Internships

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation, and respectful dialogue. Founded in 2007 by former Senate Majority Leaders Howard Baker, Tom Daschle, Bob Dole and George Mitchell, BPC combines politically-balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach.

As the only Washington, DC-based think tank that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Our policy solutions are the product of informed deliberations by former elected and appointed officials, business and labor leaders, and academics and advocates who represent both ends of the political spectrum. We are currently focused on health and nutrition, energy, foreign affairs and homeland security, housing, the economy, and democracy.

Further, BPC is committed to seeing our policy solutions enacted by lawmakers. Through the Bipartisan Policy Center Advocacy Network (BPCAN), our (c)(4) affiliate, we engage in advocacy and strategic outreach and education to bolster the legislative center and support efforts that bring Republicans and Democrats together on the difficult issues facing the country.

The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) offers full-time summer, and part-time fall and spring internships each academic semester. Qualified candidates will be highly motivated and energetic self-starters. Interns will assist individual projects and departments in several capacities and should be enthusiastic about working on a variety of tasks. Candidates must be team players and express an interest in one of BPC’s various policy projects or functional areas:

Fall & Spring Programs

During the fall and spring semesters, internships are part-time and unpaid and applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. The fall and spring internship programs at BPC are flexible, allowing students to gain valuable experience while maintaining their regular class schedules. Interns will provide functional support, conduct research, and work directly with project analysts and staff in various capacities.

Summer Program

BPC has a robust summer internship program. Summer interns are paid $12.50/hour for up to 10 weeks of work (cap of $5000). Interns work full time and are assigned to a specific BPC project or functional area.

Interns provide administrative support, assist with events and meetings, conduct research and assist with the development and writing of reports, white papers and proposals. While interns work closely with their project teams, there are also opportunities to learn from and be exposed to the wide range of issues addressed by the organization. The program includes weekly lunches with project directors, senior fellows and other senior members of the organization to discuss policy, politics and career paths.

Application Deadline

Fall internships: August 15
Spring internships: January 4
Summer internships: March 1

Application Process

Please submit all required materials via email tobpcinternships@bipartisanpolicy.org. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to contact those who have not been selected for an internship. No phone calls please.

Required Materials

Cover letter– please indicate your top two areas of interest from BPC’s project and functional areas listed above.
Resume
Writing sample of approximately 3 pages
College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
Please provide phone and email contact information for 1-2 references, including a a professor or other individual familiar with your work.

* Please note that we no longer require the BPC internship application form

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Bipartisan Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer and believes that our work benefits from diversity across the organization. Decisions to hire and promote are made without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local law. We seek to reach a broad and diverse candidate pool in filling our positions.