University of California Legislative Intern Summer 2026 (Washington, DC) — $19/hr Federal Policy Internship

The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) has officially opened applications for the Legislative Intern position for 2026 at its Washington, D.C. office. The part-time, paid internship offers $19 per hour and places selected students within the Federal Governmental Relations team, where they will support federal advocacy, legislative tracking, and policy work involving Congress and federal agencies. The first application review will begin February 27, 2026.

About the UC Washington Office

The Office of the President represents the entire University of California system — including its ten campuses, medical centers, and national laboratories — before the federal government. From its Washington center, the team works with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies on education funding, research programs, health policy, and public service initiatives.

This internship allows students to see how a major public university system communicates with policymakers and protects its research and education priorities at the national level.

What You Will Do

The Legislative Intern supports policy staff and becomes part of the daily workflow of a government relations office.

Legislative & Policy Work (Major Portion)

• Track federal legislation affecting higher education and research

• Monitor policy developments and prepare updates

• Identify opportunities and challenges related to UC’s federal priorities

• Help develop advocacy strategies and policy materials

• Complete a lobbying capstone project on an assigned issue

Administrative & Advocacy Support

• Help schedule meetings with federal officials

• Assist with advocacy events and outreach

• Prepare briefings, talking points, and fact sheets

• Support stakeholders before meetings with policymakers

• Distribute advocacy information across UC and federal contacts

You will regularly follow congressional activity and learn how institutions present policy positions to decision-makers.

Eligibility Requirements

This internship is designed specifically for UC students.

You must:

• Be a University of California undergraduate student

• Participate in the UCDC Washington Program

• Show interest in federal policymaking

• Be organized and able to work both independently and in a team

• Have strong communication and analytical skills

Preferred:

• Legislative or policy research experience

• Strong academic performance

• Microsoft Office familiarity (Outlook, OneDrive, PowerPoint)

Work Schedule & Conditions

• Location: Washington, D.C.

• Pay: $19/hour

• Schedule: In-person Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

• Type: Part-time internship

• Background check required before employment

Applicants must submit:

• Resume

• Cover letter

• Writing sample

Skills You Will Gain

• Policy analysis

• Legislative tracking

• Advocacy communication

• Government relations

• Professional writing

• Stakeholder coordination

This experience is especially useful for students planning careers in law, public policy, government service, education policy, or lobbying.

Why This Internship Matters

Most policy students study government processes in textbooks. Here, you will watch those processes happen in real time. You will follow legislation as it moves, help prepare advocacy materials, and assist in conversations between institutional leaders and federal officials.

You will learn how funding decisions, research programs, and education policies are influenced — and how large organizations responsibly advocate for their priorities.

Students interested in public affairs careers should apply early, as Washington-based government relations internships with major institutions are limited and highly competitive.

Apply Here

For More Opportunities Please Follow Our Whatsapp Channel