Opportunity to Intern For The Obama Administration

Thank you for your interest in serving your country and working for the Obama Administration. The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today's young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

In addition to typical office duties, interns will supplement their learning experience by attending a weekly lecture series hosted by senior White House staff, assist at White House social events, and volunteer in community service projects.
"This program will mentor and cultivate young leaders of today and tomorrow and I'm proud that they will have this opportunity to serve," said President Obama. "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."
White House Internships are full-time unpaid positions and participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and housing for the duration of the program.Applicants are encouraged to contact educational and other non-profit organizations to apply for funding or housing assistance. Applicants can contact local schools for housing opportunities.

Click Here to Apply

Qualifications

Applicants must be:
US Citizens Eighteen years of age on or before the first day of the internship Enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at a college, community college, or university (2-4 year institution) or must have graduated in the past two years from undergraduate or graduate school.

OR
A veteran of the United States Armed forces who possesses a high school diploma or its equivalent and has served on active duty at any time over the past two years is eligible. Application for Summer 2009 InternshipThe summer application process is closed. Applicants will be notified by April 20th of their acceptance into the White House internship program. The program will begin the end of May and end mid-August.

Application for Fall 2009 Internship

A completed application includes: two short essay questions, three letters of recommendation, a resume and an unofficial transcript. Applicants will be notified by July of their acceptance into the White House internship program. The webform to submit your Fall application will go up in late April. Click here to see a sample of the application so you can start preparing your materials. No materials will be accepted until the webform is up including RECOMMENDATIONS.

Application for DC Scholars Internship 2009

The application for the DC Scholars program is now up. This is a program for DC public high school students committed to public service and learning more about the White House. The DC Scholars Internship Program is an unpaid part-time internship. Applicants must be 18 years old by June 22nd to participate in the program. The program runs from June 22nd to August 14th.

Presidential Department Descriptions
The Office of the First LadyThe Office of the First Lady aids Mrs. Obama in all aspects of her public life. The staff is split up into six departments: Chief of Staff, Policy, Communications, Scheduling, Correspondence, and the Social Office. As an intern you could work with staff to develop Mrs. Obama's role in important policy issues, help manage the First Lady's hectic schedule, respond to the many letters she receives, or assist in planning the many events hosted by the First Lady, ranging from musical events to State Dinners.

The White House Communications Department

The Communications Department crafts the message that the President delivers to the country. Through speeches, web videos and even newspaper articles in your hometown paper, the Communications Department keeps the country informed. You will learn about and work with different areas of the media – speechwriting, new media, regional press, surrogate press and message/event planning. The work in the department is fast-paced, challenging, diverse and an exciting place to learn!