15 Public Policy Internships for Undergraduates
- Stephen Turban
- 1 minute ago
- 9 min read
Public policy internships offer undergraduates a way to understand how laws are made, how research influences decision-making, and how advocacy organizations shape public debate. These opportunities provide experience in government offices, research institutions, or nonprofits, where you might support policy analysis, legislative tracking, or public outreach.
Internships in this field can help you develop critical skills in writing, research, and communication, and connect you with mentors and professionals at the intersection of law, politics, and social impact. Whether you're planning a career in government, law, or think tanks, these programs offer valuable preparation. To help you find strong options, we’ve curated a list of 15 public policy internships for undergraduates. Additionally, if you're looking for more prestigious internships, you can also check out this set of blogs.
Location: Remote
Cost: Varies depending on program type (financial aid available)
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year, including Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
Application Deadline: Deadlines vary depending on the cohort. Spring (January), Summer (May), Fall (September), and Winter (November)
Eligibility: Students who can work for 10-20 hours/week, for 8-12 weeks. Open to undergraduates and gap year students!
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Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: None
Dates: June 3 – August 7
Application Deadline: January 5
Eligibility: U.S. citizens who are currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program, or are recent graduates.
The White House Internship Program is a highly prestigious public service leadership program that provides emerging leaders with an opportunity to gain valuable skills while supporting the work of the White House and the Executive Office of the President. Interns are placed across various departments, such as the Domestic Policy Council or the Office of Legislative Affairs, where they support the administration’s priorities. The experience includes a speaker series with senior staff, professional development workshops, and the chance to work inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. It is designed to be a "hands-on" mentorship program where students are integrated into the daily workflow of the executive branch.
Location: Washington, D.C. and various international posts
Stipend: Interns receive compensation at a GS-04/Step 1 base pay, which covers reasonable travel allowance and housing assistance
Dates: Interns start between May and July, and end by August or September
Application Deadline: Applications open in October and are reviewed in November
Eligibility: U.S. citizens with at least a 3.2 GPA, currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student
This paid internship offers students a chance to work in U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad or in various bureaus in Washington, D.C. One of the most significant public policy internships for undergraduates, it provides insight into the formulation and implementation of U.S. foreign policy. Interns may draft policy memos, assist with trade negotiations, or help coordinate international visits, gaining substantive professional experience. Networking events with Foreign Service Officers are a key component of the experience. This is one of the most prestigious public policy internships and allows students to become a meaningful part of the U.S. Foreign Service, even serving in international locations.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; stipend provided
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 college students to become principled leaders and skilled policy analysts by placing them in congressional offices on Capitol Hill. Interns work with members of the Congressional Black Caucus, engaging in legislative research, drafting replies to constituent inquiries, and attending committee hearings. The program has a strong emphasis on professional development, offering exclusive networking sessions and leadership seminars. It is an immersive experience that provides a deep understanding of the legislative process and public policy from a unique perspective.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $4,776 stipend; housing and round-trip travel are also provided.
Dates: May 20 – July 31
Application Deadline: December 1
Eligibility: Undergraduate students enrolled full-time with a strong interest in public service and a minimum 3.0 GPA.
The CHCI Congressional Internship Program provides paid placements in congressional offices for undergraduates keen on improving policies affecting the Latino community. Participants gain exposure to the legislative network in D.C. while completing a curriculum focused on civic engagement and leadership. Interns are expected to work full-time in their assigned office, handling tasks such as tracking legislation and attending briefings, which builds rigorous professional skills. The program also includes weekly leadership sessions and community service projects, fostering a strong sense of community and mentorship.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid $18/hour
Dates: May 11 – August 7
Application Deadline: February 1
Eligibility: U.S. citizens or work-authorized students who are current undergraduates or recent graduates.
The Heritage Foundation offers one of the most prominent conservative public policy internships for undergraduates, known for its "First Principles" educational series. Interns are assigned to particular policy centers, like domestic, foreign, or legal studies, where they perform research and assist senior analysts. The program is rigorous, requiring interns to work full-time and participate in weekly reading groups and lectures from high-profile speakers. It is designed to equip students with both practical work experience and a solid grounding in political philosophy.
