Congressional Internship

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The application process is closed for 2021

Overview

The Congressional Internship is designed for AAPI undergraduate aged students looking to increase their experience in public policy and service. The paid, eight-week long summer program places Interns in congressional offices and provides them with the opportunity to develop their leadership and professional skills, encourages political engagement, and fosters interests in public service careers. Note: due to the global coronavirus pandemic, all internships are assumed to be virtual, remote-work opportunities unless otherwise notified.

This year we are also offering the following opportunities as part of the Congressional Internship program. Applicants who would like to be considered for these programs can indicate their interest at the end of the application. They will also be considered for the regular full-time congressional office internship as well.

United Parcel Service (UPS) Internship

A handful of interns from the APAICS 2021 internship cohort will have the opportunity to gain working experience in a congressional office and in government affairs for UPS. These interns will work in a congressional office Mondays through Thursdays and work in UPS’s D.C. office on Fridays.

STEM Internship

The STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) internship is sponsored by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in public policy with a background in energy, engineering, or the hard sciences. Interns will split their time between a Congressional office and the API office in Washington, D.C. They will work three (3) days in a Congressional office and two (2) days at API during the week. To be eligible for the STEM internship, applicants must be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in a STEM field.

Program Details and Structure

The program will consist of three highly interactive sessions of 2-days each covering relevant topics in leadership and professional development with a Capitol Hill lens. A special feature of this program is 6 hours of one-on-one coaching with a certified executive coach for each program participant. Other program features include: special guest speakers and a team based group project. The program is free of charge and follows House and Senate ethics rules.

Important Dates

2021 Internship Program Dates: June - August 2021

Application Deadline: February 5, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET

Application Guidelines

Required Documents: the following items are required as part of the application and should be uploaded in the application form, no exceptions will be made for incomplete applications after the deadline.

Cover Letter
Resume
Essay Responses
Two Letters of Recommendation

Selection Process

The APAICS Congressional Internship Program is a highly competitive program. Applications are reviewed by a selection committee made up of program alumni, staff, and board members. Top candidates receive an invitation to interview. Applications are scored based on evidence of leadership and leadership potential, including community involvement, commitment to public service, and ability to challenge self.

QUESTIONS? Please contact: programs@apaics.org