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 (recent transcript) is required.
• 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 $6,655).
• 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 is provided while in D.C.
• All required office supplies and work materials are provided while in D.C.
• Opportunity to attend 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 for the 2025 Summer Scholars Program will open in January.

Donate to the Summer Scholars Program

• $25 will pay for a Summer Scholar’s metro fare for one week
• $100 will pay for a scholar’s metro fare for one month
• $500 will pay for a scholar’s transportation to and from Washington, D.C.
• $1,750 will pay for a scholar’s summer housing

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 four-year institutions (25% were public flagships), and 37.5% have attended private four-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; 50% are currently working in higher education/policy at institutions, think tanks, or policy organizations; and 39% are currently studying higher education/policy in a master’s and/or doctoral program.
• One alumnus currently sits on the PNPI Board of Directors.
• Three alumni have worked 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 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.

In the videos below, our alumni share testimonials about their experiences. You can also 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 six weeks of the program are remote and the remaining four weeks are held in person in Washington, D.C.

Who is eligible to apply?

Any junior or senior undergraduate student and any graduate student 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 a written response (500 words or less) explaining where in the D.C. federal education policy space they see themselves working in the future (such as conducting research, working on Capitol Hill, working at the Department of Education, or advocating) and how the PNPI experience would help them get there.

Applicants are also required to submit a second submission in video (five minutes or shorter) or written form (500 words or less) that explains what part of PNPI’s program is most appealing to them and what they hope to get out of the experience.

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

Applications for the 2025 Summer Scholars Program will open in early January and close on February 21.

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 Scholar alumni is through our Instagram page. You can also read 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 must 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 are due February 21. Selected candidates will be contacted for initial interviews by late February, and final selections will be 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 prior work experience in higher education or public policy. We want to understand how you see the PNPI Summer Scholars program contributing to your interests and goals.

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

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

What are the working hours for Summer Scholars?

Monday through Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 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 to allow you to 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 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.?

PNPI provides housing at a local university dormitory from June 28 to August 2 while scholars work in Washington, D.C. PNPI also pays for travel expenses to and from D.C.

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 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 necessary to make your intern experience more complete (e.g., internet access, business attire, linens for your 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. Please tell us what motivates you to apply and why this program would help you address your career goals.