About the White House Internship Program

The President, First Lady, and White House staff are committed to providing young leaders an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and serve their country through the White House Internship Program. This program was developed to provide hands-on experience and cultivate meaningful skills.

The Program
A select group of young men and women from across the country dedicate their time, talents, energy, and service to better the White House and the Nation. These committed citizens become part of the White House team. The assignments given to an intern on any given day could include: conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing events.

While interns' responsibilities and tasks vary by department, all interns are united through weekly events, including a speaker series and small group meetings exploring different policy aspects within the Executive Office of the President. Most importantly, the internship experience emphasizes community, and interns participate in service projects at schools and non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C.

Please visit: https://apply.whitehouse.gov/intern  to submit your Summer 2017 application.

All application materials, including recommendations, must be submitted on or before March 31, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. (EST).

Please read all of the following instructions before starting your application.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens, must be 18 years of age on or before May 30, 2017, and must meet at least one of the following criteria to apply:

Are currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution)

Have graduated from an undergraduate or graduate degree program at a college, community college, or university (two-to-four year institution) no more than two years before the internship program start date.

Are a veteran of the United States Armed Forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty--for any length of time--in the two years preceding the internship program start date.

Additional Instruction to Apply

The application must be completed in one sitting, as applications cannot be saved and returned to at a later date. Before starting your application, please ensure you have two recommendations prepared in PDF format, as they must be uploaded during the application process. The White House Internship Program cannot recommend who should write a letter of recommendation on your behalf. However, we encourage you to find individuals who can illustrate your qualifications, character, and commitment to public service. Your recommendation letters should not exceed one page in length each and must be addressed to the White House Internship Reviewing Committee. Applicants must also upload a current resume during the application process.

As part of the application process, applicants may select the White House departments that interest them. Selections are used as a reference for the White House Internship Program review team, and do not guarantee placement. Visit https://www.whitehouse.gov/participate/internships/departments  to learn more about the Presidential Department descriptions.

Incomplete applications or applications submitted after March 31, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. (EST) will not be reviewed for the Summer 2017 term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a White House Internship a paid position?
White House Internships are unpaid positions. Applicants are encouraged to contact educational institutions and other non-profit organizations to apply for assistance as needed. Any outside income, funding, or housing assistance received as a White House intern must receive pre-approval.

What are the hours of the White House Internship?
The Summer 2017 White House Internship Program term runs from May 30 to August 11, 2017. Applicants should expect to work at least Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. for the duration of the term.

Some exceptions will be made for applicants with class or program requirements, but interns must work 4.5 days a week in order to be considered full-time interns. For example, an intern may leave at 1:00 p.m. or later one day per week, if appropriate. If you require a schedule accommodation of this kind, please mention this if and when you receive an interview.

Is specific White House intern housing available?
No. Applicants must arrange for their own housing.

Is political preference a deciding factor in the application review process?
No. It is essential, however, that applicants are dedicated to the ideals and mission of the White House.

Can I mail a hard copy of my application?
No. We cannot accept hard copies of applications. Only applications submitted via our application portal will be reviewed.

Will I be penalized if my recommendation is sent in late?
Yes. All application materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted on or before the corresponding application deadline.