The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain job experience and an inside look at the life of White House staff while building leadership skills.  This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthening their understanding of future public service possibilities.

In addition to normal office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, help at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.

“This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I’m proud that they will have this opportunity to serve,” said President Obama. “I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country.”   

White House Internships are full-time unpaid positions and participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing for the duration of the program.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/

Qualifications

Applicants must be:
US Citizens
Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship
Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate school.

Application for Summer 2009 Internship

A completed application includes answers to three short essay questions, three letters of recommendation and an unofficial transcript. Applicants will be notified by mid-April of their acceptance into the White House internship program. The program will begin the end of May and end mid August. Download application

Please note: there is no Spring 2009 internship program.

Key Dates for the White House Internship program

Summer Internship

Submission deadline for the Summer Internship Program is March 22nd, 2009
Applicants will be notified if they have been accepted by mid-April
The Summer Internship program runs from May 22nd-August 14th.

Fall Internship

The application for the Fall Internship Program will be posted in mid-March.

Presidential Department Descriptions

Interns will be placed in a departmental office for their internship. Below is a list of departments in the Office of the President and the Office of the Vice President where interns could be placed.