15 Government Internships for College Students
- Stephen Turban
- 2 hours ago
- 12 min read
If you’re a college student thinking about a career in government, an internship can be a good way to get started. During your internship, you will build skills in areas such as policy analysis, strategic communication, and national security, while working on projects that directly contribute to nation-building and public service. These programs, offered in places such as the White House, the U.S. Department of State, and the National Security Agency (NSA), showcase how public policy is shaped and how major decisions are made. You’ll also connect with senior federal leaders, diplomats, and policy experts who can help guide your graduate school journey and career.
To help with your search, this article highlights 15 government internships for high school students.
15 Government Internships for College Students
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Paid internship
Dates: During the school year and/or during summer or school vacation periods, typically lasting for 3-4 months
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Eligibility: All college students who are US citizens
The Internship Program, offered across various Federal agencies through the U.S. Government Civil Service (including the U.S. International Trade Commission, where applicable), is a structured, paid opportunity for college students to explore careers in government while completing their education. You will learn how to apply academic knowledge to real-world government work and gain direct exposure to how federal agencies operate. You’ll take on meaningful projects, explore different career paths, and build professional skills in areas such as public sector operations, policy analysis, and workplace management. The program also offers opportunities to collaborate with and receive mentorship from Federal employees, with the possibility of presenting your work within the agency. Beyond the day-to-day experience, you’ll participate in extracurricular activities, and may even be eligible for a permanent position in the Federal civil service upon completion of the program.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid positions
Dates: Fall Dates: September 17 - December 12 | Spring Dates: January 21 - April 10 | Summer Dates: June 3 - August 7
Application Deadline: Fall: June 4 | Spring: August 11 | Summer: January 5
Eligibility: College students enrolled in an accredited US college
The White House Internship Program, offered by the Executive Office of the President, is a highly selective public service leadership program to mentor college students, recent graduates, and veterans across the country. You will build a working understanding of the Executive Office of the President through hands-on assignments in departments such as White House Office or the Office of the Vice President. You will gain experience conducting research, writing memos, managing inquiries, attending meetings, and assisting with events. The program helps you develop skills in policy analysis, strategic communication, organizational management, and public service leadership. You will also participate in a weekly speaker series with senior White House staff and structured professional development activities. Community service projects are typically included as part of the overall experience.
Location: Varies according to assignment
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Varies but usually lasts for 3-4 months
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Eligibility: All college students from an accredited US institution
The Pathways Internship Program is a structured, paid opportunity for college students to gain valuable work experience while exploring Federal careers. You will apply your academic field of study to the operational work of the SSA, supporting tasks such as processing mail, assisting with customer inquiries, and supporting medical reviews. You will gain hands-on experience that contributes to the agency's mission, and you may be eligible for a permanent job in the Federal civil service upon successful completion of the program. The internship helps you develop skills in federal policy application, organizational procedures, and customer service within a government environment. Additional activities may include networking with interns across the country and participating in general Federal career development programs.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Internships run for 10-12 weeks
Application Deadline: January-March for summer internships, in May-June for fall internships, and October-November for spring internships
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in an accredited college or university, and must have U.S. citizenship or have lived in the U.S. for three (3) consecutive years
The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) Internship Program is a virtual and in-person experience for college students interested in Broadcasting and Program Support. You will use your research, production, writing, and editing skills to support USAGM's global broadcasting mission. You will gain extensive hands-on experience by conducting research for news events, collecting b-roll, performing camera work, organizing footage, and editing audio/video content for daily programming. Depending on your placement, you will also develop professional competencies in media production, policy writing, data analysis, and graphic design. The program places a strong emphasis on professional collaboration, with interns working directly with USAGM staff and contributing to special reports and daily content. You’ll also gain exposure to other USAGM offices, such as Public Affairs, Human Resources, and Administration.
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Stipend of $3,300
Dates: Six weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Early February
Eligibility: Full-time undergraduate students with at least sophomore status on the date of the application deadline. Undergraduate seniors are eligible to apply if they are enrolled full-time in the spring semester, must have a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.2, and are U.S. citizens.
The Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Summer Enrichment Program, offered by the U.S. Department of State and hosted at Howard University, is a six-week, paid residential program for undergraduate students interested in U.S. diplomacy and international affairs. You will take two academic courses, including the History of the U.S. Foreign Relations and Political Economy, and complete a writing seminar. You’ll also gain exposure to the foreign policy process through visits to institutions such as the Department of State, the U.S. Congress, and Foreign Embassies. The program helps you build analytical and persuasive writing skills, while deepening your understanding of global issues and foreign service careers. Students meet and network with a wide range of professionals, including senior foreign affairs leaders.
