Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is the application timeline?

• Summer 2026 Internship

  • Deadline:​ February 1, 2026, 11:59PM EST

  • Interviews: March 2026

  • Decisions and Placement: March - April 2026

• Fall 2026 Internship

  • Deadline:​ March 31, 2026, 11:59PM EST

  • Interviews: April - May 2026

  • Decisions and Placement: May - June 2025

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*Please note: Congressional office placements typically require an additional follow-up interview with congressional staff prior to final placement​​.

 

2. How much is the grant and what are the other benefits of the Congressional Internship program?

• Summer 2025 Internship: The grant for the Summer Congressional Internship is $2,550. Payments are made in three installments, the first payment at the beginning, the second payment at the midpoint of the program, and the third payment at the end when all program requirements have been completed.

• Fall 2025 Internship: The grant for the Fall Congressional Internship is $3,187.50. Payments are made in three installments, the first payment at the beginning, the second payment at the midpoint of the program, and the third payment at the end when all program requirements have been completed.

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3. When does the Congressional Internship begin and when does it end?

• Summer 2026 Internship: 8-week program from June 2, 2026 - July 24, 2026

• Fall 2026 Internship: 10-week program from September 9, 2026 - November 20, 2026

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4. What do you look for when selecting Congressional Interns?

There are a variety of factors that are considered during the selection process. Selected interns embody APAICS’ mission and demonstrate leadership skills through active participation in their community. In addition to academic achievement, our interns are politically aware, committed to public service and share a common vision about promoting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander representation in the political process.

 

5. Which office will I be placed in?

APAICS identifies office placements and maintains the final say as to where Congressional Interns are placed. APAICS prioritizes placements in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) member offices. We also place interns in leadership offices and committees.

 

6. Recommendation Letters

Your application will not be complete or reviewed until we receive a letter of recommendation on your behalf. As part of your application, you will need to include your recommender’s name and email address.

 

Please ask your recommenders to write a letter on your behalf that speaks to:

1) how your recommender knows you;
2) your character and personal qualities that make you ideal for the internship; and/or

3) how the internship will unlock your leadership potential; and/or

4) your demonstrated commitment to public service.

 

Please have them submit their letter or recommendation HERE by the appropriate deadline (February 1, 2026 for the summer program and March 31, 2026 for the fall program).

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7. Is the Internship limited to specific political parties?

No. APAICS is a non-partisan organization and encourages applicants interested in serving in both Democrat and Republican offices to apply. Our goal is to provide the best Congressional Internship experience regardless of party affiliation.

 

8. Can DACA recipients apply?

Yes. Individuals who are seeking consideration under the “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival” (DACA) policy must possess an Employment Authorization Document at the time of application that is valid throughout the program. 

 

9. Is housing assistance provided?

Yes. APAICS provides shared furnished, dorm-style housing.

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10. If I am not accepted, can I apply again in the future?

Yes. We encourage applicants who have not been accepted to apply again in the future.

 

11. Is there a waitlist for the Congressional Internship Program?

Yes. Those on the waitlist for the Congressional Internship Program will be contacted regarding this process.

 

12. Is it possible to defer my placement as a Congressional Intern?

No. If you decline to participate in the cohort to which you are admitted, we will not hold your place in a future cohort. You must reapply again if you wish to participate in a different year.

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13. Can I be enrolled in classes during the internship?

Participants may not be registered for more than 11 credits during the semester for which they are applying.

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14. Is prior work experience required?

No, but many of our interns demonstrate leadership and communication skills through internships, volunteer experiences, or part-time employment prior to applying to our program.

 

15. What is a typical workday like?

A typical work-day depends on the office where interns are placed, but activities may include: attending briefings and  drafting briefing reports, researching policy and legislation, drafting correspondence, leading tours of the Capitol for visiting constituents, answering telephone calls, and answering constituent mail.

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16. To whom do I address my cover letter?

You may address your cover letter to the “APAICS Internship Selection Committee.”

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17. Are high school seniors eligible to apply?

Unfortunately, our internship program is for currently enrolled college students who have completed at least one (1) semester of college at the time of application. The youngest eligible applicants are currently Freshmen in college and are rising Sophomores at the time of the internship. 

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18. Do I have to identify as AA & NH/PI to apply?

Anyone interested and invested in the AA & NH/PI community, looking to help uplift the AA & NH/PI community, and committed to working in public service are welcome to apply for the program.

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If you have additional questions, please contact programs@apaics.org.

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Please do not contact the office in regard to your application status. Only qualified candidates will be directly contacted by program supervisors. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applicants.

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