Are you a university student or recent graduate interested in public policy, government, economics, governance, health, housing, energy, human capital, communications, or government relations? The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is offering paid internship opportunities throughout the year for individuals who want to gain practical experience in policy research, legislative affairs, events, communications, and the policymaking process in Washington, DC.

The Bipartisan Policy Center is a Washington, DC-based think tank that focuses on bringing people from different political perspectives together to develop practical, bipartisan solutions to some of the most important challenges facing the United States. Its internship program provides participants with an opportunity to work directly with policy and functional teams while gaining exposure to how research, advocacy, government relations, and policymaking operate in practice.

The program is designed not only to provide work experience but also to support the professional and personal development of interns. Participants work with an intern manager to shape their experience around their interests and career goals while contributing to real projects undertaken by BPC teams.

According to the official BPC internship page, internships are available during the fall, spring, and summer, with opportunities across a range of policy programs and functional departments.

About the Bipartisan Policy Center

The Bipartisan Policy Center is an organization dedicated to advancing bipartisan solutions that improve lives and strengthen the United States. Its approach is based on bringing people with different political perspectives together to identify areas of common ground and develop practical policy solutions.

The organization works across several major policy areas, including:

• Economics
• Energy
• Human Capital
• Housing
• Health
• Governance
• Government relations
• Public policy
• Political and legislative affairs

The internship program reflects this broader mission by giving students and recent graduates the opportunity to see how bipartisan policymaking works in real-world settings.

Rather than simply observing policy professionals, interns may participate in research, writing, legislative monitoring, event preparation, communications, administrative activities, and the development of policy recommendations.

What Makes the BPC Internship Program Valuable?

The BPC internship program is designed to provide a broad professional experience rather than limiting interns to routine administrative work.

Interns can gain exposure to:

1. Public policy research
2. Legislative analysis
3. Government relations
4. Federal policymaking
5. Political communications
6. Policy writing
7. Think-tank operations
8. Congressional activity
9. Event planning and execution
10. Professional networking
11. Project management
12. Communications and outreach

BPC states that interns have the opportunity to observe bipartisanship in action and see how individuals from different sides of the political spectrum work together to develop policy solutions.

This can make the program particularly valuable for students considering careers in government, public administration, public policy, political science, international development, research, communications, economics, advocacy, nonprofit organizations, or think tanks.

Internship Structure

BPC offers internship opportunities during three periods of the year:

Fall Internships

Fall internships are part-time and paid. Interns receive a $3,000 stipend.

The schedule is designed to give students flexibility while they continue their academic studies. Working hours are arranged with the intern manager at the beginning of the semester.

Spring Internships

Spring internships are also part-time and paid, with interns receiving a $3,000 stipend.

The flexible schedule allows students to gain professional experience while maintaining their academic commitments.

Summer Internships

Summer internships are full-time and paid.

Successful summer interns receive a $6,000 stipend.

This provides an opportunity for students to devote themselves more fully to policy research, government relations, communications, or another BPC program during the summer.

BPC confirms that fall and spring internships are part-time while summer internships are full-time.

Where Are the Internships Based?

The internships are based in the Bipartisan Policy Center’s Washington, DC office.

BPC staff generally work in the office from Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Monday and Friday.

The organization states that each of its listed project and functional areas offers at least one internship per semester, although individual teams may sometimes have capacity for additional interns.

This arrangement provides interns with an opportunity to experience the professional environment of Washington, DC while also having some flexibility in their working arrangements.

Internship Responsibilities

The exact responsibilities depend on the team and policy area to which an intern is assigned.

However, BPC explains that assignments can include:

• Conducting policy and background research
• Assisting with policy recommendations
• Drafting white papers
• Preparing proposals
• Writing reports
• Developing policy explainers
• Supporting meetings
• Supporting events
• Monitoring congressional activity
• Monitoring relevant news
• Drafting communications materials
• Providing administrative support
• Assisting with project management
• Supporting legislative research and writing

This means applicants should expect an internship that combines research, writing, organization, communication, and practical policy work.

Available Internship Areas

BPC offers opportunities across several policy and functional areas. The exact positions available can vary by semester.

1. BPC Action – Government Relations

The BPC Action internship focuses on government relations, legislative activity, political communications, advocacy, and strategic outreach.

BPC Action works to influence public dialogue and policy outcomes through advocacy and education while bringing Republicans and Democrats together on challenging policy issues.

