15 Paid Internships in DC for College Students

If you are pursuing a college degree and want to gain professional experience before graduating, an internship is worth exploring. Internships let you apply your classroom learning in workplace settings, build industry-specific skills, and develop a better understanding of what your future career could look like. Many of these opportunities come with competitive stipends, allowing you to earn while gaining work experience. 

Why should you attend an internship in D.C.?

Various companies and organizations in Washington, D.C., provide opportunities to learn how different sectors interact and operate. Whether you are interested in public service, media, law, or science, working in the capital allows you to observe how decisions are made and how institutions function on a national level. These experiences can help you build both professional skills and an informed view of potential career paths.

To help you get started, we have a list of 15 paid internships in DC for college students. 

If you are looking for paid online internships, check out our blog here.

1. Georgetown University’s Academy for Research, Clinical, and Health Equity Scholarship (ARCHES)

Location: School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C

Stipend: $4,000

Dates: June 10 – July 24

Application deadline: January 20

Eligibility: College sophomores and juniors enrolled in U.S. accredited colleges/universities and authorized to work in the U.S. with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher

The ARCHES Program at Georgetown University School of Medicine is a six-week, fully funded summer experience that allows 24 rising college juniors and seniors each year to gain early exposure to clinical work, research, and health equity issues. You will spend time in Georgetown laboratories, shadow physicians during clinical rounds at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, and collaborate with nonprofits to study barriers to healthcare access across the state. The paid internship in Washington, D.C. for college students centers on health disparities and community engagement, allowing you to see how structural inequities influence real patients and local neighborhoods. Academic advising, faculty mentorship, and preparation for medical or health-related graduate programs are built into the curriculum.

2. Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.

Stipend: Paid based on education level (GS-3 to GS-9 pay grades)

Dates: May – August; 10 weeks

Application deadline: Varies by position

Eligibility: Current degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S.-accredited institutions who are U.S. citizens, at least 16 years old, maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher, meet residency requirements, and can obtain a TS/SCI clearance

The Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis Internship places undergraduate students in paid roles supporting intelligence functions connected to national security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and border issues. You will be hired as a federal employee, and your assigned duties may involve drafting analytic reports, assisting with open-source intelligence collection, or supporting coordination with state, local, and federal partners. Here, you will also gain exposure to federal intelligence through occasional site visits to DHS components or partner agencies. Some positions lean toward policy or program management, while others focus on data analysis or operational research. The internship is based primarily in Washington, D.C., though rotations across divisions within I&A may be possible.

3. FBI Honors Internship Program

Location: FBI field offices and headquarters across the country

Stipend: Paid (exact stipend varies by year and location)

Dates: June – August; 10 weeks

Application deadline: Varies yearly

Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled full-time at a U.S.-accredited college or university (undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral) with a minimum 3.0 GPA; applicants must successfully pass the FBI background investigation to obtain a Top Secret clearance.

The FBI Honors Internship Program is a paid opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to work within headquarters or field offices on projects connected to national security, intelligence support, and ongoing investigative operations. Depending on placement, you will assist agents with analytical tasks, research, data organization, or case-related administrative work within areas such as cybercrime, counterterrorism, or organized crime. You will also undergo training to learn about FBI policies, ethics, and investigative protocols while working alongside special agents and analysts. The program may serve as a direct pipeline to full-time jobs after college.

4. NPR Internship Program

Location: NPR headquarters, Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $20/hour

Dates: 12 weeks in the summer

Application deadline: Not specified 

Eligibility: Current students (in an accredited degree program) or those who have graduated no more than 12 months before the start of the internship; applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

NPR’s Internship Program introduces college students to the operations of a national public media organization through placements in journalism, digital production, audio engineering, research, or music programming. As an intern, you will work alongside staff on tasks such as audio editing, show preparation, source research, web publishing, and multimedia content development, depending on departmental needs. The structure emphasizes hands-on participation in daily newsroom and production workflows, giving you the chance to contribute to material that reaches national audiences. NPR also offers mentorship and opportunities to bring your perspectives to ongoing projects. Roles may be fully remote, hybrid, or in-person, with hours and schedules varying by team. 

5. NCIS Honors Internship Program

Location: NCIS Headquarters and Field Offices (191 locations across 41+ countries)

Stipend: Paid

Dates: May/June–August; minimum 10-week commitment

Application deadline: November 30

Eligibility: U.S. citizens enrolled at least half-time in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0

The Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) Honors Internship is a paid, minimum 10-week experience that immerses undergraduate and graduate students in federal law enforcement work supporting the Navy and Marine Corps. You will assist agents and analysts on matters involving national security, counterintelligence, cyber investigations, or general criminal cases, depending on their academic background and placement. Your assignments will be structured to help you develop analytical, investigative, and professional skills. The paid internship in Washington, D.C. for college students offers mentorship from NCIS personnel and access to real-world investigative environments. You will earn a stipend based on federal pay grades (GS-3 to GS-5). 

