OCA 2027 Summer Internship Program in Washington, D.C.: Paid 10-Week Internship Offering $5,250 Stipend, Leadership Training and Professional Experience

Applications are now open for the OCA National Center 2027 Summer Internship Program, an established paid internship opportunity for undergraduate students and recent graduates interested in public service, leadership development, advocacy, and issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities.

The 2027 programme will run from June 7 to August 13, 2027, offering selected interns ten weeks of full-time professional experience in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Participants will receive a $5,250 pre-tax stipend for completing the ten-week programme, alongside professional mentorship, networking opportunities, leadership development and access to the OCA alumni network.

Organised by OCA National Center, also known as OCA – Asian Pacific American Advocates, the internship programme has operated since 1989. Over more than 35 years, it has provided students with opportunities to develop professional skills, engage with public-sector institutions and contribute to advocacy efforts affecting AANHPI communities.

Interns will be placed at OCA National Center or external organisations, which may include nonprofit organisations, federal agencies, congressional offices, political organisations and private-sector companies. In addition to their professional placements, participants will take part in weekly leadership and development sessions, advocacy activities, a leadership training programme and the annual OCA National Convention.

The programme is particularly relevant to students who want to explore careers in public policy, government, community development, advocacy, communications, research, nonprofit management and other professional fields.

Applications have two deadlines: the priority deadline is November 29, 2026, while the final application deadline is January 3, 2027.

About the OCA National Center 2027 Summer Internship Program

OCA National Center has been organising its summer internship programme since 1989, with the goal of cultivating future leaders among young people and increasing participation in public service.

The programme focuses on providing students with opportunities to understand public-sector work, develop professional relationships and learn about issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Based in Washington, D.C., the internship provides participants with exposure to the institutions, organisations and individuals involved in public policy, government relations, community advocacy and social change.

Selected interns relocate to Washington, D.C., for the duration of the programme. They are assigned to work full-time at OCA National Center or an external placement organisation. These placements offer practical experience in professional environments and allow students to apply their academic knowledge while developing workplace competencies.

The programme also includes structured activities that bring the intern cohort together. Every Friday, interns attend sessions known as Sama Sama, a Tagalog expression meaning “together.” These sessions provide opportunities to discuss AANHPI issues, listen to guest speakers, participate in workshops and learn from fellow interns.

Other major components include:

• APIA-U: Leadership training.
• OCA National Convention.
• Advocacy Day.
• Professional mentorship.
• Networking opportunities.
• Personal and professional development workshops.
• Mid-term and final evaluations.
• A final exit memorandum documenting the intern’s work and experiences.

The programme aims to develop compassionate, informed and capable leaders who can contribute to their communities and professional fields.

2027 OCA Summer Internship Programme Dates and Important Details

Applicants should take note of the following programme information:

Programme detail	Information
Programme name	OCA National Center 2027 Summer Internship Program
Organiser	OCA National Center
Duration	10 weeks
Start date	June 7, 2027
End date	August 13, 2027
Location	Washington, D.C., United States
Programme format	In-person
Weekly working hours	Up to 35 hours
Stipend	$5,250 before tax
Priority deadline	November 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time
Final deadline	January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time

The programme is not virtual. All selected interns must relocate to Washington, D.C., and participate in the required in-person activities for the full programme period.

Financial Benefits and Opportunities Available to Selected Interns

The OCA Summer Internship Program provides financial support and several professional development benefits intended to help students gain meaningful workplace experience.

1. $5,250 Internship Stipend

Each intern who completes the full ten-week programme will receive a $5,250 stipend before tax.

This stipend is intended to compensate participants for their engagement during the programme. Because it is pre-tax income, interns will be responsible for filing taxes on the income during the following tax filing season.

The organisation also explains that, in rare cases, a placement organisation may choose to pay an intern directly instead of relying on the OCA stipend. However, the placement organisation must provide at least an amount equivalent to OCA’s stipend.

Interns who do not complete all ten weeks may have their stipends reduced. Therefore, participants should be prepared to fulfil the programme’s full duration and responsibilities.

2. Professional Work Experience

Participants will work full-time for ten weeks at OCA National Center or an external placement organisation.

This provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in professional environments and understand how organisations operate. Depending on the placement, interns may be exposed to policy research, administration, communications, advocacy, public affairs, programme support, organisational activities and other responsibilities.

The placement experience is intended to help students develop workplace skills and build a foundation for future career opportunities.

3. Networking and Leadership Development

Interns will participate in activities designed to strengthen their leadership abilities and professional networks.

They will interact with other students, professionals, advocates, organisational leaders, public officials and individuals working in different sectors.

These interactions can help participants understand different career pathways, develop professional relationships and gain insights into leadership and public service.

4. Professional Mentorship

Each intern will be assigned a professional mentor.

Interns are required to meet their mentors at least once every month. The mentorship component is intended to provide guidance, professional support and opportunities to discuss career development.

Further details about mentor assignments and arrangements will be communicated by the programme organisers.

5. Access to the OCA Alumni Network

Successful completion of the internship provides participants with access to the OCA alumni network.

This network connects former interns who have participated in the programme over the years. Alumni have gone on to work in public service, government, advocacy, nonprofit leadership and private-sector organisations.

The network can provide opportunities for continued professional connections and knowledge exchange.

6. One Year of Free OCA Membership

Interns who complete the programme will receive one year of free OCA membership.

This provides an additional opportunity to remain connected with the organisation and its wider community after the internship ends.

Important Note on Relocation and Accommodation

The programme requires interns to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the full ten-week period. However, the published programme information does not confirm general housing, accommodation or relocation assistance for the internship period in Washington, D.C.

Applicants should therefore not assume that the $5,250 stipend includes separate housing or relocation funding.

OCA specifically confirms that travel, meals and accommodation for interns during the 2027 National Convention in Sacramento, California, will be covered. This convention-specific support should not be confused with accommodation support for the entire Washington, D.C. internship.

What Will OCA Summer Interns Do?

The internship combines full-time professional placements with mandatory activities organised by OCA National Center.

Participants are expected to work up to 35 hours per week at their assigned placement sites while also attending the programme’s leadership, advocacy and professional development activities.

1. Full-Time Professional Placement

Selected interns will work full-time for ten weeks at OCA National Center or an external organisation.

Potential placement environments include:

• Nonprofit organisations.
• Federal government agencies.
• Congressional offices.
• Political organisations.
• For-profit corporations.
• Other professional organisations.

Past placement organisations have included:

• 1882 Foundation.
• AARP.
• AFL-CIO.
• APIAVote.
• Moapia.
• Dewey Square Group.
• Japanese American Citizens League (JACL).
• Teach For America.
• T-Mobile.
• U.S. Department of Labor.
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
• Office of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI).

These are examples of previous placement sites and do not guarantee that the same organisations will host interns in 2027.

The placement process allows participants to gain exposure to different professional settings and responsibilities. Depending on the organisation, interns may develop experience in research, communications, policy, programme support, administration, public engagement and other areas.

2. Weekly Sama Sama Sessions

Every Friday, interns will gather at the OCA National office for mandatory Sama Sama sessions.

The sessions take place for approximately five hours every Friday and form an important part of the programme.

Activities may include:

• Discussions about Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander issues.
• Presentations from guest speakers.
• Leadership development workshops.
• Professional development activities.
• Personal enrichment sessions.
• Cohort-building and networking.
• Presentations by interns on subjects they are interested in or knowledgeable about.

Interns may be asked to prepare short presentations on topics of their choice to educate and engage their fellow participants.

These sessions provide an opportunity to learn from different perspectives and understand how community issues connect with broader questions of public policy, social justice and advocacy.

3. APIA-U: Leadership Training

Interns will participate in an APIA-U: Leadership training programme.

APIA-U is a full-day leadership and advocacy training initiative organised for college students in the Washington, D.C., area.

The training consists of workshops designed to strengthen leadership, advocacy and identity-related understanding.

A key advantage is that AANHPI interns from other nonprofit organisations in Washington, D.C., are also invited to participate. This creates opportunities to network beyond the OCA internship cohort and connect with other young people involved in community leadership and advocacy.

The specific date for the 2027 training has not yet been announced.

4. OCA National Convention in Sacramento, California

Interns are required to attend and support the annual OCA National Convention, scheduled for July 28 to August 2, 2027, in Sacramento, California.

During the convention, interns will work alongside OCA National staff and assist with various event-management and logistical responsibilities.

