The Women and Public Policy Internship Program is the only Washington, D.C. internship program devoted exclusively to women and public policy and designed specifically for women students.
PLEN places students in challenging public policy internships with research, government and advocacy organizations, helping them find the internship that best matches their interests and skills. Students receive individualized attention in the placement process and throughout the internship. Students work with and learn from women leaders who are outstanding mentors and role models. Interns frequently engage in research and writing projects and may be assigned to cover congressional hearings or monitor legislation.
Participants work with women leaders in policy organizations and agencies in a variety of fields including:
- Environmental Policy
- Women’s Health Issues
- International Policy
- Electoral Politics and Campaigns
- Nonprofit Leadership
- Women’s Advocacy
- Congressional Offices
Coursework
Students participate in a weekly seminar on Women and Work in the Public Policy Arena. During this seminar, participants will:
- Meet with women leaders of other organizations to discuss public policy and career choices.
- Discuss professional issues in the workplace.
- Learn from other PLEN interns through presentations and discussions.
Students are required to write several journal-style essays and present a brief on a current legislative issue.
Credit and Internship Hours
Students work a minimum of 32 hours per week in their internships and may earn 12 or more credits from their home institution for PLEN’s internship program. PLEN works with each student and her school to ensure that the school’s academic requirements are met.
Possible Credit Arrangements:
Internship (32 hours a week) & Women and Work in the Public Policy Arena Seminar: 6-9 credits
Independent Study (policy issue research paper): 3-6 credits
Program Fees
There is a non-refundable application fee of $55 to be paid by all participants.
Spring and Fall Semesters
$1,500 for Students from PLEN Member Institutions
$1,875 for Students from PLEN Associate Member Institutions
$2,500 for Students from Non-PLEN Schools
Summer Session
$870 for Students from PLEN Member Institutions
$1,085 for Students from PLEN Associate Member Institutions
$1,450 for Students from Non-PLEN Schools
The program fee covers:
- One-on-one sessions with PLEN staff to identify internship placements matching the student’s interests and abilities.
- Pre-placement coaching on professional etiquette and interviewing.
- An intimate weekly seminar on Women and Work in the Public Policy Arena.
- Professional advising including connecting with mentors, networking and resume workshops.
Housing
PLEN identifies housing options for participants in the internship semester and allows each participant to choose her own housing. Students who need housing in Washington may choose a dorm setting at a local college or an apartment with other interns near a Metro station. Both options will cost approximately $1,600 – $2,000 per session.
How to Apply
Send the following items to the PLEN office by the deadline indicated on the application:
- completed application
- cover letter
- one-page resume
- two-page writing sample
- at least one letter of recommendation from a supervisor or faculty member
- $55 non-refundable application fee
- a computer CD with the cover letter, resume and writing sample included OR email the cover letter, resume and writing sample to the email address below.
The cover letter should be addressed to “To Whom It May Concern” and describe your qualifications as well as the policy area and type of organization in which you would like to intern.
The writing sample should be a complete piece (or an excerpt that stands on its own) that demonstrates your writing ability and knowledge of a relevant subject area.
The recommendation(s) should address your knowledge about the political and policy process, your leadership or research experience, your passion about the issues and/or your past employment or office skills.
Contact: Public Leadership Education Network
1001 Connecticut Ave NW, Suite 900
Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-872-1585
Fax 202-872-0141
Email: plen@plen.org
Website: http://plen.org/