Governance Program, Spring Internship

BPC's Spring Internship Program

The Bipartisan Policy Center’s internship program is built around each intern’s goals. Interns conduct research, support project analysts and staff, and see firsthand how people from both parties work together on policy. The program also offers exposure to the policymaking process and the functions of a think tank, plus professional development and networking with BPC staff and interns across DC.

Spring interns work 18 to 20 hours per week and receive a $3,000 stipend, paid in two equal installments during the internship. Interns set a weekly schedule with their intern manager at the start of the semester and can adjust it around class commitments. 

BPC’s internships are based in our Washington, DC office. BPC staff are in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work from home on Monday and Friday. Relocation assistance is not provided.

The Spring 2027 internship program runs Tuesday, January 26, 2027, through Thursday, April 1, 2027.

Project Description:

The Governance Program works to strengthen voting processes, build trust in government, and support bipartisan leadership. We achieve these goals through three main approaches: advancing solutions to foster broad public trust in fully funded, well-run elections; strengthening institutions to be the most impactful by fostering debate and building broad coalitions; and convening lawmakers across party lines to build trust, foster collaboration, and addressing the nation’s toughest challenges. Through actionable reforms and constructive dialogues, our work builds a better America with an effective, representative government and stronger communities. We work in three fields: Elections, Structural Democracy, and Governing and Civics. 

The Governance Program is seeking one intern to support the following project areas:

Applicants are encouraged to review the three project areas within the Governance Program prior to applying.

Elections

• The Elections Project develops and advances durable bipartisan policy solutions to create secure, accessible, and trustworthy elections. Its goal is to foster public trust in our core democratic institutions by strengthening election infrastructure.

The Structural Democracy Project

• The Structural Democracy aims to strengthen American democracy through effective, responsive institutions that foster debate, build broad coalitions, and deliver results. Its goal is to rebuild governing institutions that solve problems and electoral systems that reflect our diverse nation.

Governing and Civics Project

• The American Congressional Exchange (ACE) enable members of Congress from opposite parties to visit each other’s districts and build the trust essential for bipartisan collaboration. Its goal is to facilitate collaborative, bipartisan problem-solving in our highly partisan and polarized political environment.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with research for the three project areas
• Track relevant legislative activities at the state & federal levels
• Draft written materials on relevant policy research
• Support event planning & execution for the Governance team
• Provide ad hoc administrative support for internal and external convenings
• Additional responsibilities to be determined on candidate's interests

Eligibility:

• Undergraduate students at the rising junior level or above, currently enrolled graduate students, or graduates within the past 12 months
• Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. BPC does not offer visa sponsorship.

Qualifications:

• Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate school or a recent graduate
• Strong research and writing skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively
• An interest in government and institutional reform
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks

Application Process:

• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate has been identified.
• Send a separate application for each internship of interest, and do not submit more than once to the same posting.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• No phone calls, please.

Required Materials (if possible, please submit as one PDF file):

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Writing sample, three to five pages
• College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
• Brief response to the question “What does bipartisanship mean to you?” (five to eight sentences)

To celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusivity, BPC is committed to:

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with insights and solutions for our increasingly divided society
• Creating a workplace culture where all employees feel valued and their perspectives are heard
• Developing policy solutions and undertaking research that reflect a diversity of thought and experience

These commitments help us fulfill our mission and foster bipartisanship more effectively.