Since 2005, the College of Agriculture has supported the Public Policy Internship Program to offer an opportunity for students to work and live in Washington D.C. for eight to ten weeks during the summer. A group of students will be selected to participate in the program to learn about agriculture policy, gain valuable professional experience, and build connections within their field of interest.
The program is open for students in any major in the College of Agriculture. Students will secure a paid or unpaid internship placement that reflects their specific areas of academic or career interests.
APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY
- Purdue University College of Agriculture undergraduate student
- Eligible to work in the United States (I-9 documentation required)
- At least 18 years of age by the start of the internship semester
- Be classified as a sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior
- Maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Interested students are encouraged to attend the fall semester Public Policy Internship Call-out on September 18, 2025 at 4:30 PM in AGAD 121.
- Applications are due online October 15, 2025.
- The application requires a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation.
- Applications are reviewed by a committee shortly after the deadline.
- Students selected for in-person interviews will be contacted in October.
- Selected interns are announced by November/December.
- Selected interns are required to attend the professional development workshops held in the spring.
SEARCHING FOR AN INTERNSHIP
Internship opportunities abound in our nation’s capital. From congressional internships on Capitol Hill to positions with think tanks, international affairs associations, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups, there is truly something for everyone.Selection for the Public Policy Internship Program and national internships is competitive. This is a limited list of resources to get you started.
- Agri-Pulse Communications Internship
- Association of American Universities Internships
- Bipartisan Policy Center
- Boilers Go to DC Maymester Program
- Boilers Go to DC Summer Scholars
- Committee on Agriculture
- Daybook
- DOT Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program
- Department of Transportation Summer Internship Program
- Merck - Animal Health Public Policy & Government Relations Intern
- NASDA Foundation Internship
- Fall Deadline: July 31
- Spring Deadline: November 30
- Summer Deadline: February 28
- NSA Internships and Careers
- Purdue CCO Internship Resources
- US Department of State Internships
- USA Jobs
- US State Department’s Internships and Study Abroad Programs
Grow your skills and network with professionals by attending policy-related events. Click on the title of each event for details.
- Pizza and Politics
Pizza & Politics: Hot Topics is a student-focused forum with nationally known journalists, authors and historians discussing important, current events and issues. Students enjoy great discussion and a free individual Arni’s pizza. - Issues-360 Institute
January 23 and 24, 2026
This program is focused on building your confidence and compassion to discuss critical issues in agriculture in a positive, productive way. You must apply by Nov. 21 to be considered for the program. - CCSE Career Insights
January 21 through February 18, 2026
The weekly Career Insights series features professionals and experts in a variety of career fields. Learn from industry insiders about career pathways, landing internships, and jobs, and leveraging your network for career opportunities. Registration is required.
SUCCESS STORIES
Program participants emerge from their memorable internship experience with soft skill sets that will distinguish them from their peers. Interns are transformed personally and professionally after participating in this program. Program alumni have gone on to become highly successful in their chosen field with many going on to graduate and professional schools.Program alumni have represented Purdue University and the College of Agriculture in the highest regard, providing a distinguished presence in Washington D.C.Past participants have secured internships in the following entities:
- American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE)
- American Farm Bureau Federation
- American Forest and Paper Association
- American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
- Animal Agriculture Alliance
- Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
- Corn Refiners Association
- Congressional Research Services
- Environmental Defense Fund
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Institute of Food Technologists (IFT)
- International Food & Agricultural Trade Policy Council (IPC)
- International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)
- National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA)
- National Center for Food and Agricultural Policy
- National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
- National Pork Producers Council
- Senate Ag Committee
- Smithsonian Institution
- Society for Plastics Manufacturing
- The Pinchot Institute for Conservation
- USDA APHIS
- USDA ARS
- USDA NRCS
- USDA SEL
- United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- World Bank
Former interns share their experience in the Public Policy Internship Program in Washington D.C. and the Indiana Statehouse.
STAY INFORMED
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COMPLETE AN INTEREST FORM
"During my internship, I had the opportunity to write memos detailing environmental legislation, as well as attend committee hearings that discussed environmental issues and how to address these through legislation. Both of these opportunities allowed me to gain valuable knowledge about environmental policy and how it moves through the legislative process."
Marley White
Congressional Intern, Office of Senator Young
Marley White Congressional Intern, Office of Senator Young
"Through this internship program I have grown as a person, both personally and professionally. The tasks and challenges presented to me during my time in DC have only strengthened the leadership and interpersonal skills I have learned during my time at Purdue."
Joley Clodfelter
Policy Intern, American Forest & Paper Association
Joley Clodfelter Policy Intern, American Forest & Paper Association
“Interning in the U.S. Senate for Senator Cardin was an incredibly eye-opening and exciting experience. I got to intern with the environment and infrastructure team where I gained invaluable knowledge about environmental policy and solidified my future career plans. I had the opportunity to work on memos, constituent letters, and a guide about the Inflation Reduction Act grants. I absolutely loved working for the government, and I got to meet great people who are dedicated to serving their constituents.”
Lucy Laudeman
Congressional Intern, Office of Senator Ben Cardin
Lucy Laudeman Congressional Intern, Office of Senator Ben Cardin
“I have a lot more autonomy to take initiative on tasks, hearings, briefings and tours in the congressional office. It’s been an immersive experience and I really enjoy the type of work I am doing. I enjoy that every day I’m diving into a new subject to learn as much as I can in order to report to the Legislative Assistants. The best office-related task so far was attending a USDA briefing on crop insurance and reporting back to the legislative director.” Photo with U.S. Congressman Jim Baird (IN-4)
Morgan Winder
Congressional Intern, Office of Congressman Jim Baird
Morgan Winder Congressional Intern, Office of Congressman Jim Baird
“Washington D.C. was a transformative and life changing experience. Being able to network with policymakers across the district solidified my love for international policy. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Cochran Fellowship team where I helped eligible countries develop agricultural systems necessary to meet the food and fiber needs of their domestic populations. I loved discussing food security methods through agriculture with individuals all around the globe!”
Halee Fisher
Agricultural Economics
Halee Fisher Agricultural Economics