The White House Internship Program – Paid Public Service Experience in Washington, D.C.
The White House Internship Program is a prestigious leadership initiative hosted by the Executive Office of the President (EOP). It offers U.S. citizen undergraduate students, recent graduates, and veterans the opportunity to contribute directly to public service across multiple presidential departments.
Program Scope & Opportunities
Interns may be placed within departments such as:
- White House Office (WHO) and Office of the Vice President (OVP)
- Council of Economic Advisers, Office of Management and Budget, Office of Science & Technology Policy
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, Council on Environmental Quality, National Space Council
Interns support daily operations by conducting research, drafting memos, staffing events, and attending collaborative meetings. Weekly general programs—including speaker series and volunteer projects—are embedded into the experience.
Compensation & Commitment
- Paid internship: $750/week for full-time (35–40 hours); $375/week for part-time (15–34 hours)
(The White House) - Internships are hosted in person on the White House campus—housing and relocation support not provided
(The White House)
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be U.S. citizens, aged 18 or older before start date
- Enrolled in (or recently graduated within 2 years), an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree
- Veterans may also qualify
- Must pass a security clearance (SF-86) and drug screening
Application College & Timeline
- The program is divided into Summer, Fall, and Spring terms annually
- Fall 2025 term scheduled to begin in September or October, with competitive selection and application window earlier in summer
(The White House) - Notifications sent via email—acceptance typically requires background checks and formal documentation
Why It Matters
- Provides an unparalleled front-row perspective on U.S. policy-making and leadership.
- Diversified placements allow interns to develop skills in policy, communications, legal, finance, and digital strategy.
- Being paid helps make the internship accessible regardless of socioeconomic background.
Application Tips
- Prepare all documents (resume, transcripts, essays) before applying—the online form is time-sensitive and cannot be saved mid-session.
- Emphasize public service experience, leadership, and interest in government operations in your responses.