15 Civil Service Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 6 days ago
- 13 min read
If you are a college student interested in public service or government work, getting early exposure to how systems actually function can make a difference. Civil service internships for undergraduates give you a way to step into that environment while you are still studying and see how decisions, policies, and public programs are handled in practice.
Civil service internships involve working on real tasks within government offices or related institutions. You might assist with policy research, review data, support administrative work, or contribute to ongoing projects. Over time, you begin to understand how public systems operate, how decisions are structured, and how different departments coordinate their work.
Why should I do a civil service internship in college?
Civil service internships are different from most academic experiences because they place you directly inside working systems. Instead of learning about governance in theory, you see how policies are drafted, reviewed, and implemented in real settings.
They also help you build experience that carries weight later. Even without a formal title or long-term role, the work you contribute, reports, research, or project support, gives you something concrete to include in applications. That makes it easier to demonstrate your interest in public service with experience.
To make your search easier, here are 15 civil service internships for undergraduates!
If you’re looking for remote internships, check out our blog here.
Key takeaways
Most internships on this list are paid, with Washington State Legislative Internship ($2,400/month), CBCF Internship ($18 to $20/hr based on degree level), CBPP Internship ($18/hr), NYC Summer Internship Program ($595 to $935/week), and U.S. Foreign Service Internship (GS-4 rate with paid housing and travel for two summers) offering competitive compensation for undergraduate civil service work.
Internships span a wide range of public sector fields including federal diplomacy and foreign policy (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program, VSFS), national security and intelligence (NCIS Honors Internship), legislative and policy work (Washington State Legislature, CBCF, CBPP), executive branch operations (White House Internship Program), civil liberties and advocacy (ACLU), energy research (NREL Community College Internship), space and science policy (NASA), and city government (NYC Summer Internship Program).
Several internships are specifically designed for underrepresented students or have geographic eligibility criteria, including CBCF (preference for students in Congressional Black Caucus districts), Washington State Legislative Internship (Washington state college students only), and NYC SIP (must be able to commute to New York City).
Students interested in fully remote options can apply to VSFS (fully remote, year-long, with federal agencies), Ladder University Internship Program (remote, year-round, across multiple industries), and ACLU internships (some remote and hybrid positions), making civil service accessible regardless of location.
Deadlines vary widely across the calendar year, with VSFS closing in late July, Washington State Legislature opening in September, CBPP closing in early March for summer, and USAJOBS Pathways running on 14-day rolling windows, so students should begin identifying internships in the summer and fall and track multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Application deadline: Varies by cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November).
Program dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
Ladder University Internship Program is a selective, virtual internship program where you work with startups and nonprofits from around the world! The startups range across a variety of industries. As part of their internship, each student will work on a real-world project that addresses a genuine need for the startup they are working with and present their work at the end of their internship. Interns work closely with their manager at the startup. Apply now.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Stipend: Paid (Interns are classified as part-time casual/seasonal employees with the State of Delaware)
Dates: Vary by the session
Application deadline: July 31 for Fall
Eligibility: Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program
This internship puts you inside the Delaware Department of State, where you work across divisions such as communications, public engagement, and historical and cultural affairs. You might spend your week drafting short briefs for internal use, updating website content for public-facing pages, or helping organize materials for state events. Some interns are assigned to social media teams where they plan and schedule posts tied to state programs. You also sit in on meetings where departments discuss ongoing initiatives, which gives you a clearer sense of how decisions move forward. The work changes depending on the office you’re placed in, but it stays tied to actual state-level operations.
Location: NCIS Headquarters and Field Offices (191 locations across 41+ countries)
Stipend: Paid
Program dates: Varies, depending on the cohort
Application deadline: Varies by the cohort
Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program; applicants must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
NCIS places you in a specific unit, like cyber, intelligence, or forensic analysis, where you work alongside agents and analysts on active cases or datasets. You might help organize digital evidence, review case materials, or support analysis work depending on your clearance level. The program includes training sessions that teach you how NCIS approaches national security and criminal investigations. You can request placement in a specific area if you already know what interests you. Most of your time is spent inside one team, so you get used to how that unit operates day to day.
Location: Various locations across the United States
Stipend: Most Pathways internships are paid, with stipends based on federal pay scales and the intern’s education level and location.
Program dates: Vary by the opportunity
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines (Vacancies typically open for 14 days)
Eligibility: Open to current students enrolled at least half-time in high school, college, trade school, or other qualifying educational institutions. Applicants must meet the requirements listed by the specific federal agency and position.
Pathways is not a single internship but a system that lets you apply for roles across federal agencies based on your field. You might end up working in a health department analyzing data, or in a policy office helping prepare internal documents. The role depends entirely on the listing you apply for, but once selected, you’re treated like part of that office’s staff. Many roles are part-time during the semester, so you’re balancing real work with classes. Some positions include training modules and supervisor check-ins, while others expect you to pick up tasks quickly and contribute. If you stay long enough and perform well, some agencies convert interns into full-time hires.
