Rolling basis (early applications encouraged)
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate students of all majors with a strong academic record and demonstrated interest in feminist issues

This internship offers you a role in feminist advocacy through one of the nation's leading gender equity organizations. You’ll contribute to legislative campaigns, communications efforts, research, and event organizing while working directly with staff on issues like gender apartheid in Afghanistan or boosting women's political representation. Whether you’re interested in public policy, human rights, or political communications, you’ll gain relevant experience while engaging with rallies, coalition meetings, and strategic advocacy initiatives. Interns typically work 20–40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling to accommodate academic commitments.

13.  The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Internships

Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid or in-person depending on role)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid ($18/hour for undergraduates)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: September 2 – December 12 (Fall)
Application Deadline: June 20
Eligibility: Open to undergraduate and graduate students (including law students) and recent graduates; candidates with lived experience in or connection to underrepresented communities are especially encouraged to apply

If you're driven by public policy and committed to economic and racial equity, this internship offers in-depth insight into the policymaking that directly affects low-income families. Internships are available across several areas, such as health policy, housing, food assistance, tax and budget policy, and government affairs, allowing you to tailor your work to your interests and skills. You’ll be involved in research, writing, analysis, and some administrative support, gaining relevant experience in how policy is shaped at both the federal and state levels. Opportunities are offered each fall, spring, and summer, and interns typically work for 10–12 weeks.

14. The Legislative Internship Program- Washington State Legislature

Location: Olympia, Washington
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid ($2,400/month)
Cohort Size: 70 interns
Dates: January 7 – April 27
Application Deadline: Typically in October
Eligibility: Open to juniors and seniors enrolled at a Washington state college or university; must be in good academic standing and receive academic credit during the internship

Every spring semester, this full-time, nonpartisan internship places around 70 students directly into the workings of Washington’s legislative process. You’ll be assigned to work with 1–4 legislators or caucus staff in either the House or Senate, helping with policy research, constituent communications, and public engagement. You’ll also attend weekly seminars, participate in simulations, and get a close-up view of how state government functions. No political experience is necessary, just a strong work ethic, curiosity about public policy, and willingness to learn from diverse perspectives.

15. Brookings Institution Internships

Location: Washington, D.C. (hybrid or remote; must reside in the U.S. during internship)
Cost/Stipend: No cost; paid (via Brookings or external partners)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Not specified
Dates: Typically 12 weeks per semester (Fall, Spring, Summer)
Application Deadline: Varies by term and department
Eligibility: Open to current undergraduate and master’s students; recent graduates may be considered for select roles

Brookings internships offer a hands-on opportunity to work within one of the nation's most influential public policy think tanks. You'll be placed in a research program such as Foreign Policy, Economic Studies, or Governance Studies, or within a core administrative team like HR or Communications. Your responsibilities will vary depending on placement, but may include policy research, editing, event coordination, or data analysis. Interns are encouraged to take part in professional development sessions, affinity groups, and internal events throughout the 12-week term. 

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