Carter Center Educational Programs 2026: Paid Internships and Graduate Assistantships (Complete Guide)

Key Details

Organization: The Carter Center
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA (in-person)
Programs: Paid Internships and Graduate Assistantships
Focus Areas: Peace, Health, Democracy, Human Rights, International Development, Operations
Internship Stipend:

• Spring (15 weeks): $5,100

• Summer (10 weeks): $3,400

• Fall (15 weeks): $5,100

Graduate Assistantship Compensation:

• $18.50 per hour

• 9–12 months, 20 hours per week

Internship Deadlines:

• Summer 2026: March 2, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Fall 2026: June 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

Graduate Assistantship Deadlines:

• Application Opens: February 13, 2026

• Application Deadline: April 23, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Recommendation Letters Deadline: April 30, 2026

Who Can Apply:

• Undergraduate juniors or seniors

• Graduate students

• Recent graduates (within 24 months)

• International students authorized to work in the U.S.

Introduction

The Carter Center Educational Programs provide structured professional opportunities for students and early-career professionals interested in advancing global peace, public health, democracy, and operational excellence. With more than four decades of experience and nearly 4,000 participants worldwide, the program has become a recognized pathway for individuals pursuing careers in international development, policy, and nonprofit leadership.

Through paid internships and graduate assistantships, participants gain hands-on experience supporting real projects while building practical skills, professional networks, and career direction.

About the Carter Center Educational Programs

The Educational Programs were created to cultivate informed and committed leaders who can contribute meaningfully to global peace and health initiatives. Participants work alongside experts and program teams, applying academic knowledge to practical challenges while gaining exposure to the realities of international development work.

The programs emphasize professional growth, mentorship, and experiential learning, helping participants explore career pathways and strengthen technical and leadership competencies.

Carter Center Internship Program

Program Overview

The Carter Center Internship Program offers diverse opportunities for students and recent graduates to gain professional experience across peace, health, and operational initiatives. Interns contribute directly to ongoing projects while developing skills relevant to careers in international affairs, nonprofit management, public health, and global policy.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Undergraduate students who have completed at least two years of study (minimum 60 credit hours in the U.S. system)

• Graduate students currently enrolled or enrolled within the last 24 months

• Recent graduates who completed their undergraduate degree within the past 24 months

Additional requirements include:

• Authorization to work in the United States

• No citizenship restrictions

• International students enrolled at U.S.-based institutions may apply with approval from their host institution

All internship opportunities are based in Atlanta, Georgia.

Internship Compensation

Internships are paid through a stipend structure:

• Spring Semester (15 weeks): $5,100

• Summer Semester (10 weeks): $3,400

• Fall Semester (15 weeks): $5,100

Internship Program Areas

Internship placements are available across three major divisions:

Peace Programs

• China Focus(opens in new window)
• Conflict Resolution Program(opens in new window)
• Democracy(opens in new window)
• Human Rights Program(opens in new window)
• Inform Women, Transform Lives(opens in new window)
• Latin America and Caribbean Focus(opens in new window)
• Office of the Vice President of Peace(opens in new window)
• Rule of Law(opens in new window)

Health Programs

• International Public Health(opens in new window)
• Mental Health Program(opens in new window)
• Special Health Projects(opens in new window)

Operations Programs

• Communications(opens in new window)
• Development(opens in new window)
• Educational Programs(opens in new window)
• People Operations & Programs (Human Resources)(opens in new window)
• Information Technology(opens in new window)
• Strategy, Innovation and Learning(opens in new window)
• Volunteer Services/Art Collection(opens in new window)
• Overseas Operations(opens in new window)
• DEI & Internal Communications

 

Intern Experience and Career Impact

Participants often describe the internship as a launching point for professional growth. Interns gain exposure to international development leadership, apply academic knowledge in real contexts, and build practical skills valued across the nonprofit and policy sectors.

Former interns have contributed to projects related to election observation, governance, and regional initiatives while developing expertise that supports future graduate study and professional advancement.

Carter Center Graduate Assistantship Program

Program Overview

The Graduate Assistantship Program offers a limited number of funded opportunities for master’s and doctoral students seeking deeper engagement in research and program implementation. Graduate assistants work closely with program teams and contribute to substantive projects while balancing academic commitments.

Program Structure

• Duration: 9–12 months

• Workload: 20 hours per week

• Location: Atlanta, Georgia

• Compensation: $18.50 per hour

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled in a master’s or doctoral program throughout the assistantship

• Have completed at least two semesters of graduate-level coursework at the start of the program

• Remain enrolled until the end of the assistantship

Students who graduate before the assistantship concludes are not eligible.

Graduate Assistantship Program Areas

Peace

• Conflict Resolution(opens in new window)
• Democracy Program(opens in new window)
• Inform Women, Transform Lives(opens in new window)
• China Focus(opens in new window)

Health

• Mental Health Program(opens in new window)
• Trachoma Control Program(opens in new window)

Operations

Application Dates and Deadlines

Internships

Summer 2026 Session

• Application Deadline: March 2, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Start Date: May 19, 2026

Fall 2026 Session

• Application Deadline: June 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Start Date: August 25, 2026

Graduate Assistantships

• Application Opens: February 13, 2026

• Application Deadline: April 23, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET)

• Recommendation Letters Deadline: April 30, 2026

Why Apply to the Carter Center Educational Programs

These programs are highly valuable for individuals seeking careers in international development and global impact. Key benefits include:

• Paid professional experience

• Exposure to peacebuilding and global health initiatives

• Opportunities to apply academic training in real-world contexts

• Access to experienced mentors and professionals

• Strong preparation for graduate study or careers in NGOs, policy, and international organizations

How to Apply and Contact Information

Applications are submitted through the Carter Center Educational Programs portal. Candidates can apply for internships or graduate assistantships depending on eligibility.

For questions and eligibility clarification:

Email: EducationalPrograms@CarterCenter.org

Conclusion

The Carter Center Educational Programs offer a competitive and practical pathway for students and early-career professionals committed to advancing peace and health worldwide. With paid positions, structured mentorship, and meaningful project experience, the internships and graduate assistantships provide strong preparation for long-term careers in international development and global leadership.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare early and submit strong, well-tailored applications before the deadlines.

Source: https://www.cartercenter.org/educational-programs/#dates