Their duties may include:

• Providing logistical support.
• Supporting technology and audiovisual operations.
• Moving equipment and supplies.
• Setting up and dismantling event spaces.
• Preparing workshop rooms.
• Assisting with registration.
• Checking in attendees.
• Supporting banquet arrangements.
• Guiding participants to different sessions.
• Helping with general event operations.

The organisation notes that some responsibilities may involve manual labour, event preparation and social networking.

The convention is also an opportunity to interact with leaders, advocates, professionals and members of the AANHPI community.

Convention travel, meals and accommodation will be covered by OCA National. Interns will share rooms with one or more other OCA interns.

The organisation provides an example of the type of schedule interns may follow:

• Wednesday: Arrival at the venue, moving supplies and preparing conference materials such as participant gift bags. Working hours may vary.
• Thursday: Reporting to assigned stations from approximately 8:00 AM, supporting registration, workshops and event preparation, followed by evening event support.
• Friday: Supporting assigned activities throughout the day, including workshop and event operations.
• Saturday: Assisting with convention activities and the Awards Gala, with some duties extending into the evening.
• Sunday: Cleaning, packing supplies and returning to Washington, D.C.

This example illustrates the practical and demanding nature of convention responsibilities.

5. Advocacy Day

Another mandatory component is Advocacy Day, during which interns will participate in organised visits to congressional offices.

Participants will be divided into groups and receive training before meeting with their respective members of Congress.

The objective is to advocate for issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

Potential advocacy topics include:

• AANHPI history and curriculum.
• Anti-Asian hate crimes.
• Immigration.
• Mental health.
• Voting rights.
• Gun safety legislation.

Advocacy Day provides an opportunity to understand how community organisations engage with policymakers and communicate concerns to government representatives.

The date for the 2027 Advocacy Day has not yet been announced.

6. Professional Mentorship and Networking Events

Each intern will be assigned a mentor and must meet with that mentor at least once per month.

Participants may also attend additional programming organised or co-hosted by OCA and its partner organisations.

These activities may include intern networking events and other professional development opportunities.

7. Programme Evaluations and Exit Memorandum

Interns are expected to complete mid-term and final evaluations with OCA’s internship programme coordinator.

At the end of the internship, each participant must also complete an exit memorandum detailing their work and experiences over the summer.

Interns must comply with OCA policies regarding professional performance and personal conduct.

Failure to fulfil the mandatory programme requirements may result in removal from the programme and/or a reduction in the stipend.

Eligibility Requirements for the OCA 2027 Summer Internship

The programme is intended for undergraduate students and recent graduates who have demonstrated an interest in uplifting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander community.

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Undergraduate Student or Recent Graduate

Applicants must be full-time undergraduate students currently enrolled in an accredited educational institution.

Recent graduates may also apply if they graduated within one year of the internship.

2. Minimum Academic Progress

Applicants must be at least incoming second-year college students by the beginning of the internship.

This means they must have completed their first year of college before the programme begins.

Students who are just entering their first year of college and have not yet completed the first year do not meet this requirement.

3. Interest in AANHPI Issues

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in issues affecting Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.

The organisation encourages applicants who have participated in leadership, community service, volunteering, advocacy or other activities demonstrating their commitment to uplifting the AANHPI community.

Applicants should be able to communicate their interests and explain how their experiences relate to the programme’s objectives.

4. Citizenship and Work Authorisation

Applicants do not need to be United States citizens.

However, non-U.S. citizens must be legally eligible to work by the first day of the internship programme.

DACA students and undocumented students must have either a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to qualify.

Applicants should also understand that some placement organisations may require their assigned interns to be U.S. citizens. Consequently, certain placement opportunities may not be available to non-citizens.

5. Previous OCA Internship Participation

Applicants must not have previously participated as an OCA National Summer Intern.

However, individuals who previously participated in an OCA Chapter Internship may still apply.

6. Relationship to OCA Leadership and Staff

Applicants must not be children or dependants of:

• An OCA National staff member.
• An OCA Executive Council member.
• An OCA Business Advisory Council member.

Applicants should carefully review all eligibility conditions before beginning the application.

Application Requirements: Documents and Written Responses

The OCA 2027 Summer Internship application requires applicants to provide academic information, professional and leadership experience, written responses and references.

