Student Internship Program
Student opportunities within ONDCP are unpaid and require a minimum commitment of two months, working at least two days a week, for no more than 90 days. This internship opportunity provides an unparalleled experience for a student who wishes to be a part of the workings of a busy policy coordination office within the Executive Office of the President.
Students interested in an internship with ONDCP are required to submit a résumé, cover letter, ONDCP application, at least three references, and a copy of your most recent school transcript.
Participating students have the opportunity to work in various program areas within ONDCP. The duties often entail assisting in the oversight of program policy, conferences, briefings, and meetings. Students also assist with drafting letters, memorandums, and action documents; assisting with planning travel and conference/convention events; as well as performing research, database development, and other challenging assignments. Students must possess good writing and organizational skills, as well as the ability to accept and accomplish multiple tasks simultaneously.
All students tentatively selected are required to submit to urinalysis, to screen for illegal drug use, prior to appointment. Also, a security background interview will be conducted and favorable results must be received to establish a report for duty date.
To control the appearance of impropriety and other prohibited actions, all relatives of ONDCP employees (i.e., career and excepted service employees, detailees, military assignees, and agency representatives) and contractors are excluded from participation in the Unpaid Student Internship Program.
Session Date and Application Deadline
For the fall and spring sessions, the application deadlines represent the date by which application consideration is given. Notification of acceptance will be communicated directly to the applicant.
Spring Session: Between approximately January 11 - May 5
Deadline for internship application submission: No later than November 1
Summer Session: May 1 - August 30
Deadline for internship application submission: No later than March 15
Fall Session: September 4 - December 22
Deadline for internship application submission: No later than August 10
Eligibility
To be eligible, applicant must meet the following requirements:
- 18 years of age, or older, at the time of submitting the application;
- currently enrolled in school; and
- U.S. citizen.
Accreditation
If a student would like to use the ONDCP internship for college credit, accreditation is at the discretion of the student’s college or university. The ONDCP Personnel Office will assist applicants, in coordination with ONDCP mentors, in providing appropriate information to college or university officials to approve accreditation or externships. Arrangements for accreditation must be made before the internship begins.
Office Placement
ONDCP is comprised of 9 components. We suggest each applicant identify the specific component he/she prefers, and at least two additional components. Every effort will be made to accommodate the student’s preference; however, ONDCP will match students with available openings and students may decide whether the selection meets their desires.
Application Details
How to Apply
Please complete all aspects of the ONDCP application thoroughly and honestly. Providing the information requested is voluntary; however, failure to provide complete answers to all questions contained in the application may affect the review and consideration of the Student Internship Application. See the application, below, for further instructions.
A complete application includes:
- Your current resume with a cover letter;
- This form completely filled in;
- A current transcript verifying student enrollment status and showing your grades, if appropriate (if a transcript is not available, as in the case of a first term student, a document from the school registrar confirming enrolled status will suffice);
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On a separate sheet of paper, answers to the following questions:
- Why are you seeking an internship/externship in the Office of National Drug Control Policy and what do you hope to gain from the experience? and
- In what way could you contribute to ONDCP?
- Three references (for each reference, please provide a full name, mailing address, phone number, and, if possible, an email address).
You may contact Brooke Kaplan, ONDCP Human Capital Specialist, with questions at 202.395.6695. Please send your completed application package to bkaplan@ondcp.eop.gov.