Internships with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders

The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Washington, D.C., offers part-time and full-time internships during spring and fall semesters and full-time internships during the summer.  Part-time applicants who can commit to at least 20 hours a week will be considered during the spring and fall semesters.  Interns at the Initiative are responsible for assisting the staff in researching a wide range of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) issues, including education, health, sustainable neighborhoods, economic development, civil rights, and labor and employment.  In addition, interns will help write policy memos and proposals, coordinate events, and conduct outreach to national and local AAPI organizations, elected officials, and ethnic media outlets.

The Initiative is responsible for the implementation of the President's Executive Order 13515 dated October 14, 2009.  Its purpose is to develop, monitor, and coordinate executive branch efforts to improve the quality of life of AAPIs through increased participation in federal programs.  The Initiative is housed at the Department of Education but its scope is government-wide.

Applicants for the Intern positions should be graduate students or undergraduates who are enrolled at least half-time.  Ideally, the candidate will already be familiar with AAPI issues and have outstanding research, writing, and computer skills.

If you are interested in applying, please send a statement that describes (1) one issue that affects the AAPI community, (2) a strategy that you would implement at the Initiative to address that issue, and (3) the organizations and/or federal agencies with whom you would collaborate.
The statement should be submitted to whitehouseaapi@ed.gov and should be no more than one page, single-spaced.  Resumes, transcripts, and cover letters will not be considered at this time, so please limit your submission to the statement.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be notified within two weeks following the deadline.
 Deadline:

• May 15 for  Fall session (Aug-Dec)

All applicants must be:

• At least 18 years of age
• Enrolled in a degree-seeking program at an accredited academic institution
• Authorized to work in the United States

Note: If the applicant is not authorized to work in the United States, the applicant may still be eligible for an internship if (1) the applicant holds a valid student visa (F-1 or M-1), (2) the applicant is enrolled in school in the United States, and (3) the applicant’s school provides documentation that the internship is required for educational purposes.
All internship positions at the Initiative are unpaid.  The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability and genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor.

White House Internship Program

This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office and prepare them for future public service opportunities. Interns are placed in various offices throughout the White House, and are given varying tasks, such as conducting research, managing incoming inquiries, attending meetings, and writing memos.

To view the internship opportunities at the individual agencies that comprise the Initiative’s Interagency Working Group, please visit the following link: http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/aapi/internships