Interns may support policy areas including:

• Economic policy
• Energy
• Health
• Human capital
• Housing
• Technology
• Governance

Responsibilities may include:

• Conducting legislative research
• Writing research materials
• Monitoring congressional activity
• Monitoring news
• Assisting with social media content
• Drafting and editing external communications
• Supporting team operations
• Tracking activities
• Providing on-site assistance during events

This internship can be particularly useful for individuals interested in government relations, legislative affairs, political communications, public policy, advocacy, and project management.

2. Economics

BPC’s Economic Policy Program focuses on developing bipartisan policies that promote economic opportunity, prosperity, and financial security.

The program works on major federal economic and fiscal policy issues, including:

• Federal debt
• Tax reform
• Appropriations
• The federal budget
• Retirement security
• Financial security
• Social Security
• Government spending

The program has also conducted influential work on the federal debt limit and major fiscal policy debates.

Interns working with the Economics team may assist policy experts with research, writing, and long-term policy projects.

This opportunity could be especially relevant for students studying:

• Economics
• Public policy
• Political science
• Public administration
• Finance
• Government
• Related social sciences

3. Energy

The Energy Project provides opportunities for interns to participate in policy research, analysis, event planning, communications, congressional monitoring, writing, and administrative work.

Potential areas of work include:

• Permitting reform
• Electricity policy
• Energy affordability
• Artificial intelligence and energy
• Energy demand and load growth
• Carbon accounting
• Carbon markets
• Critical minerals
• Carbon management
• Carbon capture and storage
• Climate and trade
• Energy innovation
• Technology development
• Commercialization programs

Applicants interested in energy policy, climate policy, technology, infrastructure, environmental policy, or public policy may find this area particularly relevant.

4. External Relations

The External Relations function provides experience in communications, fundraising, outreach, donor relations, and organizational support.

Potential responsibilities include:

• Drafting press releases
• Preparing media pitches
• Developing event language
• Writing talking points
• Creating social media content
• Producing written and visual communications
• Researching funding prospects
• Preparing briefing materials
• Supporting donor cultivation
• Supporting donor stewardship
• Assisting with outreach
• Maintaining constituent records
• Supporting meetings and special events

Applicants are expected to have strong written and verbal communication skills and strong organizational abilities.

Experience with Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, is also useful.

5. Governance

The Governance Program focuses on strengthening democratic institutions, voting processes, public trust, and bipartisan leadership.

The program includes two major project areas:

Elections Project

The Elections Project works on bipartisan policy solutions designed to support secure, accessible, and trustworthy elections.

Structural Democracy Project

The Structural Democracy Project focuses on strengthening American democratic institutions, encouraging constructive debate, building coalitions, and improving governing institutions.

Governance interns may:

• Conduct research
• Track state and federal legislative activity
• Draft policy materials
• Support events
• Assist with internal and external meetings
• Provide administrative support
• Work on projects aligned with their interests

Applicants should have an interest in government, democracy, elections, institutional reform, and public policy.

6. Health

BPC’s Health Policy Program works on bipartisan approaches to improving the American health care system and population health.

The program’s work includes issues such as:

• Medicare
• Medicaid
• Health care costs
• Health care efficiency
• Digital health technology
• New models of care
• Health research and development
• Long-term services and support
• Rural health
• Health care infrastructure
• Health workforce
• Health information technology

Interns may contribute to policy research, information briefs, blogs, congressional tracking, events, communications, and administrative work.

This area may be particularly suitable for students with an interest in health policy, public health, health administration, economics, government, or social policy.

7. Housing

BPC’s J. Ronald Terwilliger Center for Housing Policy works to develop bipartisan policies supporting access to decent, safe, and affordable housing.

Housing interns may assist with:

• Literature reviews
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Legislative analysis
• Policy research
• Writing explainers
• Articles
• One-page policy documents
• Newsletters
• Team communications
• Congressional hearing summaries
• External event summaries
• Event preparation and execution

Potential areas of interest include:

• Affordable housing
• Homelessness
• Housing Choice Vouchers
• Housing finance
• Disaster response
• Transportation policy

Applicants should have strong research and writing skills, an understanding of the legislative process, good organizational abilities, and an interest in housing policy.

8. Human Capital

BPC’s Human Capital Program focuses on policies that support people throughout their lives, from early childhood through education, employment, and career development.

The program’s policy areas include:

• Paid family leave
• Child care
• Working-family tax supports
• K-12 education
• Workforce development
• Postsecondary pathways

Interns may support:

• Policy research
• Analysis
• News monitoring
• Congressional activity tracking
• Administrative tasks
• Policy projects

Applicants should have strong research, writing, organizational, and communication skills.

Experience or interest in social policy, economic policy, early childhood, worker benefits, education, business, workforce development, or state and local policy can be advantageous.

Who Can Apply?

