The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is offering paid internships in Washington, DC for undergraduate students, graduate students, and recent graduates who are passionate about public policy, bipartisan collaboration, and the policymaking process. These internships provide hands-on experience in research, legislative tracking, communications, events, and policy development across multiple issue areas.

BPC internships are designed to give students and early-career professionals real exposure to how bipartisan policy solutions are developed and advanced in Washington. Interns work alongside policy experts, analysts, communications professionals, and advocacy teams while building professional networks in the nation’s capital.

Summer 2026 internship postings are now live. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

About the Bipartisan Policy Center

The Bipartisan Policy Center is a Washington, DC-based think tank dedicated to advancing bipartisan solutions that improve lives and strengthen America. BPC brings together leaders and experts from both major political parties to craft pragmatic, durable policy recommendations across key national issues.

The organization believes bipartisanship is essential to solving complex policy challenges. That collaborative philosophy extends into its internship program, where students gain exposure to cross-party dialogue and policy development.

Inclusivity and diversity are core institutional values. BPC welcomes applicants from all political backgrounds, demographics, and lived experiences.

Internship Program Overview

BPC offers three internship tracks:

• Fall Internship Program (Part-time, in-person, paid)

• Spring Internship Program (Part-time, in-person, paid)

• Summer Internship Program (Full-time, in-person, paid)

All internships are based in Washington, DC. BPC operates on a hybrid schedule, requiring in-office presence Tuesday through Thursday, with remote flexibility on Mondays and Fridays.

Stipend and Compensation

Fall and Spring Internships:

• Part-time (18–20 hours per week)

• $3,000 stipend per semester

Summer Internship:

• Full-time (10 weeks)

• $6,000 stipend

Summer 2026 Internship Deadline

Summer internships run from June 1 to August 7, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until qualified candidates are identified.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be:

• Rising juniors or above

• Graduate students

• Recent graduates

Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must possess valid U.S. work authorization. BPC does not provide visa sponsorship.

There is no minimum GPA requirement, though most applicants typically have at least a 3.0 GPA.

Internship Areas

BPC offers internships across several policy and functional areas:

BPC Action (Government Relations)

Focus on legislative research, communications, congressional monitoring, and political advocacy across issue areas including energy, housing, health, and governance.

Economic Policy

Research and analysis on federal debt, tax reform, retirement security, federal budgeting, and fiscal policy debates.

Energy

Policy development and advocacy related to clean energy transition, carbon management, critical minerals, AI energy demand, and climate trade.

External Relations

Communications, development, donor relations, media engagement, press list building, and digital outreach.

Governance

Work across elections policy, structural democracy reform, and bipartisan leadership initiatives.

Health Policy

Research on Medicare, Medicaid, health care costs, digital health innovation, rural health access, and value-based care systems.

Housing

Research on affordable housing, housing finance, homelessness policy, legislative analysis, and event planning.

Human Capital

Policy research in paid family leave, child care, K-12 education, workforce development, and economic mobility.

Each intern works closely with a designated team but gains exposure to broader organizational policy areas.

Professional Development Opportunities

BPC’s internship program includes:

• Direct collaboration with policy experts

• Exposure to congressional hearings

• Networking with staff and DC-area professionals

• Event planning and execution experience

• Research and publication support

• Legislative tracking experience

• Public policy writing opportunities

Interns gain firsthand insight into the operations of a national think tank.

Why Apply to BPC Internships?

BPC internships offer:

• Paid policy experience in Washington, DC

• Direct exposure to bipartisan policymaking

• Research and writing opportunities

• Legislative tracking experience

• Networking in federal policy circles

• Professional growth in a think tank environment

For students and early-career professionals seeking to enter public policy, government relations, nonprofit advocacy, or think tank research, BPC internships provide strong foundational experience.

Application Process

Applicants must:

• Submit all materials via the BPC Careers page

• Submit separate applications for each internship of interest

• Ensure applications are complete

Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Due to high application volume, BPC does not provide individual status updates. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until qualified candidates have been identified.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What happens if applications are submitted after the indicated deadline?

Deadlines are clearly posted on the Careers Page. Early applications are prioritized. Applications submitted after the deadline may not be reviewed.

Are BPC internships paid or unpaid?

All internships are paid.

• Fall/Spring: $3,000 stipend (part-time)

• Summer: $6,000 stipend (full-time)

What is the minimum GPA requirement?

There is no minimum GPA requirement. However, most applicants typically have at least a 3.0 GPA.

How many internships are available?

Each semester, multiple departments offer internship positions. Availability varies by team and capacity.

Can I contact BPC to check on my application status?

Applicants are asked not to contact BPC regarding the status of their applications.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

BPC defines diversity as encompassing age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, geographic location, nationality, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

The organization is committed to:

• Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce

• Building an inclusive workplace culture

• Developing policy solutions reflecting diverse perspectives

For more information about the BPC Internship 2026 opportunity, visit here.

Discover more global internship opportunities HERE.