Summer 2025 Congressional Internship Program

The Congressional Internship Program is an experiential learning program designed to enhance students’ opportunities to gain professional experience in Washington, D.C. with a member of Congress, a Congressional Committee, a federal agency, or a non-governmental organization.  

Students who are selected to participate will be nominated for an internship and receive support from the Baker School with securing an internship. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee an internship, students are responsible for applying for internships. Final hiring selections and decisions are determined by individual organization or congressional office staff. Most organizations provide a stipend or pay for interns, the total pay amount is dependent on the individual office or organization.  

Students selected to participate and who receive an internship will be eligible for housing provided by the University of Tennessee at George Washington University. The program does not include additional stipends or moving expenses.  

Congressional interns work closely with legislative staff on a variety of projects, as well as assist with clerical tasks, depending upon the office in which they intern.  

Summer internships last from June 2, 2024 – July 25, 2025.  An Information Session will be hosted on Wednesday, October 30 at 4 pm in HBS Room 118. 

Academic credit is an option, depending on coursework and major.  

Application Steps

Step One: Complete the application on Handshake, in addition to your application, you should upload: 

• Updated Resume
• Transcript (Academic Record from myUTK is acceptable)
• Cover Letter addressing why you are interested in the Congressional Internship Program and how this internship program will align with your academic and professional goals. Your cover letter should address policy areas of interest.
• 2 Letters of Recommendation (letters of recommendation can be emailed to Jordan Smith-Porter at jsmithporter@utk.edu; letters of recommendation should be sent by Monday, November 18)

Step Two:  If selected, you will complete an interview with the CIP Selection Committee (comprised of staff and faculty from the Baker School and Center for Career Development and Academic Exploration) 

Interviews are scheduled to take place in mid-November.

Step Three: Students who are selected for the Congressional Internship Program are required to attend professional development training late in the fall 2024 semester. This session will provide information regarding the next steps in the program including refining resume and internship application materials, how to apply for internships, and more. 

Eligibility 

The program is open to all majors with an interest in government, public policy, public affairs, or related majors: 

Students who have completed at least two full years at the University of Tennessee are given priority; this does not apply to graduate students or law students. 

Must have at least a 3.0 and be in good academic standing with the University of Tennessee. 

Seniors graduating the semester of application are eligible to participate. 

Students who have not previously completed CIP are given a priority.