APAICS 2027 Summer Congressional Internship

Program Overview

The APAICS Summer Congressional Internship is a paid, eight-week program designed for undergraduate students and eligible recent graduates interested in gaining experience in public policy and public service. Interns are placed in congressional offices in Washington, D.C., where they gain hands-on experience in the legislative process while developing their leadership and professional skills.

Congressional Interns gain professional work experience in a congressional office and participate in APAICS programming designed to encourage political engagement, strengthen professional skills, and foster an interest in public service careers.

Interns are expected to work 30–40 hours per week in their congressional host office, subject to the needs of the office. Interns are also required to attend orientation prior to the start of the program, participate in APAICS events and weekly professional development sessions, and complete program reflections and evaluations.

Program Benefits

Summer Congressional Interns receive:

• A $2,550 grant
• Shared, furnished, dorm-style housing in Washington, D.C. Interns typically provide their own bedding, toiletries, and kitchen supplies
• A $200 Metro stipend for transportation
• Domestic round-trip transportation to/from Washington, D.C. at the beginning and end of the Internship

Dates & Location

2027 Summer Program: June 7, 2027 – July 30, 2027
Orientation: June 2–3, 2027
Application Deadline: December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Location: Washington, D.C. | Onsite

Application Guidelines

Completed applications must include:

• A cover letter expressing interest in the program (one page maximum)
• A resume (one page maximum)
• An academic transcript (unofficial transcripts are accepted)
• One letter of recommendation
• Responses to the following three questions. Each response should be no more than one page, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Roman font:
  1. Why should you be selected for this internship?
  2. How have you incorporated public service thus far, and how will you incorporate public service in your career going forward?
  3. Describe a challenging situation you personally experienced. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from your experience?

How to Apply

PLEASE DO NOT APPLY THROUGH HANDSHAKE.

All application materials must be submitted through the APAICS application portal by December 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET. 

Apply here: https://apaics.fillout.com/internship-summer-application

Applications submitted through Handshake will not be considered.

Questions?

Please contact programs@apaics.org.

Learn more about the Congressional Internship: https://www.apaics.org/congressional-internship

Frequently Asked Questions: https://www.apaics.org/congressional-internship-faq