Applicants should prepare the following materials before submitting their applications.

1. Short Biography – Maximum 300 Words

Applicants must provide a short biography of no more than 300 words.

The biography should introduce the applicant and may include:

• Personal background.
• Identity.
• Educational institution.
• Academic major and minor.
• Employment experience.
• Leadership experience.
• Interests and other relevant information.

OCA explains that the biography may be published on its website if the applicant is selected for the internship.

Applicants can review biographies of previous interns on the organisation’s website to understand the expected format and style.

2. Resume – Maximum Two Pages

Applicants must submit a resume in PDF format, not exceeding two pages.

The resume should highlight relevant experiences, particularly:

• Leadership.
• Community service.
• Volunteering.
• Employment.
• Other relevant professional or extracurricular activities.

Applicants should prioritise experiences that demonstrate responsibility, initiative, teamwork, communication, leadership and commitment to community engagement.

3. Leadership, Community Service and Employment Experiences

The application includes a section where applicants can describe their leadership, community service and employment experiences.

Applicants may list up to three experiences in each category.

For example, an applicant may provide:

• Up to three leadership experiences.
• Up to three community service experiences.
• Up to three employment experiences.

Applicants who do not have experience in one of the categories may skip that section.

For every experience listed, applicants should explain:

• Their role and responsibilities.
• The start and end dates.
• Challenges they encountered.
• Accomplishments and contributions.
• Lessons learned and skills gained.

The organisation encourages applicants to provide detailed explanations. This section allows candidates to expand on information in their resumes and highlight experiences that may not fit into a two-page document.

4. College Academic Transcript

Applicants must submit their college academic transcript in PDF format.

Unofficial transcripts are accepted.

The transcript must show the applicant’s Grade Point Average (GPA).

There is a special provision for first-year students who do not yet have an academic transcript or GPA. Such applicants should upload a PDF document explaining their situation and indicating that they will email their transcript to the internship coordinator after completing their first semester.

The email address provided for this purpose is cassie.micah@ocanational.org.

5. One Short-Answer Response – Maximum 300 Words

Applicants must respond to the following question in no more than 300 words:

How would this internship program benefit you? What do you hope to learn and gain? What kinds of experiences/skills will you be able to bring to the table for your intern peers?

The response should explain the applicant’s motivation for joining the programme and the value they expect to gain from the experience.

Applicants should also demonstrate what they can contribute to the internship cohort, including relevant knowledge, skills, experiences and perspectives.

A strong response should address both personal development and the applicant’s potential contribution to the wider programme.

6. Two Essay Responses – Maximum 500 Words Each

Applicants must submit two separate essays in PDF format.

Essay 1: AANHPI Community Issue

Applicants must respond to the following prompt:

Choose one issue affecting the AANHPI community that you are passionate about. What sparked your interest in this issue? What vision do you have for the future when it comes to this issue?

The essay should demonstrate the applicant’s understanding of an issue affecting the AANHPI community, explain why it matters to them and present their vision for addressing it.

Essay 2: Questioning or Challenging a Belief

Applicants must respond to the following prompt:

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

This essay provides an opportunity to demonstrate critical thinking, personal reflection, problem-solving and the ability to learn from experiences.

Each essay must not exceed 500 words.

7. Two References

Applicants must provide contact information for two references.

For each reference, the application requires:

• Full name.
• Job title or position.
• Name of the company or organisation where the person works.
• Email address.
• Phone number.
• Relationship to the applicant.

References may be individuals who can speak about the applicant’s personal and professional experiences.

However, family members cannot serve as references.

OCA may contact one or both references if it needs additional information about an applicant.

Important: The organisation is not asking applicants to submit formal recommendation letters. Applicants only need to provide the requested details for two references.

How to Apply for the OCA 2027 Summer Internship Program

Interested applicants should use the official OCA National Center application page and carefully review the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

The application process involves the following steps:

Step 1: Review the official programme information

Visit the OCA National Center Summer Internship page and read the programme details, eligibility requirements and frequently asked questions.

Step 2: Prepare your application materials

Prepare the required biography, resume, academic transcript, experience descriptions, short-answer response, two essays and two references.

Ensure that all written responses follow the stated word limits.

