Navigating Non-Profit Internships in Washington, D.C.: A Comprehensive Guide
Washington, D.C., a hub for policy, culture, and history, offers numerous internship opportunities within the non-profit sector. These internships provide invaluable experience for students and recent graduates seeking to make a difference and gain professional skills. This article provides a detailed overview of non-profit internships in Washington, D.C., covering various organizations, program requirements, and application processes.
Smithsonian Institution Internships
The Smithsonian Institution, the world's largest museum complex, offers a wide array of internship programs across its many museums, research centers, and offices. These internships cater to various interests and academic backgrounds, providing unique learning experiences.
Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP) Internship
The Office of Planning, Design, and Construction (OPDC) offers an Architectural History and Historic Preservation (AHHP) internship. It provides practical learning in the stewardship of historic cultural facilities. Ideal candidates should have undergraduate and/or graduate-level coursework in architecture, architectural history, materials conservation, historic preservation, and historic building trades.
Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) Internship
The Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center (APAC) internships focus on engaging communities in innovative ways. APAC believes that a great 21st-century museum is more than a building and seeks to transcend boundaries and barriers through its programs.
Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage Internship
The Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage involves over a hundred interns in its various activities annually, offering diverse experiences in cultural preservation and education.
Read also: Community Impact for Teens
Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum Internship
The Peter A. Krueger Summer Internship Program at Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, offers undergraduate students the chance to develop professional skills and learn about museum practices.
National Air and Space Museum Internship
The National Air and Space Museum’s structured summer internship program provides firsthand experience working in a museum. The 10-week summer program runs from early June through early August and offers unique professional development opportunities and enrichment activities. This program serves as an introduction to museum work and a chance to expand on previous experience.
National Museum of African American History and Culture Internship
Internships at the National Museum of African American History and Culture offer opportunities to work closely with professionals and scholars in the museum field. Interns gain practical museum skills and program development experience in a dynamic learning environment with supportive mentors. Interns receive a stipend.
National Museum of Asian Art Internship
The National Museum of Asian Art invites applications for its eight-week, paid Summer Undergraduate Internship Program.
National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) Internships
The National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) hosts several internship programs, including:
Read also: Learn About Non-Profit Scholarships
- Natural History Research Experiences (NHRE): A 10-week summer internship program for undergraduates. The internship is full time, 40 hours per week, starting in early June and running through early August.
- NMNH Summer High School Internship Program: Supports current high school attendees, ages 15 to 18 (grades 9 - 12), interested in learning about museum work. Interns work with various departments throughout NMNH and participate in enrichment activities.
- Science Writing Internship: The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History seeks a science writing intern interested in developing science communication skills in an active communications and public affairs office.
Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA)
The Summer Institute in Museum Anthropology (SIMA) at the Smithsonian promotes broader and more effective use of museum collections in anthropological research. It provides graduate students with a four-week training program and research experience at the Smithsonian Institution.
National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) Internship
The National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) offers internships during the Fall, Winter/Spring, and Summer terms at its locations in Washington, D.C., Suitland, MD, and New York City (George Gustav Heye Center). NMAI is committed to equity and social justice for Native/Indigenous peoples and stewards an extensive collection of Native American cultural heritage.
National Portrait Gallery Internship
The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery offers formal internships to qualified applicants seeking a creative and exciting museum experience.
Smithsonian Office of Registrar Internship
The Office of the Registrar is responsible for the care, tracking, and transport of the permanent collection and objects on loan for exhibitions; creating and maintaining accession files; and the management of the museum’s collections information database, The Museum System (TMS).
Smithsonian Publications Department Internship
The Publications department reviews all written materials the museum produces for the public, including exhibition catalogs and labels. The internship will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about editing and museum publishing.
Read also: Your Guide to Nonprofit Internships
Smithsonian Office of Advancement Internship
The Office of Advancement offers internship opportunities for candidates interested in fundraising and development-oriented careers. These internships provide meaningful professional learning experiences.
Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology Internship
An internship at the Smithsonian Office of Educational Technology is a unique opportunity to be part of a department working to make digital education resources more accessible and useful to PK12 teachers, students, parents, and anyone looking to discover and explore museum content.
Smithsonian Office of General Counsel (OGC) Internship
Legal interns in the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) work closely with attorneys whose work covers such diverse topics as tax, employment discrimination, ethics, imports/exports, federal appropriations, intellectual property, and environmental law.
Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education
The Claudine K. Brown Internship in Education is funded through an endowed fund in memory of Claudine K. Brown, an educator and influential leader of the Smithsonian. Awardees are appointed based on a demonstrated interest in education and museum leadership.
Women’s History Internship Program
The Women’s History Internship program offers paid eight-week internships that amplify women’s stories to tell a more complete American history, reach a diverse audience, and empower and inspire people from all walks of life. The 2026 program will take place from June 8 to August 7, 2026, in Washington, DC. Interns will receive a $1,200 weekly stipend and reimbursement for travel to and from Washington, DC.