BPC’s general eligibility requirements are designed primarily for students and recent graduates.

Applicants must generally be:

• Rising juniors or above;
• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program;
• Currently enrolled in a graduate program; or
• Recent graduates.

Some individual internship areas have slightly more specific requirements, so applicants should carefully review the particular position before applying.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

International Students and Non-U.S. Citizens

International applicants are eligible to apply.

However, there is an important condition: non-U.S. citizens must already have a valid work permit or visa that authorizes them to work in the United States.

The Bipartisan Policy Center does not provide visa sponsorship.

Therefore, an international applicant who requires BPC to sponsor a U.S. work visa would not meet this requirement.

Academic Background

Applicants come from a variety of academic backgrounds depending on the internship area.

Relevant fields can include:

• Political science
• Public policy
• Public administration
• Government
• Economics
• International relations
• Communications
• Journalism
• Sociology
• Health policy
• Public health
• Environmental studies
• Energy policy
• Education
• Housing and urban policy
• Finance
• Business
• Other related disciplines

However, applicants should focus primarily on the qualifications listed for the particular internship they wish to pursue.

Is There a Minimum GPA Requirement?

BPC does not have a formal minimum GPA requirement for its internship program.

However, the organization states that most applicants usually have a GPA of at least 3.0.

This means students who fall below a 3.0 GPA are not automatically excluded, but academic performance can still form part of the overall competitiveness of an application.

Application Deadlines and Opening Dates

BPC publishes internship opportunities for different semesters throughout the year.

The listed application opening dates are:

• Spring 2027: September 28, 2026
• Summer 2027: February 8, 2027
• Fall 2027: June 14, 2027

Importantly, BPC does not list one fixed final deadline for these internship cycles.

Instead, postings generally remain open for approximately four weeks, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until qualified candidates have been identified.

Important Deadline Notice

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, applicants should apply as early as possible after the relevant posting opens rather than waiting until the end of the approximately four-week application period.

For the Spring 2027 cycle, applications opened on September 28, 2026. The current BPC information does not state an exact closing date, only that postings generally remain open for approximately four weeks.

Therefore, prospective applicants should check the official BPC careers page for the active posting and its current status before applying.

Required Application Documents

Applicants are required to submit several materials.

BPC recommends submitting the materials as one PDF where possible.

The required materials are:

1. Resume

Applicants should submit an up-to-date resume highlighting their academic background, professional experience, research, leadership, volunteer work, relevant skills, and policy-related interests.

2. Cover Letter

The cover letter should explain why the applicant is interested in the particular internship and demonstrate how their academic and professional experiences align with the role.

3. Writing Sample

Applicants must provide a 3–5 page writing sample.

For policy-focused internships, applicants should ideally select a writing sample that demonstrates:

• Research ability
• Analytical thinking
• Clear writing
• Evidence-based reasoning
• Ability to explain complex issues
• Policy analysis or research skills

4. College or University Transcript

An unofficial transcript is acceptable.

Applicants should ensure that their academic record is clear and readable.

5. Response to “What Does Bipartisanship Mean to You?”

Applicants must provide a brief response of 5–8 sentences addressing the question:

“What does bipartisanship mean to you?”

This is an important part of the application because BPC’s mission is centered on developing solutions across political divides.

Applicants should therefore demonstrate their understanding of collaboration, constructive disagreement, compromise, evidence-based policymaking, and finding common ground.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted through the Bipartisan Policy Center Careers page.

Applicants should:

1. Identify the internship area that best matches their interests and qualifications.
2. Review the specific requirements for that internship.
3. Prepare a resume.
4. Prepare a tailored cover letter.
5. Select a 3–5 page writing sample.
6. Obtain an unofficial college or university transcript.
7. Prepare the 5–8 sentence response on bipartisanship.
8. Combine the materials into one PDF where possible.
9. Submit the application through the BPC Careers platform.
10. Submit a separate application for each internship they are interested in.

BPC specifically asks applicants not to submit more than once to the same posting. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applicants should also be aware that BPC receives a high volume of applications and does not contact candidates who are not selected.

The organization also asks applicants not to call or contact the organization to check on the status of their application.

Click HERE for more information

What Skills Can Applicants Gain?

One of the major advantages of the BPC internship is the breadth of skills interns can develop.

Depending on the team, interns can gain practical experience in:

• Policy research
• Policy analysis
• Legislative research
• Government relations
• Congressional monitoring
• Public affairs
• Political communications
• Professional writing
• Data collection and analysis
• Event management
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communications
• Social media
• Advocacy
• Think-tank operations
• Administrative coordination
• Public policy development

These skills can be valuable for graduates pursuing careers in government agencies, legislatures, think tanks, international organizations, nonprofits, consulting firms, advocacy organizations, research institutions, and public affairs.