6. The Kennedy Center Internship Program

Location: Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $17.95/hour

Dates: Summer: June – August (10 weeks) | Spring: January – April (14 weeks) | Fall: September – December (14 weeks)

Application deadline: Spring: November 14; TBA for summer and fall

Eligibility: Rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in an accredited undergraduate degree program + newly graduated seniors (who are not actively enrolled in a graduate/master’s program) applying within six months following the undergraduate program

The Kennedy Center Internship Program provides college students with practical experience in arts management through placements within departments responsible for programming, development, education, production, and other core operations. You will spend 10 or 14 weeks, depending on the session you choose, working directly with staff on projects tied to event coordination, nonprofit administration, and day-to-day organizational logistics. The program offers access to seminars led by senior leadership that explore topics in arts administration and cultural policy, showing you how major performing arts institutions operate. You will also engage in cross-departmental meetings and complete a capstone assignment to demonstrate your insights. Additionally, informational interviews across multiple departments will help you understand the range of careers within the arts sector. 

7. Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia’s Criminal Law Internship Program (CLIP)

Location: Public Defender Service main office, Washington, D.C.

Stipend: Paid 

Dates: Multiple 12-week sessions available in fall, summer, spring, and winter; check dates here.

Application deadline: Winter/Spring: November 1 | Summer: February 7 | Fall: June 5

Eligibility: College undergraduates

The Criminal Law Internship Program at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia places undergraduates in investigative roles that support attorneys representing indigent clients in criminal cases. You may interview clients or witnesses, take detailed statements, conduct background research, serve subpoenas, or prepare exhibits needed for upcoming hearings or trials. You may also visit detention facilities, document crime scenes, or appear in court when your investigative work is relevant to a proceeding. The program includes training in investigative writing, interviewing methods, and case documentation to prepare you for fieldwork. Additionally, you will attend lectures and observe court sessions to understand how defense cases progress. 

8. National Nuclear Security Administration Minority Serving Institutions Internship Program (NNSA-MSIIP)

Location: DOE and NNSA national laboratories across the U.S. + DOE/NNSA offices in Washington, D.C., and site offices; virtual opportunities are also available.

Stipend: College students (Summer): $750 to $950, depending on education level | Academic-year internships: Paid; amount varies

Dates: Summer: June – August | Yearlong: June (the current year) – May (next year)

Application deadline: October

Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old by the program start date and enrolled in a part-time or full-time degree-seeking program at accredited Minority Serving Institutions; check detailed criteria here.

The NNSA-MSIIP is a paid internship in Washington, D.C. for college students enrolled at Minority Serving Institutions. It offers placements within National Nuclear Security Administration offices, national laboratories, and partner sites. You will get to work on projects in fields such as engineering, scientific research, technology development, policy analysis, business operations, and government relations. Depending on your academic background, you may support technical research initiatives, contribute to policy drafting, or assist with program evaluation tied to national security missions. Mentorship from NNSA staff and researchers is a central component, alongside professional development workshops.

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

Location: Various bureaus in Washington, D.C.

Stipend: Paid at the GS-04/Step 1 base pay rate

Dates: Summer: May/July – August/September | Fall: September/December – December/February | Spring: January/March to April/May

Application deadline: Varies; applications for Summer, Fall, and Spring sessions open in October, February, and July, respectively.

Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years of age at the time of employment, enrolled in a degree-seeking program, and have a minimum GPA of 3.2; detailed eligibility information is available here.

The U.S. Department of State Student Internship Program offers undergraduates a structured introduction to foreign affairs through paid placements within bureaus in Washington, D.C. Depending on your placement, you may draft reports, edit policy documents, prepare briefing materials, or support the logistics of multilateral meetings and conferences. The responsibilities are substantive and frequently involve attending discussions with senior U.S. or foreign government officials. You will also assist with public outreach that explains U.S. diplomatic work to domestic and international audiences. You will gain day-to-day exposure within the Foreign and Civil Services and contribute to ongoing policy efforts as an intern.

10. U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program

Location: First summer in Washington D.C.; second summer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad

Stipend: Paid at the GS-04/Step 1 base pay rate

Dates: 10-week internships each summer; commitment of two consecutive summers 

Application deadline: Not specified; applications typically open in late August

Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are rising sophomores or juniors at the time of application, enrolled in a degree-seeking program at least half-time at an accredited academic institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.2 

The U.S. Foreign Service Internship Program spans two summers and is structured to offer selected undergraduates a clear view of diplomatic work both in Washington, D.C. and overseas. The first summer begins with three weeks of academic and professional training, followed by seven weeks in a domestic policy office contributing to research, briefings, and internal projects related to foreign policy. During the second summer, you will spend 10 weeks at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad, where you will support mission operations and observe how diplomatic engagement unfolds in practice. This can be an opportunity to explore federal work within and outside the country.

11. DOJ Civil Rights Division Volunteer & Paid Student Internships

Location: Washington, D.C.

