Students

Intern with NIU Office of Federal Relations

We accept one intern per semester to work remotely from campus with the Director of Federal Relations. This internship is for 10 hours per week and is an unpaid position for three (3) internship credit hours. Learn about how to get credit.

NIU Summer Congressional Internship Program

Learn more about NIU’s Summer Congressional Internship Program.

Spring Break Trip to D.C.

Through the Department of Political Science, you can make the most of your spring break gaining a greater understanding of how the federal government works during a five-day, hands-on seminar in government and politics in Washington, D.C. You will get a chance to tour the White House, Congress and Supreme Court, meet government officials and connect with NIU alumni living and working in the D.C. area.

Sponsorship may be available via the Science Policy Scholarship for one student focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics to participate in the seminar and trip to Washington, D.C.

AAAS Workshop: Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering

NIU typically sponsors one student to participate in the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in mid-late March each year. This is an opportunity to learn from science policy and advocacy experts about the intersection of science and policy and how science is used in policymaking. The workshop is designed for STEM students who are interested in learning the role of science in policy making and want to better understand science advocacy. To participate you must be currently enrolled in one of the following fields:

• Biological, physical or earth sciences
• Computational sciences and mathematics
• Engineering disciplines
• Medical and health sciences
• Social and behavioral sciences

Congressional Internship Opportunities

Every member of Congress has internship programs in their district and Washington, D.C. offices. Each program is managed by the individual member and varies in timeline, responsibilities and application process. You can find more information by visiting a member’s website.

Intern for the Federal Government Remotely from Campus

Intern for a federal agency from campus via the Virtual Student Federal Service. With over 20 agencies participating, from NASA, the Department of State, the Department of Veterans Affairs to the National Science Foundation, there is an agency internship opportunity for students of all majors and interests. Internships are for the fall and spring semesters. Applications are due July 28.

White House Internships

The White House internship program provides emerging leaders an opportunity to support the work of the White House and experience public service at a high level.

The program runs from September to December. Participants must be U.S. citizens at least 18 years or older at the start of the program and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, graduated from a program no more than two years prior or a veteran of the Armed Forces, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and services for no more than two years prior to the start of the program.

Interested in visiting D.C.?

Request information regarding spring break trips, internship opportunities and more.