Professional Development and Networking

The BPC internship program also provides opportunities beyond the immediate work assigned to interns.

The organization describes the program as a holistic experience that provides exposure to:

• The policymaking process
• Think-tank operations
• Professional development
• Networking
• Collaboration with staff
• Interaction with other interns
• Policy research
• Bipartisan policymaking

Interns therefore have the opportunity to develop both technical and interpersonal skills while building professional relationships in Washington, DC.

Why Consider the Bipartisan Policy Center Internship?

For students and recent graduates interested in public policy, this program can offer an unusual combination of paid professional experience, policy research, government exposure, networking, and practical writing experience.

The program can be particularly valuable for applicants who want to understand how policy ideas move from research and analysis into public debate and government decision-making.

The different internship areas also mean that applicants can pursue their particular interests.

For example:

• A political science student interested in elections could explore the Governance program.
• An economics student could consider Economics.
• Someone interested in climate and energy policy could explore Energy.
• A public health student could consider Health.
• A student interested in affordable housing could explore Housing.
• Someone interested in education and workforce policy could consider Human Capital.
• A student interested in legislative affairs could consider BPC Action.
• A communications or nonprofit-management student could explore External Relations.

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before submitting an application, prospective candidates should keep the following points in mind:

• The internships are paid.
• Fall and spring positions are part-time.
• Summer positions are full-time.
• Fall and spring interns receive a $3,000 stipend.
• Summer interns receive a $6,000 stipend.
• Internships are based in Washington, DC.
• The program accepts eligible non-U.S. citizens, but they must already have authorization to work in the United States.
• BPC does not provide visa sponsorship.
• There is no formal minimum GPA requirement.
• Most applicants reportedly have a GPA of approximately 3.0 or higher.
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Postings generally remain open for approximately four weeks.
• Applicants should submit a separate application for each internship they want to pursue.
• Applicants should not submit multiple applications to the same posting.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• BPC asks applicants not to contact the organization to request application-status updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Bipartisan Policy Center internships paid?

Yes. Fall and spring internships are part-time and provide a $3,000 stipend, while summer internships are full-time and provide a $6,000 stipend.

Are international students eligible?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can apply. However, they must already possess a valid U.S. work permit or visa authorizing employment.

BPC does not provide visa sponsorship.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement?

No. BPC does not impose a formal minimum GPA requirement, although it notes that most applicants usually have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Do I need to be studying political science?

Not necessarily. BPC has internship areas covering economics, energy, health, housing, human capital, governance, government relations, and external relations. The appropriate academic background will depend on the particular internship.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. BPC’s general eligibility criteria include recent graduates, in addition to rising juniors and above and students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs.

How long should the writing sample be?

The required writing sample should be 3–5 pages.

Is an official transcript required?

No. BPC states that an unofficial college or university transcript is acceptable.

Is there a fixed application deadline?

BPC’s internship page does not provide a single fixed closing date. Instead, postings generally remain open for approximately four weeks and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Can I apply for more than one internship?

Yes. Applicants can apply for internships they are interested in, but BPC asks candidates to submit a separate application for each internship and not to submit more than once to the same posting.

Final Thoughts

The Bipartisan Policy Center’s paid internship program provides students and recent graduates with an opportunity to move beyond classroom learning and gain practical experience in the world of public policy and government.

With opportunities spanning economics, energy, governance, health, housing, human capital, government relations, and external relations, the program can accommodate applicants with a wide variety of academic and professional interests.

Perhaps one of the most valuable aspects of the opportunity is its emphasis on learning how policy professionals with different political perspectives can work together to develop practical solutions. Interns can gain exposure to research, legislative activity, policy development, communications, events, and the broader operations of a Washington, DC think tank.

Applicants should pay close attention to the rolling nature of the recruitment process. Because BPC generally keeps postings open for approximately four weeks and reviews applications as they arrive, waiting until the final days may reduce an applicant’s chances of being considered.

For prospective applicants, the strongest approach is to identify the internship area that closely matches their interests, prepare a tailored application, select a strong writing sample, and clearly demonstrate their ability to conduct research, communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and engage thoughtfully with policy issues.

Click HERE to discover more opportunities  

The Spring 2027 application cycle opened on September 28, 2026, while the Summer 2027 cycle is scheduled to open on February 8, 2027, and the Fall 2027 cycle is scheduled to open on June 14, 2027. Since BPC reviews applications on a rolling basis, interested candidates should consult the official careers page and apply as early as possible once their preferred posting becomes available.