PNPI Summer Scholars Program

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university as a rising or current senior undergraduate or graduate student (full- or part-time status). Proof of enrollment is required (recent transcript).
• Must demonstrate financial need. Undergraduate students must have received a Pell Grant in the most recent academic year. Graduate students must have received a Pell Grant in their senior year as an undergraduate AND must demonstrate Pell eligibility for the most recent academic year per the estimated family contribution listed on their Federal Student Aid Report (not more than $6,500).
• All majors/fields of study are accepted, but candidates must indicate an interest in postsecondary education policy.
• Must be able to work 32 hours/week for the duration of the internship.
  Must have access to reliable internet and a computer for the first two weeks of internship.
• Must have excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Must be a self-driven and highly motivated independent worker.
• Priority will be given to applicants who currently live or attend school outside of Washington, D.C., and who have never previously interned in Washington, D.C.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work with the leading provider of professional development for federal policymakers who work on higher education issues
• Competitive hourly wage of $20/hr
• Housing provided while in D.C.
• $300 incidentals stipend provided at the start of the internship
• Transportation costs to and from D.C. provided
• Access to a metro card for commuting expenses provided while in D.C.
• All required office supplies and work materials provided while in D.C.
• Opportunity to attend all PNPI events
• Option to attend a variety of education-related professional development events
• Opportunity to evaluate internship experience and help shape the future of the program
• Mentoring provided by PNPI senior staff

Applications are currently closed.

Alumni demographics

Eighteen scholars have participated in the program since 2016.

• 56% have been women.
• 83% have represented communities of color.
• 62.5% of scholars have attended public 4-year institutions (25% were public flagships) and 37.5% of scholars have attended private 4-year institutions (25% were Ivy League institutions).
• 61% have been graduate students; 39% have been undergraduate students
• 33% have come from institutions on the East Coast, 28% have come from institutions in the Midwest, 6% have come from institutions on the West Coast, and 17% have come from institutions in the South.
• States represented by former scholars include California, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.

Where are they now?

• 89% of alumni are currently working in or studying higher education policy; 44% are currently working in higher education/policy at institutions, think tanks, or policy organizations; and 33% are currently studying higher education/policy in a master’s and/or doctoral program.
• Two alumni are currently presidential management fellows.
• One alumnus currently sits on the PNPI Board of Directors.
• Two alumni currently work as full-time staff at PNPI.

Alumni leave the program with a better understanding of/exposure to:

• Various career paths in postsecondary policy
• History of higher education policy and legislation
• The federal legislative process
• Issues in higher education policy
• The value of networking
• Skills in data analysis, program coordination, and policy writing
• Confidence in speaking with, interacting with, and asking questions of policy experts
• Self-management and self-advocacy

In addition, past Scholars have often reported leaving the program having gained a sense of belonging in the federal policy space.

You can watch testimonials from our alumni reflecting on their experiences in the videos below and read more about our alumni here.

When and where does the program take place?

The PNPI Summer Scholars Program is a hybrid experience. The first few weeks of the program are remote and the remaining weeks are held in person in Washington, D.C.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any junior or senior undergraduate student and any graduate student who is enrolled at an accredited college or university full- or part-time is eligible to apply. Applicants must be able to demonstrate financial need. All majors and fields are welcome, but applicants must demonstrate an interest in higher education policy.

What do I need to complete my application?

In addition to a complete application, applicants are required to submit:

• A résumé
• A copy of recent transcript verifying enrollment status (unofficial or official)
• Undergraduate students must submit a copy of their most recent financial aid award letter.
• Graduate students are required to submit a copy of their student aid report (SAR) and financial aid award letter from their senior year (accessible via https://www.nslds.ed.gov/npas).
• Contact information for two references (not recommendation letters)

Are there essay questions in the application?

All applicants are required to submit two short responses—one written and one video.

The written response should answer these questions in 500 words or less: Tell us why you are interested in learning more about federal higher education policy and how it works. How would this experience help you advance in your career or academic studies?

The video response should answer these questions in five minutes or less: There are many internship opportunities for students in Washington, D.C. Tell us what part of PNPI’s program is most appealing to you and what you hope to get out of this experience.

When are applications due? Can I send my transcript at a later date?

Applications for the 2024 Summer Scholars Program were due on February 23.