Location: Internships are primarily located in Washington, D.C
Stipend: Paid internship
Program dates: Internships are offered for summer, fall, and spring semesters
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen; Be an undergraduate (junior or senior) or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA requirement (often at least 3.2)
The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program allows you to step inside the world of diplomacy and international affairs. You will have the opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., U.S. embassies, consulates, or missions abroad, gaining real experience in policy, administration, and global issues. During the internship, you receive a paid position, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and chances to develop skills in research, writing, and communication. The program also gives you access to workshops, briefings, and professional development sessions, helping you understand how U.S. foreign policy works in practice and preparing you for a future career in government, diplomacy, or international organizations.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Variable by admin; Spring was paid ($750/wk)
Dates: Spring, summer, and fall sessions. Check here
Application Deadline: Varies. Check here
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 gives you the chance to work directly within the Executive Office of the President, supporting policy, communications, and administrative functions. During the internship, you assist with tasks such as research, preparing briefings, handling constituent correspondence, and contributing to policy- or communications-related projects. You develop skills in clear writing, attention to detail, and professional workplace practices while participating in orientations, office meetings, and special events that demonstrate how government offices operate day to day. Supervisors provide guidance on assignments and expectations, ensuring you gain meaningful experience. By the end of the program, you leave with formal experience in a federal office and documentation of your contributions.
Location: Olympia, Washington
Dates: January 5– April 25
Application Deadline: Typically open around September
Eligibility: Undergraduate juniors and seniors enrolled at a Washington state college or university
The Washington State Legislative Internship Program allows you to work full-time in a nonpartisan role during the state legislative session in Olympia. You will support a legislative office or caucus staff by tracking bills, conducting policy research, drafting correspondence, and assisting with constituent inquiries. You also attend committee hearings and floor sessions, gaining firsthand insight into how proposals move through the legislative process. Some assignments may have you preparing summaries of legislation or compiling background information on policy topics for staff use. Throughout the session, you interact with lawmakers, staff members, and the public, building professional experience in a real government environment.
Location: Remote and hybrid (varies by department)
Stipend: Paid, amount/rate not disclosed publicly across all departments per season
Dates: vary by seasons
Application Deadline: varies
Eligibility: Undergraduates and graduate students, depending on the internship area
The ACLU Internship Program allows you to work across legal, policy, advocacy, communications, and operations teams within the American Civil Liberties Union. You will contribute to active civil liberties and civil rights work based on the department you join, which may include research, writing, outreach support, case preparation, or organizing information for advocacy and policy projects. Some internships focus on litigation and legal analysis, while others emphasize public education, communications, or organizational support. Internship terms are available during the summer and at various points throughout the academic year, giving you flexibility to gain meaningful experience while in school.
Location: Remote
Cost: Free
Dates: September – May (one cycle per year)
Application Deadline: Typically 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) lets you participate in a year-long, fully remote internship with U.S. federal agencies, including the Department of State and posts abroad. You contribute to projects in research, policy development, communications, data management, and digital content, supporting real government initiatives. Because the internship is online, you can balance your academic schedule while connecting with mentors and team members through virtual meetings. This program allows you to gain federal experience, strengthen professional skills, and explore a variety of policy areas from anywhere.
Location: Washington, D.C. and U.S. Embassies/Consulates Abroad
Stipend: Paid at a GS-4 equivalent rate (Includes paid housing and travel for two full summers)
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) allows you to participate in a two-summer internship with the U.S. Department of State, gaining firsthand experience in diplomacy and foreign policy. During the first summer, you begin with academic and professional training in Washington, D.C., followed by assignments in a State Department policy office where you work on research, writing, and administrative tasks related to international affairs. In the second summer, you spend ten weeks at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas, contributing to policy and public affairs work while observing how U.S. missions operate abroad. Across both summers, you interact with government staff and gain meaningful insight into the workings of U.S. diplomacy.
Location: Internship positions are offered across various New York City government agencies
Stipend: Municipal weekly rates ($595 - $935)
Dates: May and September for up to 13 weeks
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by agency and position
Eligibility: Undergraduate students must be currently enrolled in a college or university or have graduated within one year of the program year, and be able to commute to the internship location in New York City.
The New York City Summer Internship Program (SIP) allows you to gain hands-on experience in public service by working within various NYC government agencies. During the internship, you assist with tasks such as policy research, administrative support, data management, and program implementation, contributing to real government projects. The program also provides professional development and mentorship, helping you build essential skills, understand how city agencies operate, and connect with experienced civil servants. With paid positions across multiple departments, SIP offers an introduction to careers in government and public service while enhancing your resume and networking opportunities.
Location: Golden, Colorado
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies by seasons
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary by seasons
Eligibility: Must be a community college student pursuing an associate degree or technician training.
The NREL Community College Internship Program allows you to gain hands-on research and technical experience at a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory. During the internship, you work directly with scientists and engineers on meaningful projects related to energy research, technical systems, or instrumentation. You earn a competitive hourly wage and may receive travel support if your permanent address is far from the lab. The program also offers professional development, mentoring, and workshops, helping you build technical skills, gain insight into STEM careers, and prepare for future education or employment. By participating, you not only contribute to real-world energy research but also strengthen your resume and expand your professional network.