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Paid internships
Dates: 1 year
Application Deadline: None mentioned
Eligibility: Applicants must be accepted for enrollment or enrolled in a US-accredited college and must fulfill the requirements of the specific department
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers several internship opportunities, including the Student Volunteer Trainee Program and Legal Internship Programs, for college students interested in federal education, policy, and administration. You will use your knowledge in Education Policies, Data Analytics, Project Management, Grants Management, and Communications to contribute directly to ED’s mission. You will gain hands-on experience through tailored assignments in offices such as Postsecondary Education or International and Foreign Language Education. The program helps you build skills in federal administration, policy research, and organizational management. Interns work closely with ED staff and may present their work to Department Program Offices. Along the way, you’ll participate in career-building activities and explore education law and policy, and federal careers.
Location: HQ in Washington, DC. Positions may also be available in regional offices located in Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, and Los Angeles.
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Not mentioned
Application Deadline: No deadline
Eligibility: Must be a college student
The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (USCCR) Student Internship Program offers undergraduate, graduate, and law students the chance to gain hands-on experience in public service and civil rights policy. You will apply principles of civil rights, public policy, and legal analysis to support the commission’s fact-finding and policy recommendations work. You will contribute to tasks in areas such as Business and Administration, Social Science, Legal research, Public Affairs, or Congressional Affairs. The program helps you develop skills in policy research, legal writing, data analysis, and professional communication within a federal environment. The program emphasizes professional collaboration; you will work directly with USCCR staff and legal professionals in the Headquarters and Eastern Regional Office in Washington, DC, or in regional offices across the country. Some students may also earn academic credit for participation in the internship.
Location: Varies according to assignment
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Not exceeding 3 months
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Eligibility: Students enrolled in an accredited high school or college
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Internship Program offers paid and unpaid opportunities for college students interested in international development and finance within a federal agency. You will apply principles of finance, policy, and administration to support DFC’s work on global development projects. You will gain valuable experience that can translate into future roles in government or the private sector. The program also helps you build competencies in government operations, finance regulation, and global policy application. Through the DFC's connection to the larger Pathways Programs, you can access structured developmental experiences and opportunities for networking across federal service. To view and apply to current internship opportunities at DFC, please visit DFC's Student & Recent Graduate Opportunities page on USAJOBS.
Location: Varies according to assignment
Cost/Stipend: Not mentioned
Dates: Program will begin mid-May
Application Deadline: November 3
Eligibility: Applicants must be currently enrolled at an accredited university and must also have a concentration in an applicable discipline, such as engineering, human resources, accounting/finance, supply, sales/marketing, information technology, etc
This Intern Program, often part of the larger Pathways Internship Program across Federal agencies, is a 10-week, paid opportunity for college students interested in exploring government careers. You will gain real work experience by working and develop professional skills in areas such as problem-solving, teamwork, and networking within the public sector. The program emphasizes professional collaboration, giving you the chance to work closely with and receive mentoring from senior-level managers within the agency. Many interns participate in supplemental activities such as cohort events, professional development sessions, or networking opportunities with interns from around the country.
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Students are paid at a GS-4 equivalent rate. The U.S. Department of State provides travel reimbursement and housing for both summers.
Dates: 20 weeks over 2 summers (10 weeks per summer)
Application Deadline: No deadline mentioned
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduate students in an accredited academic institution
The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program (USFSIP), established in 2014 by the U.S. Department of State, is a merit- and need-based opportunity providing two consecutive paid summer internships to undergraduate students. You will learn firsthand about U.S. diplomacy and foreign policy through structured professional experience within the Department of State. The program spans two summers: the first involves three weeks of academic and professional training in Washington, DC, followed by seven weeks working in a policy office, and the second is a ten-week assignment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. You will develop specialized skills in diplomatic policy analysis, international communication, and foreign service operations. The program strongly emphasizes professional collaboration; you will work closely with Foreign Service Officers and policy professionals in both domestic and overseas postings. Additional program benefits typically include travel reimbursement, housing support, and formal training sessions.
