The summer program had 41 interns, and four students are serving as interns this fall, Berger says. The program is paid for through agreements with participating federal agencies.
Berger notes that NAFEO created the program due in part to the lack of paid internships in the nation's capital. While congressional offices and many organizations hire interns, most are not paid. "Because many of our students are low-income, they don't have the opportunity to have unpaid internships."
In addition to the HACU and NAFEO programs, there are other internship offerings available:
- In summer 2008, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund created an internship program with 30 participants across the Department of Energy, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of Agriculture, Department of the Treasury and other sites. Applicants must have GPAs of 3.0 or higher, strong interpersonal and leadership skills and interest in pursuing a graduate degree.
- For Native American and Alaska Native students, the Morris K. Udall Foundation offers a 10-week summer internship program in Washington. The foundation provides roundtrip airfare, housing, per diem and a stipend at the conclusion of the program. The goal is for participants to learn more about the federal government and issues affecting Indian Country.
- Also available to American Indian students is the Washington Internships for Native Students program. The initiative is also open to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian students, and participants combine study with internships.
- Founded in 1994, the Asian Pacific Institute for Congressional Studies offers internships and fellowships for Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders. Undergraduate and graduate students can work on Capitol Hill or in federal agencies.
