Internships

The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress is the only organization that systematically examines past successes and failures of the Presidency and relates its findings to present challenges and opportunities. Lessons learned from past American experiences offer insights on how to deal with these challenges.

Strengthening America's Future Initiative (SAFI) and Agenda 2008

Executive-Legislative Relations

Presidential Leadership

Organizing for Leadership

Inspiring Future Leaders

Lessons from History



The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CPSC), a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization located in Washington, DC, offers unpaid internships for undergraduate and graduate students during the spring, summer and fall terms. Center internships offer motivated students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the international and domestic issues confronting the American Presidency in a small, fast-moving DC think tank.

Internship applicants must maintain a high standard of work in a fast-paced environment and be detail-oriented, able to multi-task, and eager to learn. The ideal candidate will be a college junior or senior or graduate student with a demonstrated interest in the Presidency and U.S. government policy. Students in all majors are welcome to apply, especially those studying political science, history, international relations, economics, business, medicine or science policy.

While interns are assigned a primary project to work on during their time at the Center based on their experience and qualifications, they also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of Center activities and operations during their internship. Professional responsibilities may include:

  • Working with experienced policymakers and former government officials;
  • Conducting research and writing to support policy analyses and other Center projects;
  • Helping organize meetings with Presidential scholars, former White House staff, and former National Security Council officials; and
  • Assisting with conferences, publications and public relations outreach.

Applications are accepted at any time; however, applications received by the deadline are given priority. Due to the volume of applications received, the Center will only contact those whom we have selected for interviews.

Application deadlines:

  • Spring - November 1
  • Summer - March 15
  • Fall - July 25 (extended)

Students interested in becoming a Center intern should submit:

It is preferable that interns work Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., when the Center's offices are open to gain the maximum experience and be truly integrated into the Center's projects; exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Center's offices are conveniently located in downtown D.C. and close to three Metro lines.

Staff Contact

For more information, please contact Sara Spancake via e-mail or at 202-872-9800.

1020 19th Street, NW, Suite 250
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 202-872-9800
Fax: 202-872-9800