Smithsonian Associates Internship
Interns with Smithsonian Associates are offered unique opportunities to learn about all aspects of educational programming for both adults and children, while contributing extensively to one of the world's great cultural institutions. This internship offers the unique opportunity to immerse in all the Summer children’s’ program offered by Associates.
Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Summer Intern Program
The Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) Summer Intern Program is a 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship where students take on an astrophysics research project with an SAO or Harvard scientist. Students are expected to work at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics for the full duration of the program. The 2026 summer session is expected to run for ten weeks, starting Sunday, May 31 (move-in day) and ending Sunday, August 9.
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Internship
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century.
Smithsonian Gardens Internship
Smithsonian Gardens provides an array of public garden learning experiences through its internship program thanks to the wide diversity of services and programs it offers at the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum complex.
Smithsonian Science Education Center Internship
Interns will work with Smithsonian Science Education Center curriculum developers to assist in the development of nonfiction stories that will be included in Smithsonian Science for the Classroom units. Interns will apply knowledge of science content, information gathered through expert interviews, and independent research, to support the development of high-quality, grade-appropriate texts for middle school classroom use. The application deadline is March 15, 2025.
Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) General Internship Program
The purpose of the STRI General Internship Program is to provide a place for internship applicants who are generally interested in STRI’s science to pursue a research experience with one of our scientific mentors based on their interests.
Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) Internships
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) offers internships for rising juniors, graduate students, and recent graduates interested in contributing to bipartisan solutions. BPC values inclusivity and seeks individuals who want to champion bipartisanship.
Internship Program Overview
BPC’s internship program is tailored to meet the goals of each intern in their professional and personal development. Interns work with specific BPC projects or functional areas, providing administrative support, assisting with events and meetings, conducting research, and assisting with the development and writing of reports, white papers, and proposals.
Internship Details
- Eligibility: Interns must be rising juniors or above, or graduate students, or recent graduates. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program or be a recent graduate.
- Schedule: Fall and spring internships are in person, part-time, and paid, with a stipend of $3,000. Summer internships are full-time and offer a $6,000 stipend for ten weeks of work.
- Location: Internships are in person in the DC office three times a week (Tuesday - Thursday), with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday.
- Application Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until qualified candidates have been identified. Applicants should send an application for every internship they are interested in.
Available Internship Positions
Each semester, each of the listed project and functional areas have internship(s) available. There are times when teams may have the capacity for more than one, but that is considered on a case-by-case basis. Specific internship positions at BPC include:
- BPC Action Intern: Assists with legislative and communications efforts, supporting staff in policy areas such as Economic Policy, Energy, Health, Human Capital, Housing, Technology, and Governance.
- BPC Energy Team Intern: Works directly with BPC’s Energy Project team on analysis and research, event planning, monitoring news and congressional activity, communications activities, writing support, and administrative support.
- External Relations Intern: Works closely with members of the communications and development teams to assist with a variety of projects that strengthen BPC’s visibility, credibility, and sustainability.
- Governance Program Intern: Supports efforts to strengthen voting processes, build trust in government, and support bipartisan leadership.
- Health Policy Program Intern: Advances bipartisan policy solutions to build a more cost-effective, evidence-based health care system and to improve population health.
Additional Information
- Application Deadlines: Application deadlines for the fall, spring, and summer semesters will be reflected accordingly on the Careers Page each semester. Summer Internships: June 1 - August 7, 2026.
- GPA Requirement: BPC has no minimum GPA requirement.
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care Internship
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, a nonprofit organization in Washington, DC, offers a public policy internship for graduate/law students for Summer 2026.
Internship Details
- Mission: To protect the rights, safety, and dignity of America’s long-term care residents.
- Requirements: Candidates must be enrolled in a graduate program, law degree program, or be an undergraduate Archer Fellow, and have exceptional writing and computer skills, research knowledge, and willingness to work on a wide range of projects.
- Time Commitment: The position requires a time commitment of 40 hours per week (or more if required by your school).
- Location: This internship is a remote position and is open to all students around the country. However, if students are located in the Washington, D.C. area there is opportunity to attend in-person meetings, networking events, and forums on Capitol Hill.
Shared Hope International Internship
Internships at Shared Hope International’s Institute for Justice and Advocacy in downtown Washington, D.C., offer undergraduate students the opportunity to be immersed in a nonprofit environment.
Internship Details
- Focus: Expanding understanding of sex trafficking and policy change.
- Credit: Shared Hope International gladly offers course credit.
- Tracks: There are three internship tracks available at the Institute: Policy, Communications, and Events Management.
- Responsibilities: Interns primarily work with their specific program leads to assist with a variety of projects. They also attend professional development workshops that include resume building, cover letters, and personal growth.
Skills and Environment
Interns work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Their responsibilities vary but often include event planning and execution, research, writing, and outreach to external partners, including federal agencies and colleges and universities. The program also incorporates opportunities for professional and personal growth through workshops and trainings specifically geared toward students and young professionals.
