Contact Richard Elgar to find out more and to register for credit. Email: relgar@wsu.edu
Earn 3 Credits with the CCE Civic Engagement Internship!
Join the Center for Community Engagement to help lead WSU’s Cougs Vote campaign. Gain real-world experience in Data Analytics, Marketing/Media, or Community Organizing while earning 3 credit hours (Pol S 497/498).
Open to all majors. 8 hours/week commitment. To apply visit the CCE in the CUB, or email cce@wsu.edu.
Washington State Legislative Internship
The Washington State Civic Education Team will be on campus September 8 and 9 to recruit for the 2027 legislative session.
Each January, beginning in 1955, the Washington State Legislature welcomes around 70 passionate, inquisitive, and hardworking students to serve as non-partisan, full time legislative staff in Olympia. In addition to earning academic credit, interns engage as part of a team, helping solve real world problems for the citizens of Washington. These interactions provide one of a kind insights into the events and legislation that impact our state every day.
The 2027 internship begins January 5, 2027 and ends April 25, 2027. Students must be enrolled juniors or seniors, in good academic standing, and receiving academic credit for the internship. Interns during the 2027 session will earn a stipend of $2,400 per month.
The Office of the WA Secretary of State
Summer-long internships are available in Olympia. Opportunities include marketing and media internships as well as through the Legacy Washington program..
The Washington Center acts as a link between students and internship opportunities, assisting students in finding relevant work experience in diverse areas of politics and government. Most of the internships are based in Washington D.C., but opportunities exist for work in other U.S. cities, as well as abroad.
Turnup Civic Engagement Remote Internship
Interns develop their civic literacy and democratic competency in a remote yet collaborative setting, by participating in civic actions, working on voter turnout projects, performing targeted outreach, engaging in advocacy and activism, finding and participating in remote volunteer opportunities together, attending the TurnUp Speaker Series, as well as doing civics and activism related research, writing and presenting. All interns are expected to join and help with existing registration drives at their schools, and if there isn’t one at their school, we support their success in initiating and performing their own registration drives with permission granted from their schools. Most importantly, interns work together to advocate for issues important to young people, increase youth voter registration, fight voter suppression and boost youth voter turnout. Upon completion, interns are prepared to go forward being civically responsible and engaged activists.
Internship opportunities with constant openings
- Foley Institute, WSU
- The Foley Institute offers a skill building experience that will prepare you for a future career in public service. During the internship you will gain experience in effective communication in print and online, event management skills, and learn to support the institute’s public affairs programming in an often fast-paced, professional, but welcoming environment.
- Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse, Pullman
- The hotline volunteers at Alternatives to Violence of the Palouse are the first voices survivors hear when they call. They’re passionate, committed, caring people, and we rely on them to continue to provide 24-hour advocacy to both Whitman and Latah counties. Volunteers are trained twice a year in the spring and fall, and ATVP asks for a year’s commitment from everyone who joins. Do you want to help survivors? Consider becoming a volunteer advocate!
- ASWSU Student Lobby Team
- The Cougar Lobby Team lobbies on behalf of WSU students on issues of higher education to local, state, and national governments. The CLT also works with other WSU campuses in the organization of Coug Day at the Capitol, an annual trip made by WSU students to Olympia, WA.
- Democratic National Convention
- Interning at the DNC is a unique opportunity for hardworking, passionate future leaders to gain real life, hands-on experience in Democratic politics, strengthen their understanding of the political process and prepare for future political opportunities. It’s also a great way to form lasting connections and memories.
- Division of Governmental Studies and Services
- DGSS is a trusted link between the resources of WSU and the people and organizations of Washington and the Pacific Northwest. Helping to improve the quality of life for more than five decades, DGSS provides applied research, training, and technical assistance for organizations and communities in the Pacific Northwest.
- Foreign Affairs Council, Seattle
- Volunteer interns are a critical part of the World Affairs Council and will contribute to its mission while gaining hands-on work experience. The Council is seeking committed and goal-oriented volunteer interns to work in programming, development, and communications. Interns will each be assigned to one program or department and will have the opportunity to complete projects that may be used in a work portfolio or for academic credit.
- Model United Nations, New York
- UNA-USA has a growing network of youth leaders advocating for global progress on the world stage. No matter what global issue you’re passionate about, there’s a way to take action with UNA-USA.
- Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office
- This is legal intern work in the Prosecuting Attorney’s or Public Defender’s office. Intern duties include obtaining police reports and records; contacting and interviewing witnesses; researching legal questions and prepares legal documents; preparing cohesive presentation for legal argument at trial.
- Student Legal Services, WSU
- Students seeking to intern as a volunteer will have a minimum of three weekly office hours. Students seeking an internship for credit may obtain one at SLS as part of CCGRS, the Criminal Justice or Political Science departments, and must complete a minimum of eight office hours a week.
- CAUSE Leadership Academy
- CAUSE is a civic engagement nonprofit centered around Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities across Los Angeles County. We are now accepting applications for our 2026 CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) cycle. This summer internship offers students hands-on experience in the public sector across different levels of government (federal, state, county, and city) and is ideal for those passionate about political and civic engagement.
- U.S. Embassy, Berlin, Germany
- The U.S. Commercial Service Germany offers internship opportunities throughout the year at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin and the U.S. Consulates General in Duesseldorf, Frankfurt, and Munich.
- U.S. House of Representatives, Representative Adam Smith (D-WA)
- U.S. Senate, Senator Patty Murray
- Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) is seeking applicants for the Spring 2024 internship program in his Washington D.C. office. The paid in-person internship will run from January through May. Internship duties will include (but are not limited to): leading tours of the Capitol, answering phones, attending briefings, conducting legislative research and other tasks to assist staff.The ideal candidate for this internship can carry out independent research and has strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail. Interns must also have a positive and collaborative attitude.The internship will offer students and young professionals invaluable experience on our nation’s legislative process. Ties to Washington state are preferred, but not required. Women, people of color and LGBTQIA+ persons are strongly encouraged to apply.All interested applicants should email their resume and cover letter in a single PDF to Danielle Hall at Danielle.Hall@mail.house.gov with the subject line “Spring 2024 Internship”. Please indicate availability in your application. Deadline November 20th but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
- U.S. Senate, Senator Maria Cantwell
- Washington State Court Historical Society
- …and many more!