One of the most effective methods to learn, develop, and acquire professional skills and experience is by engaging in internships, fellowships, or volunteer opportunities. Below we have curated a selection for students who have a keen interest in comprehending the intricacies of government. These opportunities will allow you to serve communities, learn policy, and cultivate the leadership skills essential for tackling tomorrow's challenges.

Numerous legislators and senior policy staff initiated their careers through these programs, making them an invaluable pathway to gain experience and ascertain whether public service aligns with your aspirations. 

Federal

Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS)

Is a national non-partisan, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander participation and representation at all levels of the political process, from community service to elected office.

Learn more about the various opportunities (APAICS) offers

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)

CBCF advances the global Black community by developing leaders, informing policy, and educating the public.

Learn more about the various opportunities (CBCF) offers

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI)

CHCI provides leadership, public service, and policy experiences to outstanding Latino/a/x students and young professionals, and convenes Members of Congress and other public officials, corporate executives, nonprofit advocates, and thought leaders to discuss issues facing the nation and the Hispanic community.

Learn more about the various opportunities CHCI offers

The Executive Office of the President (EOP)

President Biden and Vice President Harris are committed to building an Administration that looks like America, ensuring that qualified individuals from every background and walk of life have an opportunity to serve our country.  This commitment will be reflected in each individual internship class across the EOP.

Learn more about the various opportunities EOP offers.

State

Capital Fellows Program

The Capital Fellows Programs are nationally recognized public policy fellowships that offer unique experiences in policy-making and development in each branch of California's state government.

Capital Fellows spend 10-11 months as paid, full-time employees working in a Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branch office. Capital Fellows are placed at some of the highest levels of California state government and assist state legislators, senior-level executive staff, and court administrators with a broad range of public policy issues and projects and are typically given assignments with a significant amount of responsibility and challenges.

Learn more about the various opportunities with the Capital Fellows Program

Opportunities through UC/UCR

#CaliforniansForAll College Corps

The #CaliforniansForAll College Corps will help create debt-free pathways to college while engaging students across the state in solving problems in their communities.

Learn more about the opportunities through the UCR College Corps

Department of Political Science

The Ronald O. Loveridge Sacramento Summer Fellowship Program was established in 2015.  The program allows for UCR's rising seniors and recent graduates to spend 10 weeks of the summer working in public service in Sacramento and experiencing the inner workings of California's state government.

Learn more about the opportunities through the Department of Political Science.

School of Public Policy 

UCR School of Public Policy students, both undergraduate and graduate, participate in an internship during the course of their studies. As a professional school, we aim to make our students career ready by the time they graduate, and the internship experience is integral in exposing them to the profession of Public Policy.

Learn more about the opportunities through the School of Public Policy.

UC Washington Center (UCDC)

The UC Washington Center (UCDC) program offers qualified UC undergraduate students from any major an exciting opportunity to combine course work, field research, and professional experience during a quarter's residence in our nation's capital, Washington D.C. 

Learn more about the opportunities with UCDC

Local

Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) 

The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) strives to help its member agencies – 18 cities, the County of Riverside, Eastern, and Western Municipal Water Districts, and the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools – work together to address important regional issues. This fellowship program allows participants to gain hands-on public sector experience in agencies in Western Riverside County while  enriching the local community.

Learn more about the WRCOG Fellowship Program