The White House Internship Program – Summer 2026 : Benefits, Eligibility, & Complete Application Roadmap

The White House Internship Program – Summer 2026 : Benefits, Eligibility, & Complete Application Roadmap

Organization	The White House, Executive Office of the President
Program Name	White House Internship Program – Summer 2026
Category & Level	Internship (Unpaid)
Duty Station	Washington, D.C.
Duration	June 3 – August 7, 2026 (10 weeks)
Salary/Stipend	Unpaid; interns must arrange for their own housing and living expenses
Last Date to Apply	5 January 2026

The White House Internship Program’s mission is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from across the nation, offering hands-on experience and leadership development in public service.

The program is designed to mentor and cultivate young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

This internship provides unique access to the inner workings of the Executive Office, with opportunities to participate in weekly speaker series, professional development sessions, and volunteer projects.

Interns become part of the White House team, working alongside staff and contributing to impactful projects that support the President and the nation.

• Conduct research on policy issues and prepare reports or memos.
• Manage incoming inquiries and correspondence.
• Attend meetings and briefings with senior staff and policymakers.
• Assist in writing speeches, policy briefs, and press releases.
• Staff events and coordinate logistics for presidential engagements.
• Support communications, digital strategy, and outreach initiatives.
• Participate in weekly speaker series and professional development opportunities.
• Volunteer for community projects and contribute to the White House’s mission.

• U.S. citizenship required.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be currently enrolled in or have recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college or university (within two years of graduation).
• Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces with a high school diploma or equivalent and active duty service in the last two years are also eligible.
• Applicants must commit to public service and the mission of the White House.
• Subject to drug testing and security screening.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

Must be currently enrolled in or have completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a college, community college, or university within the last two years. Veterans must have a high school diploma or equivalent.

• Strong commitment to public service and leadership.
• Demonstrated leadership in the community.
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms (for some offices, e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, macOS).

Post	Location	Duration	Work Type
White House Internship (Summer 2026)	Washington, D.C.	June 3 – August 7, 2026	Office-based

Internship opportunities are available across multiple departments (Domestic Policy Council, National Economic Council, Office of Cabinet Affairs, Office of Digital Strategy, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Office of the Second Lady, Office of Legislative Affairs, White House Management Office, White House Photo Office, White House Visitors Office, Office of Political Affairs, Office of Presidential Advance, Office of Presidential Correspondence, Office of Presidential Personnel, Office of Public Liaison, Office of Speechwriting, Office of the First Lady, Office of the Staff Secretary, Office of the Vice President, Office of Communications, White House Press Office, Office of White House Counsel, Office of Presidential Scheduling, White House Travel Office, Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy, National Energy Dominance Council).

No application fee is charged.

• Application Posted: 1 December 2025
• Application Deadline: 5 January 2026
• Acceptance Notifications Begin: 9 February 2026
• Internship Start Date: 3 June 2026
• Internship End Date: 7 August 2026

• Applications are reviewed for commitment to public service, demonstrated leadership, and alignment with the White House mission.
• Applicants must submit a thorough application, including letters of recommendation and any required documentation.
• Finalists are subject to drug testing and security screening.
• Recommendation letters must be submitted via the application portal as PDFs.

• Hands-on experience in the Executive Office of the President.
• Weekly speaker series and professional development workshops.
• Opportunity to participate in community volunteer projects.
• Exposure to a wide range of policy areas and White House operations.

• Unpaid internship; interns must arrange for their own housing and living expenses.
• Work hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (minimum 4.5 days per week).
• No pension or annual leave; interns are not staff members.
• Interns are not eligible for White House staff benefits or positions during the internship.[file:16]
• Interns must undergo security screening and drug testing.

• Interns must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old.
• Interns must have health insurance coverage.
• Interns must be able to work full time for the duration of the internship.
• Interns are expected to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

• Visit the official White House Internship Program page: www.whitehouse.gov.
• Submit your application through the online portal before the deadline.
• Upload all required documents (resume, recommendation letters, proof of eligibility).
• Applications must be completed and submitted by 5 January 2026.

• Apply Online: www.whitehouse.gov
• Program Notification: www.whitehouse.gov
• Official Website: www.whitehouse.gov

• Is the internship paid? No, White House internships are unpaid. Interns must arrange for their own housing and living expenses.
• What is the duration of the internship? 10 weeks (June 3 – August 7, 2026).
• Who can apply? U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in or have recently completed an undergraduate or graduate degree, or veterans with a high school diploma and active duty service in the last two years.
• What are the work hours? Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (minimum 4.5 days per week).
• Is housing provided? No, interns must arrange for their own housing.
• Are there any benefits? No, interns are not eligible for White House staff benefits or positions during the internship.
• Is political preference a factor? No, but applicants must be dedicated to the mission of the White House.
• Are recommendation letters required? Yes, recommendation letters must be submitted via the application portal as PDFs.