Serving as a key resource for state lawmakers since 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a premiere, non-partisan source for research, publications, consulting services, and meetings and seminars. NCSL has several public policy areas, including education, energy, environment, health, criminal justice, fiscal affairs, human services, and transportation.  NCSL provides non-partisan policy information to state legislatures in all 50 states.  Intern activities could include tracking state legislation, responding to requests for information from state legislative offices, and performing policy research to support Web updates, publications and meeting functions. 

Eligibility:  Internships may be available for graduate and undergraduate students majoring in applicable areas, such as the social sciences, pre-med or pre-law, political science, social work and other disciplines where students have interest in public policy.

Pay:  Internships are generally unpaid.  However, many university and college departments will give academic credit for internships.  It is the student’s responsibility to contact his or her advisor and obtain academic credit within the school’s guidelines.  Occasionally, some NCSL programs have grant funding available to pay an hourly stipend.

Duration/Hours:  By summer or by semester, anywhere from 15 to 35 hours per week.

Deadlines:  For summer, by April 30.  For Fall Semester, by August 15.