Location: NASA centers and facilities across the United States
Stipend: Paid
Dates: Multiple sessions each year—Spring (about 15 weeks), Summer (about 10 weeks), and Fall (about 15 weeks)
Application Deadline: varies by session
Eligibility: Be a U.S. citizen at least 16 years old; Be enrolled (full‑time or part‑time) in an accredited U.S. college or university (undergraduate or graduate)
The NASA Internship Program allows you to work on projects that intersect with public policy, science, and technology at a federal agency. During the internship, you contribute to research, data analysis, communications, or program management tasks that support NASA’s mission and inform policy decisions in space exploration, research initiatives, and STEM education. Most internships are paid, offer mentorship, and run during Spring, Summer, or Fall, allowing you to gain hands-on experience, strengthen your resume, and build a professional network within federal government and policy-focused roles.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: Tiered $18/$19/$20 based on degree level
Dates: 9 weeks in the summer, usually from May to August
Application Deadline: Varies by position
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or legal residents who are current undergraduates or recent graduates pursuing careers in public policy, political science, law, and government affairs. You must have at least a 2.5 GPA, and preference is given to applicants who reside in or attend school in CBC Member districts.
The CBCF Internship Program prepares you to become a principled leader and skilled policy analyst by placing you in congressional offices on Capitol Hill. During the internship, you work with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, conducting legislative research, drafting responses to constituent inquiries, and attending committee hearings. The program emphasizes professional development, giving you access to exclusive networking sessions, leadership seminars, and mentorship. This immersive experience allows you to gain a deep understanding of the legislative process and public policy from a unique, hands-on perspective.
Location: Washington, D.C. or remote
Stipend: Undergraduate interns are paid $18/hour
Dates: 10-12 weeks every semester
Application Deadline: Typically early March for Summer sessions
Eligibility: Current undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates
The CBPP Internship Program gives you the chance to gain hands-on experience at one of the country’s leading public policy organizations, focusing on federal budget priorities and poverty reduction. During the internship, you work with policy teams such as Health Policy, Housing, or State Fiscal Policy, analyzing data, attending congressional hearings, and preparing blog posts or policy briefs. The program fully integrates you into the organization’s work, treating interns as junior staff, so you gain deep knowledge of the federal budget process and the tools used to support low- and moderate-income families.
Frequently asked questions
What types of civil service internships are available for undergraduates?
Options include federal agency internships across all disciplines (USAJOBS Pathways), diplomacy and foreign policy internships (U.S. Department of State, U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program, VSFS), national security and intelligence internships (NCIS), legislative and policy internships (Washington State Legislature, CBCF, CBPP), executive branch internships (White House), city government internships (NYC SIP), civil liberties and advocacy internships (ACLU), energy research internships (NREL), space and science policy internships (NASA), state government internships (Delaware Department of State), and remote nonprofit and startup internships (Ladder University).
Which civil service internships offer the highest compensation?
Washington State Legislative Internship provides $2,400 per month during the session. NYC Summer Internship Program pays $595 to $935 per week depending on role and agency. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program pays at a GS-4 federal rate and includes paid housing and travel for both summers. CBPP pays $18 per hour and CBCF pays $18 to $20 per hour based on degree level. White House Internship paid $750 per week during the most recent spring session.
Which internships are best for students interested in foreign policy or international relations?
U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program places students in State Department offices and overseas missions for research, writing, and policy support. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program is a two-summer program combining Washington D.C. policy work with an overseas embassy placement, including paid housing and travel. VSFS is a fully remote year-long option placing students with State Department offices and other federal agencies through project-based work.
Are there civil service internships that are fully remote or flexible?
Yes, VSFS is fully remote and runs September through May, making it ideal for students who cannot relocate. ACLU offers some remote and hybrid internship positions across legal, communications, and policy teams. Ladder University Internship Program is fully remote and accepts students from anywhere in the world across multiple cohort cycles.
Which internships are most competitive or selective?
The White House Internship Program is among the most competitive, requiring a comprehensive background investigation and drug test. NCIS Honors Internship requires a minimum 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship for positions in sensitive national security environments. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program requires a minimum 3.2 GPA, U.S. citizenship, and Secret security clearance eligibility. CBCF and CBPP are also highly competitive with limited spots for students interested in policy and legislative work.
When should I apply to civil service internships as an undergraduate?
VSFS closes in late July for its September start, making it one of the earliest deadlines. Washington State Legislature applications typically open in September for a January start. White House and U.S. Department of State deadlines vary by session and should be checked directly. CBPP typically closes in early March for summer. USAJOBS Pathways runs rolling 14-day application windows year-round. Students should begin researching in the summer before their target semester and track multiple deadlines simultaneously rather than focusing on a single application window.
One other option—the Lumiere Research Scholar Program
If you’re interested in pursuing independent research, consider applying to one of the Lumiere Research Scholar Programs, selective online high school programs for students founded with researchers at Harvard and Oxford. Last year, we had over 4,000 students apply for 500 spots in the program! You can find the application form here.
Also check out the Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation, a non-profit research program for talented, low-income students. Last year, we had 150 students on full need-based financial aid!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a PhD student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.