Congressional Internship in Washington D.C. – Summer 2020 – Application Deadline: 11/8/19
Spend your summer interning in Washington, D.C. on the Hill! In 2009, Northern Illinois University established an annual
summer congressional internship program in Washington, D.C. This highly competitive program provides students with
the opportunity to live, learn and work in the heart of our nation’s capital. Four students will intern on the Hill for a
member of the Illinois congressional delegation. Each student will receive a $6,000 scholarship to cover the cost of
housing and some living expenses. Additionally, students may receive a tuition waiver for six (6) credit hours if
interested in pursuing the experience for academic credit. (If enrolled for credit, students will be responsible for all
associated course fees.) Contact Cathy Doederlein (cdoederlein1@niu.edu) with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will I be in Washington, D.C.?
The program runs from late May through early August.
Where will I live?
The NIU interns will live in Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH), just a short walk from the Capitol. Each student
will live in a double room with a private bath and kitchen. The cost of housing (approximately $3,900) will be covered by
the $6,000 scholarship and will be paid directly by NIU. The remaining money will cover additional living expenses,
course fees (if applicable), and travel to and from Washington, D.C.
What will my work schedule be?
Students' work schedules will be determined by the individual congressional office. However, students can expect to
work 40-plus hours per week. The internship will be a demanding but rewarding experience.
Is the opportunity only appropriate for Political Science Majors?
No. A major in Political Science is definitely not a requirement for this program, and we look forward to engaging with
applicants across all disciplines. Recent interns have included a Communication Major, a Sociology Major and a Biology
Major.
Students should apply through MyScholarships (formerly known as Academic Works) by November 8 at:
In MyScholarships, students will need to write a new personal statement and financial need statement on the general
application, which has to be completed once each year. If you have applied previously, you will just need to update
yours lists of Activities and Honors. Then you can proceed to the Congressional Internship application questions.
Finalists for the internship will need to be available for an on-campus interview on December 2.
In your application, please address the following:
1. Please indicate your hometown and state.
2. Do you have a problem working for a member of Congress who does not share your political philosophy? (There is no
correct answer to this question; the committee will try to provide you with the best possible placement if you are
chosen for the internship.)
3. Submit an essay (no longer than 500 words) on what you hope to achieve by completing a congressional internship in
Washington, D.C.
4. Submit an essay (no longer than 500 words): Choose a current public issue or policy that you feel strongly about (e.g.
climate change, tax relief, gun control, border protection, etc.) Clearly and succinctly describe your reason for feeling
passionately about this issue, anticipate opponents' arguments, and address those arguments persuasively.
5. Please request a letter of recommendation/support from a faculty member in your area of specialization.
6. Please request a second letter of recommendation from someone who can speak to your academic achievements,
talent, service, or involvement.
