About the White House Internship Program

The President, First Lady, and staff are committed to providing young leaders from all across the nation an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and gain exposure to the public service sector through the White House Internship Program. This program was developed to provide hands-on experience and cultivate such skills.

In addition to the White House Internship Program being available to young leaders who are at least 18 years old, the D.C. Scholars Program is a part-time internship opportunity for young leaders in public and charter high schools within the District of Columbia.

"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I'm proud that they will have this opportunity to serve. I look forward to working with those that are selected to participate and I want to commend all who apply for their desire to help through public service to forge a brighter future for our country."

PRESIDENT OBAMA, MAY 22, 2009

The Program

This select group of young men and women from across the country dedicate their time, talents, energy, and service to better the White House, the community, and the nation. These committed citizens become a part of the White House team. The assignments given to an intern on any given day could include conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, writing memos, and staffing events.

While the interns’ responsibilities and tasks vary by department, all interns are united through weekly events including a weekly speaker series with senior staff members and small group meetings exploring different policy aspects of the Executive Office of the President through speakers and discussion . Most importantly, the internship experience includes an emphasis on service and interns participate in regularly scheduled service projects at schools and non-profit organizations in Washington, D.C.