Step 3: Complete the online application

Use the official application link provided on the OCA National Center website. Complete the application form and upload the requested documents in the required formats.

Step 4: Review your application

Before submitting, confirm that:

• Your resume is in PDF format and does not exceed two pages.
• Your biography is no more than 300 words.
• Your short-answer response is no more than 300 words.
• Each essay is no more than 500 words.
• Your academic transcript includes your GPA, where applicable.
• Your two references have complete contact details.
• Your experiences include responsibilities, dates, challenges, accomplishments and lessons learned.

Step 5: Submit before the relevant deadline

Applicants are encouraged to submit by the priority deadline of November 29, 2026. Those who miss the priority deadline may still apply before the final deadline of January 3, 2027.

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Application Deadlines for the 2027 OCA Summer Internship

There are two application deadlines:

Priority Application Deadline

Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

Applicants are encouraged to submit by this date to meet the priority consideration deadline.

Final Application Deadline

Sunday, January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time.

This is the final deadline for applications to the 2027 programme.

Applicants should pay attention to the time zone because the deadlines are published in Pacific Time, not East African Time.

Click HERE for more information about OCA 2027 Summer Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions About the OCA Summer Internship

Is the OCA 2027 Summer Internship paid?

Yes. Participants who complete the ten-week programme will receive a stipend of $5,250 before tax.

How long is the internship?

The programme lasts ten weeks, from June 7 to August 13, 2027.

Is the internship virtual or in-person?

The programme is in-person. All selected interns must relocate to Washington, D.C., for the duration of the internship.

Do applicants need to be U.S. citizens?

No. U.S. citizenship is not a general requirement. However, non-U.S. citizens must be eligible to work by the first day of the programme. Some placement organisations may require U.S. citizenship, which can limit the placement options available to non-citizens.

Can recent graduates apply?

Yes. Recent graduates are eligible if they graduated within one year of the internship.

Can students from outside the United States apply?

The programme does not require U.S. citizenship, and applicants from outside the United States may potentially qualify. However, they must meet the work-authorisation requirements and be able to relocate to Washington, D.C.

Does OCA provide accommodation in Washington, D.C.?

The published programme information does not confirm general accommodation or relocation support for the ten-week internship in Washington, D.C. OCA does confirm that travel, meals and lodging will be covered during the National Convention in Sacramento, California.

Are recommendation letters required?

No. Applicants must provide two references and their contact information. Formal recommendation letters are not requested.

Can someone who previously participated in an OCA Chapter Internship apply?

Yes. Previous OCA Chapter Interns may apply. However, former OCA National Summer Interns are not eligible.

What happens if an intern does not complete all ten weeks?

Interns who do not complete the full ten weeks may have their stipend reduced. Failure to meet mandatory programme requirements may also result in removal from the programme.

Contact Information and Official Application Links

For questions about the application process, eligibility or programme requirements, applicants can contact the OCA National Center internship coordinator.

• Official programme and application page: https://www.ocanational.org/summer-internship
• Application contact: cassie.micah@ocanational.org
• OCA National Center email: oca@ocanational.org
• Telephone: +1 (202) 223-5500
• Organisation address: 1025 Connecticut Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036, United States.

Applicants should consult the official programme page for the application form and any updates to the 2027 internship cycle.

Conclusion

The OCA National Center 2027 Summer Internship Program offers undergraduate students and recent graduates an opportunity to gain paid professional experience, develop leadership skills and engage with public service and community advocacy in Washington, D.C.

Through its ten-week structure, the programme combines full-time professional placements with mentorship, networking, leadership training, weekly Sama Sama sessions, Advocacy Day and participation in the OCA National Convention. The $5,250 pre-tax stipend, professional mentor, alumni network and one year of free OCA membership provide additional benefits for successful participants.

The programme is particularly suitable for students interested in public policy, government, nonprofit organisations, advocacy, communications, community development and leadership. Although applicants do not have to be U.S. citizens, non-U.S. citizens must meet the stated work-authorisation requirements and be able to relocate to Washington, D.C.

Interested applicants should prepare their application materials carefully, paying close attention to the written-response word limits, academic transcript requirements and reference details.

The priority deadline is November 29, 2026, while the final deadline is January 3, 2027, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Applicants are encouraged to submit early through the official OCA National Center application page.

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