Our nation’s current and future challenges make it imperative that government identify, recruit and retain the next generation of public servants.

With just under 7% of the full-time federal workforce under the age of 30, executive branch agencies are working to meet this need, prioritizing the design and implementation of paid internship programs that provide students with valuable work experience, an expanded professional network, and a better understanding of the importance and impact of public service.

Managed by the Partnership for Public Service, the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program helps bring diverse young talent to government and offers students the opportunity to apply their educational training to work at a federal agency. Undergraduate, graduate and professional students from across all academic disciplines are welcome to apply.

 

 


 

Overall Program Benefits

Selected participants in the program will receive:

  • A semester long internship at a federal agency
  • A stipend
  • Professional development sessions, including orientation and networking events throughout the duration of the internship

The program is offered year-round during the fall, spring and summer terms. Part-time and full-time opportunities are available, as well as both remote and in-person internships. To learn about specific benefits of each internship cycle, please visit its corresponding tab at the top of this page.

 


 

Overall Program Eligibility

To apply to the program, candidates must be:

  • U.S. citizens at the time of application submission.
  • Currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution in an undergraduate or graduate program. Undergraduates must be current second-year students/sophomores and above.
  • Able to demonstrate superior academic achievement and have a GPA above 2.5.
  • Interested in specific career tracks. Careers tracks might differ each semester, so please visit the specific program tab to look at the options available.

Students admitted to the program must successfully complete a background check before beginning the internship.

 


 

Sample Intern Placements

Department of Commerce:

  • Office of the Chief Information Officer (STEM) Intern
    • Supported programs related to department’s AI and Emerging Technologies working group. Developed knowledge around U.S. Patent Law and current debates around emerging technologies.
  • Office of Scheduling and Advance (Public Administration), Office of the Secretary Intern
    • Provided administrative support to Secretary and Deputy Secretary and delivered department policies to the White House, Congress, and the public.

Department of Transportation:

  • Office of Cargo and Commercial Sealift, Maritime Administration​ (Public Policy), Trade Policy Intern
    • Developed policy memos on U.S. offshore wind development, which focused on how MARAD can better support U.S. shipbuilders constructing specialized offshore wind vessels.
  • Office of the Secretary, Office of Deputy Secretary (Liberal Arts), Communications Intern
    • Worked on communications programming related to Deputy Secretary initiatives which included developing a summer speaker series and working with senior leadership to promote the agency’s work.

Learn more about our placements.

 


 

FAQs

Who is eligible for the Future Leaders in Public Service Internship Program?

U.S. citizens currently enrolled at an accredited educational institution in an undergraduate (current 2nd years/sophomores and above) or graduate program with a 2.5 GPA or above are eligible to apply. Students must be current second-year students/sophomores and above.

How do I submit my reference letter?

Optional reference letters may be uploaded directly through the application portal or emailed to internships@ourpublicservice.org with the applicant’s name referenced in the subject line.

How much is the stipend?

Stipend amounts vary by each term, agency and part-time or full-time status. Please refer to the Program Benefits section on each page to learn more.

Are all internship opportunities based in the Washington, D.C., area?

In-person internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area and fully virtual internships are available.

Can my internship be virtual?

In-person internship opportunities in the Washington, D.C., area and fully virtual internships are available.

Who are the participating agencies?

Participating agencies for the Futures Leaders in Public Service Internship Program vary by each term. Please refer to each program page to learn more.

Can I choose my agency placement?

Applicants can select up to two preferred career tracks. Agencies will rank the intern candidates that are the best fit for their positions. If a candidate receives offers from multiple agencies, the candidate may select the opportunity that is the best fit for them.

Staff

Anna Fridley

Associate Manager, Partnership for Public Service

About Anna
Headshot of Danica Harootian

Danica Harootian

Senior Manager, Partnership for Public Service

About Danica
Headshot of Katy Hogan

Katy Hogan

Director, Partnership for Public Service

About Katy
Headshot of Logan Kohl

Logan Kohl

Associate Manager, Partnership for Public Service

About Logan

Stephanie Sonkin

Manager, Partnership for Public Service

About Stephanie
Headshot of Anne Straith

Anne Straith

Associate, Partnership for Public Service

About Anne