Northern Illinois University
Division of Research and Innovation Partnerships

Internships

Intern with NIU Office of Federal Relations

Intern on Capitol Hill

This NIU program accepts four students to spend a summer interning on Capitol Hill. If accepted, you will receive a $6,000 scholarship for housing and living expenses and you may be eligible for a tuition waiver for six (6) credit hours in political science. This internship program is a once in a lifetime experience, giving you a taste for living and working in the heart of our nation’s capital.

2019 Application

Applications are now open for the 2019 NIU Washington, D.C. Summer Congressional Internship Program. If you are an NIU student, we encourage you to apply, even if your major is not political science! Complete an application today, the deadline to apply is Nov.9, 2019.

Intern for the Federal Government Remotely from Campus

Intern for a federal agency from campus via the Virtual Student Federal Service. Over twenty agencies participate, ranging from NASA to the U.S. Department of State to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to the National Science Foundation. Internships span the fall and spring semesters. Applications are due by July 31st. 

More Federal Internship Opportunities

If none of the above programs seem like a good fit for you or you would like to explore additional options, check out this comprehensive guide to internships and other student work experience at the federal level.

Spring Break Trip to D.C.

Through the Department of Political Science, you can make the most of your spring break gaining a greater understanding of how the government works during a five-day, hands-on seminar in government and politics. You will also get a chance to tour the White House, Congress and Supreme Court, meet government officials and connect with NIU alumni living and working in the D.C. area.

Sponsorship may be available via the the Science Policy Scholarship for one student focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics to participate in the seminar and trip to Washington, D.C.

AAAS Workshop: Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering

NIU typically sponsors one student to participate in the Catalyzing Advocacy in Science and Engineering (CASE) workshop run by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). You will learn about federal science policy and how to become an effective advocate for science. 

Interested in visiting D.C.?

Request more information regarding spring break trips and internships.

Student Experiences