Location: Varies
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid
Dates: Spring Internship Period (January-May) | Summer Internship Period (May-August) | Fall Internship Period (September-December)
Application Deadline: Spring Internship - Apply in October | Summer Internship Period - Apply in December | Fall Internship Period - Apply in June
Eligibility: Students must be U.S. citizens and maintain student eligibility and enrollment throughout the duration of the internship
Offered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Departmental Offices, this is an unpaid opportunity for college and graduate students to gain direct exposure to the Federal careers that support U.S. economic prosperity and financial security. You will observe the daily operations of a cabinet-level agency and explore different career avenues aligned with your academic interests. You will gain hands-on experience by collecting, analyzing, and presenting data for policy initiatives, researching literature, drafting briefing materials for Treasury leaders, and attending Congressional hearings or official meetings. You will acquire leadership, management, and analytical skills crucial for success in public service and work closely with Treasury colleagues and other U.S. government agencies, and build professional relationships, contacts, and networks along the way.
Location: Varies according to the internship
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Dates: Summer and Year-Round options
Application Deadline: Varies
Eligibility: All applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 30
The National Park Service (NPS) Internship Program provides paid internship and fellowship opportunities for college students, veterans, and young adults interested in preserving and protecting natural and cultural resources. You will use your skills in Archeology, Public Health, Communications, Digital Experience, and STEAM to support national resource management. You will gain hands-on experience through project work such as the Scientists in Parks Program or the Latino Heritage Internship Program, with roles available in both onsite and remote capacities. The program helps interns build skills in conservation, policy application, scientific research, and historical preservation. You’ll work closely with NPS staff and may even qualify for the Public Lands Corps (PLC) Hiring Authority or Direct Hire Authority (DHA-RAI) upon successful completion of the program requirements.
Location: Most interns are placed in the headquarters in Maryland, but some internships are available at our field sites in Colorado, Georgia, Texas, Hawaii, and Utah
Cost/Stipend: Paid, with subsidised housing and travel reimbursement
Dates: 12 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Fall (for the summer internship)
Eligibility: College students
The National Security Agency (NSA) offers paid 12-week summer opportunities for college students interested in specialized fields within the U.S. Intelligence Community. You will use your academic background to support critical focus areas, including Cybersecurity, Engineering, Foreign Language Analysis, Strategic Communications, and Logistics. You will gain hands-on experience by working on projects at NSA headquarters or field sites, contributing to core mission functions across STEM, Mission Support, or Language and Intelligence Analysis. The program helps you build specialized technical expertise, strengthen strategic problem-solving skills, and deepen your understanding of national security operations. Additional benefits may include paid time off, holiday and sick leave, and potential for receiving subsidized housing assistance and travel reimbursement.
Location: New York City
Cost/Stipend: Pay ranges from $16-$27/hour, with most internships paying between $18-$20/hour
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: January 23
Eligibility: College students, US citizens, and NY state residents (even those residing elsewhere)
The New York Leaders: Student Intern Program, hosted by the New York State Department of Civil Service, provides undergraduate and graduate college students (and New York residents studying elsewhere) with centralized internship opportunities across Executive Branch agencies. You will use your academic knowledge and policy principles in diverse fields, ranging from Labor Statistics, Environmental Conservation, and Public Health to Computer Forensics and Contract Management. You will gain valuable hands-on experience by conducting policy research, drafting reports, assisting with investigations, and supporting the management of state programs. The program helps you build critical skills in public administration, data analysis, policy application, and professional communication. Students work closely with government leaders and policymakers within their assigned executive branch agency, and some may even earn academic credit for their participation.
Location: Varies according to assignment
Cost/Stipend: Paid options
Dates: Varies
Application Deadline: Not mentioned
Eligibility: All current undergraduate students
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student Opportunities Program offers college students a range of scholarships, fellowships, and internships to introduce them to the Department’s broad national security mission. You will use your skills and academic knowledge in critical areas such as Cybersecurity, Acquisition and Procurement, Intelligence and Analysis, Law Enforcement, Legal Affairs, and Public Affairs. You will gain valuable hands-on experience through structured internships and training opportunities that directly contribute to the operations across DHS. The program helps you develop specialized competencies in national security policy, federal operations, and mission-critical technical skills. Additional opportunities typically include specialized training and networking in homeland security and defense.
Bonus Item: Ladder's University Internships
Location: Remote! You can work from anywhere in the world.
Cost: Varies by cohort; financial aid available
Application deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the 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 is of genuine need to 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!
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, check out students’ reviews of the program here and 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 graduate of Harvard College, where he earned an A.B. in Statistics. 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.
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