Partnership for Public Service Internship
The Partnership is a purpose driven, people centric organization that fosters a collaborative learning environment for our interns.
Internship Details
- Location: This is a DC-based, hybrid internship (mix of in-person and remote work). Due to an upcoming office relocation, the internship may be a modified hybrid arrangement.
- Schedule: Most of our internship positions are designed to be full-time (40 hours per week) in order to maximize all components of the internship program, however we will consider part-time schedules on certain teams. Some internship roles supporting program delivery require specific work hours and are not ideal for interns available less than 30 hours per week.
- Application Process: Before applying, carefully read the descriptions to determine which position(s) you are best qualified for and most interested in pursuing. While each position requires a commitment to public service, the descriptions detail the skills and competencies necessary for each particular position.
- Timeline: The applicant review and selection process depends on the number of applicants, though we strive to conduct interviews (phone interviews) and have offers extended within a month after the application deadline.
Internship Positions
- Communications Interns: Communications interns are integral Communications team members and assist with writing, editing and brainstorming new ideas. Our interns will be placed in one of three sub-teams within the Communications team-marketing, press or storytelling. Press interns support media relations efforts including building press lists, drafting press materials and supporting other media outreach efforts. Storytelling interns provide administrative, logistical and research support for a variety of efforts to better understand perceptions of government and raise public awareness around the role and impact of government.
- Development Intern: The Development intern will learn the basics of nonprofit fundraising and relationship management, including how to conduct prospect research, cultivate new donors and work with our corporate sponsors and other existing supporters.
- Programs Interns: Programs interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership and project management skills by assisting in the delivery of programs for government employees. The Programs team is looking for interns to help support our leadership development, business development or AI policy work.
- Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement Interns: The Public Policy and Stakeholder Engagement team offers interns the opportunity to become more informed about the legislative and regulatory process, and the policies and practices of the government. It also provides an opportunity to see how advocacy occurs through the lens of a non-profit and how we can drive change through our work.
- Public Service Recruitment and Employee Engagement Interns: The Partnership’s Public Service Recruitment and Employee Engagement interns have the unique opportunity to develop leadership, project management and research skills by helping our team deliver a variety of programs. During their internship, interns will learn more about project management, event planning, data collection and analysis, relationship management, proposal development, marketing and customer service.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) Internships
The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers various internship programs to provide undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process.
Internship Programs
- Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship: Provides students with firsthand experience in the legislative process, focusing on policy research, legislative writing, constituent services, and communications.
- State Farm Communications Internship: Offers hands-on experience in political communications and media strategy, including drafting press releases, managing social media, and writing speeches.
- Congressional Internship Program: Provides experience in policy research, legislative drafting, constituency engagement, and committee hearings. Interns are placed with government affairs, foreign affairs, or technology or finance departments.
Program Benefits
Interns participate in networking events, professional development sessions, and leadership training to enhance their skills and knowledge. CBCF’s broad alumni network, academic scholarships, and community engagement efforts attracted me to apply, and I do not regret my experience at all. I was exposed to a melting pot of opportunity from professional development sessions to direct mentorship from program alumni.
Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC (RSS-DC)
Rutgers Scarlet Service delivers on those values by providing meaningful internship opportunities through the Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC (RSS-DC), among other programs. Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC (RSS-DC) provides meaningful public service summer internship experiences to Rutgers University undergraduate students at government offices and nonprofit organizations while expanding their knowledge and skills to be engaged citizens.
Program Details
- Stipend: Students selected for RSS-DC receive a $3,800 stipend for completing a hands-on summer internship in public service.
- Course: Accepted students participate in a course designed to explore and engage with the topic of public service while building their career readiness and professionalism skills. RSS-DC students also receive a scholarship to cover the expense of the 3-credit course.
- Eligibility: The application process for RSS-DC is open to current Rutgers University sophomores and juniors from all schools. Applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the university. Applicants must also be able to live in Washington, DC for the duration of their internship and have the ability to travel to their internship site.
- Application Requirements: Candidates will have to complete an application form, attach a resume and unofficial transcript, and respond to the essay prompts. The application form also asks for the names, titles, and contact information of two references, with at least one being an academic reference.
Essay Prompts
- Please describe your interest in public service and how it might relate to your career goals. What do you hope to get out of this program? Applicants are encouraged to include previous relevant experiences or related personal experiences. (300 words or less)
- Why do you want to intern in Washington, DC specifically? What type of internship experience would you prefer (e.g. government agency, congressional office, non-profit, think-tank, arts/museum, international affairs, etc.) (200 words or less)
- Describe a situation where a decision you made was impacted by including different perspectives. (200 words or less)
- Consider a time you experienced failure and share how you dealt with it. (200 words or less)
- Is there anything else we should know about you?
tags: #non #profit #internships #Washington #DC #requirements