Location: Washington, D.C. Hybrid and remote options are also available
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid an hourly wage
Dates: Summer (June – August), Fall (September – December), Spring (January – May). Keep an eye on the website for exact dates
Application Deadline: Typically early March for Summer
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as recent graduates
The Brookings Institution is ranked among the world's top think tanks, and its internship program reflects that prestige. Interns work alongside experts in designated research areas, such as Economic Studies, Governance Studies, or Foreign Policy, contributing to data analysis and literature reviews. This opportunity is ideal for students seeking a research-intensive experience that delves into complex policy issues. The program ensures professional development through internal and external events, local networking opportunities, and employee-led professional networks.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded with tuition, housing, and travel covered, plus a $250 stipend
Dates: Multiple one-week seminars throughout the month of June
Application Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Current undergraduates and recent graduates
While AEI offers standard internships, its Summer Honors Program is a unique, fully-funded educational and professional opportunity for top undergraduate students. Participants attend a one-week policy seminar led by AEI scholars and may then continue with a full-time internship. The seminars cover topics ranging from democratic capitalism to national security, offering academic rigor comparable to graduate coursework. Students also benefit from high-level networking dinners and site visits in the Washington, D.C., area.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid $17.50/hour
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall terms
Application Deadline: February 16 for the summer term
Eligibility: Current undergraduates and recent graduates
The Cato Institute offers internships for students interested in libertarian philosophy and public policy. Interns assist policy scholars with research, data collection, and editing, often working on projects related to constitutional law, healthcare policy, or defense. There are additional development opportunities, including lectures in economics, history, and philosophy, as well as networking events. It is a highly competitive program that treats interns as junior research colleagues rather than just support staff.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid an hourly wage
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall terms
Application Deadline: Rolling deadlines for open internship positions; keep an eye on the website for openings
Eligibility: At least a college junior, senior, or recent graduate
CSIS is a nonprofit, bipartisan policy research organization committed to maintaining American prominence and prosperity as a positive global influence. Their internships are substantive, with students assigned to specific programs like the Energy Security and Climate Change Program or the China Power Project. Interns are responsible for monitoring events, conducting research for reports, and assisting with conference planning.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Stipend: $6,000
Dates: 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Summer internship positions open on February 2 and have rolling deadlines
Eligibility: Current undergraduate students with specific positions requiring additional criteria.
The Bipartisan Policy Center focuses on finding common ground, and its internship program exposes students to this unique approach to policymaking. Interns support staff with research, writing, and administrative tasks across projects like the Energy Program, Democracy Program, Government Relations, Human Capital, and more. Interns are embedded in their respective project teams and assist with a variety of operational and strategic tasks, providing valuable exposure to the inner workings of a public policy institute. It is a strong fit for students who want to understand the mechanics of negotiation and bipartisan cooperation in a polarized environment.
Location: New York, NY, and Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns are paid a competitive hourly wage.
Dates: 10-12 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Internship positions are posted in January, each position with its own deadlines
Eligibility: Current undergraduates who have completed the equivalent of four semesters of college coursework prior to the start of the internship
The CFR internship program offers an exceptional opportunity for students to gain training in the field of foreign policy. Interns are recruited to work in departments such as Studies, Global Communications, and the Meetings Program, where they address critical global issues. The Blavatnik Internship Program at CFR ensures that interns have access to the Council's meetings, which frequently feature heads of state and international leaders. This exposure makes it one of the most high-profile networking opportunities available to students.
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; this is a paid internship
Dates: Typically 10 weeks in the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling; positions are posted starting late winter
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a relevant academic program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. If you’re applying for a research role, then you will need knowledge of statistical software such as SAS, Stata, SPSS, or other programs
The Urban Institute is known for its data-driven research on social and economic policy. Interns work with senior researchers to analyze data, review the literature, and contribute to policy briefs on topics such as housing, justice, and health. This internship is ideal for students who want to develop hard skills in quantitative analysis and see how data influences public policy decisions. Interns are encouraged to participate in internal seminars, take advantage of informal feedback sessions with their mentors, and present their work during the end-of-summer “lightning talks."
Location: Washington, D.C.
Cost/Stipend: No cost; interns receive housing and a $3,000 stipend
Dates: May 24 – July 5 | June 28 – August 7
Application Deadline: Early decision is January 9, while regular decision is March 2
Eligibility: Undergraduates and recent graduates
While technically a fellowship, this program functions as a rigorous, immersive educational internship for students interested in political theory and public policy. The program combines rigorous coursework in political philosophy with policy workshops led by Hudson Institute experts. Students participate in seminars on key topics like international alliances, technology policy, and national security. It is one of the most intellectually demanding public policy internships for undergraduates, designed to foster deep thinking about the future of American policy.
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 is widely recognized as one of the most substantive public policy internships for undergraduates, with a focus on federal budget priorities and poverty reduction. Interns work within policy teams like Health Policy, Housing, or State Fiscal Policy, where they analyze data, attend congressional hearings, and produce blog posts or policy briefs. The program is distinctive because it fully integrates interns into the organization's work, treating them as junior staff rather than temporary help. Students gain deep technical knowledge of the federal budget process and the specific mechanisms used to support low- and moderate-income families.
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 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.
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