Women & Public Policy Internship Semester
Application Information

Fall Session: August 28 - December 7, 2007
Spring Session: January 14 - April 25, 2008
Summer Session: May 27 - August 1, 2008

READY TO APPLY? Click here to print an application.

Coursework  

Students participate in a weekly seminar on Women and Work in the Public Policy Arena. During this seminar, participants will:

Students are required to write several journal-style essays and present a brief on a current legislative issue.

Selecting an Internship  

After receiving a student's application and consulting with her by phone or e-mail, PLEN identifies several prospective internship placements.  Spring and fall semester students may interview by phone, or conduct on-site interviews during their first week in Washington, before deciding which internship best meets their interests and needs.  Internships typically start about one week after the program begins.  Summer session students are able to conduct phone interviews prior to selecting an internship.  Click for a list of past internships placements.

Credit and Internship Hours  

Students work a minimum of 32 hours per week in their internships and may earn 12 or more credits from their home institution for PLEN's internship program.  PLEN works with each student and her school to ensure that the school's academic requirements are met.

Possible Credit Arrangements : 
Internship (32 hours a week) & Women and Work in the Public Policy Arena Seminar:  6-9 credits 

Independent Study (policy issue research paper):  3-6 credits 

Program Fees

There is a non-refundable application fee of $55 to be paid by all participants. 

Spring and Fall Semesters

$1,500 for Students from PLEN Member Institutions
$1,875 for Students from PLEN Associate Member Institutions
$2,500 for Students from Non-PLEN Schools

Summer Session  

$870 for Students from PLEN Member Institutions
$1,085 for Students from PLEN Associate Member Institutions
$1,450 for Students from Non-PLEN Schools

Check if your school is a PLEN Member.

The program fee covers:

Click here for more information on obtaining funding for PLEN programs .

Housing

PLEN identifies housing options for participants in the internship semester and allows each participant to choose her own housing. Students who need housing in Washington may choose a dorm setting at a local college or an apartment with other interns near a Metro station.  Both options will cost approximately $1,600 - $2,000 per session.  See the FAQ for more information on housing.

How to Apply

Click here to view and print the Internship Application.   Send the following items to the PLEN office by the deadline indicated on the application:

The cover letter should be addressed to "To Whom It May Concern" and describe your qualifications as well as the policy area and type of organization in which you would like to intern. 

The writing sample should be a complete piece (or an excerpt that stands on its own) that demonstrates your writing ability and knowledge of a relevant subject area. 

The recommendation(s) should address your knowledge about the political and policy process, your leadership or research experience, your passion about the issues and/or your past employment or office skills.

Please see the Career Resources for help with your cover letter, resume, and writing sample or contact the PLEN office. 

Application Deadline

Fall Semester:  July 10, 2006
Spring Semester: November 6, 2007 
Summer Session: February 19, 2008

Note:  Some participating organizations have earlier application deadlines.  Students interested in specific placements, particularly in governmental agencies, should consult PLEN about the deadlines. 

FAQ  
Obtaining Funding  
Possible Internship Placements
Career Resources
Print an Application

If you have questions about any part of the Internship Program or the application process, please contact PLEN at plen@plen.org or call at 202-872-1585.