The Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026 is now officially open, offering aspiring policy professionals a rare opportunity to step inside one of Washington’s most influential policy institutions while receiving a paid monthly stipend of up to $1,000. Designed for students and early-career professionals who believe in pragmatic governance, this competitive internship blends hands-on policy work, real-world exposure, and professional development into a single, career-defining summer experience.
Running from June 2 to August 7, 2026, the program places interns at the center of policy conversations shaping America’s future—covering areas such as economic security, climate change, criminal justice reform, immigration, and state capacity. For applicants seeking paid policy internships in the United States in 2026, this opportunity stands out for both its impact and accessibility.
What the Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026 Offers Selected Interns?
Winning a place in the Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026 means more than just adding a prestigious name to your résumé—it means active participation in policy innovation that crosses ideological boundaries. Interns are fully integrated into the organization’s work and supported throughout the program.
Selected candidates receive a monthly stipend of up to $1,000, ensuring financial support while gaining professional experience. Interns work directly with policy experts, scholars, and federal affairs professionals, contributing to research, communications, and advocacy projects that influence national debate. In addition, interns participate in structured workshops and networking sessions designed to strengthen policy analysis, writing, and collaboration skills, making this internship a strong stepping stone for future careers in public policy, governance, or research.
Who Should Apply for the Niskanen Center Internship 2026?
The internship is tailored for applicants who are motivated by ideas, open dialogue, and practical solutions. If you are eager to work at the intersection of markets, governance, and social policy, this program is built for you.
Basic Eligibility and Ideal Candidate Profile
Applicants should meet the following expectations:
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, governance, or political research
- Commitment to liberal democracy, open societies, and pragmatic problem-solving
- Openness to engaging with diverse and cross-ideological perspectives
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
- Strong writing and analytical skills relevant to policy work.
How to Apply for the Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026
Applying to the Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026 is straightforward and fully streamlined. Candidates submit a single online application package (https://www.niskanencenter.org/internships/), carefully prepared to reflect both skills and motivation.
Applicants are required to submit a current résumé, identify up to two policy departments of interest, include one writing sample of no more than 3,000 words, and provide a concise explanation of why they are applying, limited to 300 words. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, meaning early submission significantly improves visibility and chances of selection.
Application Deadline for Niskanen Center Summer Internships
The last date to apply for the Niskanen Center Summer Internship 2026 is March 8, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and final internship offers will be completed no later than April 3, 2026, with the internship running from June 2, 2026 to August 7, 2026.