Stipend: Volunteer (unpaid) and paid positions available; amount not specified

Dates: Fall, spring, winter, and summer opportunities lasting 10 weeks (exact dates vary by semester)

Application deadline: Summer: February 1 | Fall Semester: June 1 | Winter/Spring: October 1; applications accepted on a rolling basis, so windows may close before the deadlines

Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at least half-time, first-year (second semester), second- and third-year law students, and law school graduates who are enrolled in graduate law programs (e.g., L.L.M. programs) at least half-time; applicants must be U.S. citizens.

The Department of Justice Civil Rights Division hosts undergraduate and law student interns who get to assist with litigation, investigations, and policy work across its sections in Washington, D.C. Depending on your placement, you will contribute to tasks such as reviewing discovery, interviewing witnesses, analyzing video evidence, preparing witness summaries, and conducting factual research for federal civil rights cases. You may also work on legislative proposals, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement. Law students handle more advanced responsibilities, including drafting motions, performing legal research, and helping attorneys prepare materials for cases involving hate crimes or official misconduct. 

12. ACLU Internships

Location: Remote or hybrid at ACLU affiliate offices across the U.S., including in Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $20/hour (undergraduate interns) | $24/hour (graduate students and law students); unpaid academic credit opportunities also available.

Dates: Opportunities available year-round; dates vary for each internship

Application deadline: Varies by role 

Eligibility: Undergraduates, graduate students, law students, and/or recent graduates, depending on the role 

The ACLU Internship Program allows college students to work within departments focused on civil liberties, criminal justice reform, immigrant rights, privacy, and related areas, either at national or affiliate offices or remotely. Depending on your role, you might support legal teams with research, assist advocacy staff with policy analysis, help craft communications materials, or contribute to digital and technical projects. Internships typically run for 10 weeks full-time or 12 weeks part-time. As an intern, you will also participate in training and learning sessions led by ACLU staff, which provide you with context for ongoing cases and campaigns. 

13. The Washington Post Newsroom Summer Internship Program

Location: The Washington Post, Washington, D.C.

Stipend: $1,021.15/week

Dates: June 8 – August 14

Application deadline: October 3

Eligibility: College juniors, seniors, and graduate students who are enrolled in a degree program while applying

Each summer, the Washington Post places college students in a newsroom to explore the daily work of journalists. You will work at the newspaper as a staff member, engaging in various on-site tasks five days a week. During the program, you will write articles, edit news pieces, and help with audio production and design. Roles in data analysis and audience strategy are also available. You can also indicate your preference to explore roles like those of graphics reporters and developers, news and digital designers, videographers, photographers, data reporters, audio producers, copy editors, and opinion writers during the internship.

14. American Red Cross Internships 

Location: American Red Cross offices, including headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Stipend: Paid and unpaid positions available

Dates: Internships are offered year-round, aligned with academic calendars; availability varies by department and need.

Application deadline: Not specified; you can apply to specific positions as and when they are posted on the website

Eligibility: Actively enrolled undergraduate or graduate students

American Red Cross periodically hires college students as interns, allowing them to contribute to mission-specific tasks, real-world humanitarian work, or organizational functions. You will spend 10 weeks or more helping the assigned Red Cross unit with day-to-day tasks. You can find paid and unpaid roles and remote or on-site formats, depending on the position and department. The work is structured to offer you practical exposure to the operations of a large non-profit and various volunteer/staff responsibilities. 

15. American Express Global Programs

Location: Hybrid roles in offices in the U.S., including in Washington, DC

Stipend: Paid

Dates: Winter: January – April | Summer: May – August | Fall: September – December

Application deadline: Winter: September | Summer: January | Fall: May

Eligibility: Juniors in the fall semester of undergraduate study

The American Express Global Internship Program places undergraduates on 10-week summer projects in areas such as finance, marketing, technology, analytics, and strategy across multiple global locations. You will work on assignments that align with team goals and contribute directly to ongoing business challenges while developing practical, industry-specific skills. The program includes mentorship and professional development through workshops, speaker events, and regular feedback sessions. Since American Express operates across international markets, its paid internship in Washington, D.C. can be an opportunity for college students to see firsthand how a large corporate organization coordinates work across teams and regions.

Bonus Option - Ladder University Internship Program

Location: Virtual

Cost: Varies by  program; financial assistance available

Application deadline: Varies by cohort

Dates: Year-round eight-week sessions with varying dates

Eligibility: Undergraduates, gap-year students, and high school students who can work 10–20 hours/week for 8–12 weeks

Ladder Internships is an online program that connects students with startups tackling real-world challenges across biotechnology, health tech, AI, sustainability, and even radiology-related innovation. You will be paired with a company mentor who will offer consistent feedback and career-focused guidance throughout the internship as you work on real projects and deliverables. You will also have access to the guidance of a Ladder Coach, who will act as a second mentor during the program. You will develop practical skills in research, analysis, and professional communication, while preparing for and delivering a final project presentation. 

One other option—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 Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program in which students work one-on-one with a mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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