I am a graduate student. Can I still apply after I have completed my graduate degree?

Students who have graduated before the start of the internship may apply as long as they are enrolled in school when their application is submitted.

Is there an opportunity to talk to previous Summer Scholars?

The best way to hear from our Summer Scholars alumni is through our Instagram page. You can also read more about our alumni and watch their reflections on our website.

Do Summer Scholars need to meet a minimum GPA requirement? What is a competitive GPA?

The Summer Scholars Program does not have a minimum GPA requirement. The selection process considers all components of the application materials, including the essay, references, résumé, and ability to demonstrate financial need.

Do I need recommendation letters? What type of references can I use?

Letters of recommendation are not required, but you will need to provide two references. These references can be professors or managers whom you have recently worked with and who can attest to your work, academics, and overall interest in federal higher education policy. The selection committee will contact references for top candidates under consideration.

Is there an interview?

A select number of candidates will be selected to participate in an initial screening interview via phone. After screening interviews are complete, a small number of candidates will be invited to participate in a second, more formal interview via Zoom. There may be additional interviews after the second round.

How are candidates selected?

After reviewing and scoring applications, our scholar selection committee recommends a small number of candidates to participate in an initial screening call. Once screening calls are complete, a smaller subset of candidates are invited to participate in a more formal interview over Zoom. Ultimately, two candidates will be selected to participate in the program.

What is the timeline for candidate selection?

Applications were due February 23. Selected candidates were contacted for initial interviews by late February and final selections were made by mid-March. Candidates may reach out regarding the status of their application at any time by emailing us at pnpi@pnpi.org.

How can I stand out as a competitive applicant?

By being yourself! While we prioritize students with no prior internship experience at the federal level and/or in Washington, D.C., what is most important for us to see is that you have a demonstrated interest in federal higher education and public policy. Interest can be demonstrated in many forms and does not require you to have prior work experience in higher education or public policy. We want to understand how you see the PNPI Summer Scholars program contributing to your current interests and future goals.

Can I still take summer online courses during the Summer Scholar program?

Yes! Previously, Summer Scholars with academic commitments during the program were able to balance coursework with their work schedule. However, please remember scholars are required to work 32 hours per week, generally between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

What are the working hours for Summer Scholars?

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. ET and Friday, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. with some flexibility depending on events.

What is the compensation?

Summer Scholars earn an hourly wage of $20/hour and should expect to work 32 hours per week.

Can I apply for academic credit for the program?

We are happy to work with your institution so you can receive credit for your participation in the PNPI Summer Scholars program.

What type of professional development can I expect to receive as a Summer Scholar?

As a PNPI Summer Scholar you are a full member of the team and will gain experience in all aspects of our work from assisting with our events to updating our web resources and attending and reflecting on congressional hearings and Washington policy events. You will also have a chance to network with leaders across all sectors focused on federal higher education policy.

Is housing provided for the program? Where do scholars live in D.C.?

Housing is provided at the George Washington University dormitories from June 7 to August 3 while scholars are working in Washington, D.C. Travel expenses to and from D.C. are also paid for by PNPI.

What kind of office setting can I expect?

• During the virtual part of the program, scholars may work from home or another venue of their choice (e.g., school). PNPI will provide scholars with basic office supplies, but scholars must provide their own internet connection and have access to a computer.
• PNPI will provide office space in downtown D.C. to accommodate the Summer Scholars during the in-person part of the program.
• PNPI will also provide a prepaid Metro card to cover scholars’ travel to and from our D.C. office.

What can the stipend PNPI provides at the beginning of the internship be used for?

Scholars may use the stipend to cover any added incidental expenses they deem necessary to make their intern experience more complete (e.g., business attire, linens for their dorm in D.C., extra office supplies).

Where can I receive support to complete my application?

Please email pnpi@pnpi.org with any questions or concerns regarding your application.

How can I confirm my application was received?

You will be notified via email when PNPI has received your completed application.

How many applications do you get each year?

The number of applications varies year to year. The process is always competitive, with many more applications than available spots.

Would my chances of being selected be lower if I do not have much experience in public policy or public service?

Not at all! We realize that many applicants are looking at programs like ours to gain experience in these spaces. We ask that you tell us what motivates you to apply and why this program would help you address your career goals.