biden institute summer internship program
Selected students will have the opportunity to work in person or remotely with our amazing partner organizations.
These paid, career-focused 8-10 week internships will provide students with hands-on experience in public policy, communications, event planning, and advocacy with non-profit organizations and government agencies.
Rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher are encouraged to apply.
Applications are now closed. If you have any questions, please email us at bideninstitute@udel.edu.
Application requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Two (2) references
Qualifications:
- Excellent writing, editing and research skills.
- Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented, well-organized, and reliable.
- Able to work independently and take initiative.
- Excellent technical skills and social media savvy.
- Strong organizational, planning, and management skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and G-Suite.
- Clear grasp of the policy and lawmaking process.
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment in formulating and recommending policy positions.
- Ability to adapt and respond quickly to changing landscapes and to work well under pressure and deadlines.
- Experience managing multiple projects and the ability to handle competing deadlines.
- Ability to project confidence and competency when working with senior members of the legislative and executive branches.
2026 internship host sites
Department/Unit: Operations
Description: Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all.
Responsibilities: As a small nonprofit, Active Minds relies on the help of our interns tremendously as they work directly on important initiatives and projects and assist staff on a variety of administrative tasks. Interns have the opportunity to do substantive work, gain experience in the nonprofit sector, and help change the culture around mental health. Working virtually, this intern will support the Operations team on a number of cross-organization initiatives and operations projects, including our 2026 Mental Health Conference, internal processes/systems development, data management, and the hiring of the Fall internship program. They will have the opportunity to learn about the behind-the-scenes workings of a mental health nonprofit.
Location: Remote
Department/Unit: Policy
Description: CleanCapital is a diversified clean energy company focused on the middle-market solar and storage industry. Mission-driven to mitigate the climate crisis, CleanCapital leads the energy transition with strategic investments in early-stage, new construction, and operating renewables projects and development partners. To date, the company has invested $1.5 billion in projects and companies, including the acquisition of BQ Energy, a national leader in landfill and brownfield renewable energy development. The company has successfully acquired and managed over 230 operating and new construction projects in 26 states and one U.S. territory, totaling 460 MW.
Responsibilities: The Policy & Market Development intern will work with the team to shape and track policy changes that affect the development and financing of commercial and community solar projects and energy storage projects. The Intern will analyze new energy storage and non-residential solar market opportunities, track federal and state energy policy and regulatory updates, and provide state-specific program guidance in solar and energy storage markets nationwide in coordination with CleanCapital’s Policy and Market Development team.
The Intern will help the Policy and Market Development team keep the company updated on key policy changes that will have a meaningful impact on the company’s solar and/or storage project pipeline and anticipate changes that could change the company’s prioritization of markets.
Core Responsibilities
- Track, analyze, and communicate, federal and state-level regulatory dockets, pending legislation, stakeholder working groups, and other sources to understand the nuances of state solar and energy storage markets.
- Create detailed summaries and regular reports of state and federal solar policy developments.
- Research energy markets, renewable energy credit markets, or state programs that provide or underpin CleanCapital solar and storage assets.
- Support the project acquisition and development team in analyzing how policy issues impact deal valuation.
- Represent the company before industry associations, government officials, and other external engagements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job description may evolve over time.
Location: This position is a fully remote position, with the option of having a hybrid work schedule if located near our NYC or Buffalo office locations.
Description: The Delaware Center for Justice, Inc. is a statewide non-profit dedicated to improving the justice system and supporting people affected by it. We fulfill our mission through an extensive range of programs and services, public education, and advocacy. DCJ is conveniently located in downtown Wilmington in the Community Service Building, offers free parking and is located near public bus routes
Responsibilities: This hybrid internship is ideal for students who wish to gain experience working in an office environment while also gaining insight into nonprofit organizations and criminal justice. Primary duties could include but are not limited to:
- Provide administrative assistance & support to front desk.
- Assist the organization with managing correspondence.
- Attend meetings with DCJ Leadership that may include DOC, ODS, DCJ Board, and others as scheduled.
- Meet with program staff to discuss DCJ’s programs and assist with reports.
- Write acknowledgment letters and update donor records.
- Investigate potential donor opportunities with the Development Coordinator.
- Assisting with the planning and execution of public education events
- Other tasks as identified by management and staff
Qualifications:
Interns should be current college students or recent graduates. Ideal candidates will be familiar with Microsoft Word, Excel, and databases such as Canva. Individuals with basic knowledge of the criminal justice system and/or social science topics are preferred. Previous office experience is a plus.
Location: Wilmington, DE (hybrid)
Department/Unit: Policy and Communications
Description: Coalition for a Safer Delaware (c3) and Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence (c4) seeks to end gun violence in Delaware and nationwide through policy, partnerships, and prevention education programs. We advocate for common sense gun laws.
Responsibilities: Interns will shadow the executive director in Dover, engage with elected officials, write policy calls to action for constituents and support social media to engage Delawareans in advocacy. Once the legislative session ends on June 30, interns will finalize a policy brief to summarize DECAGV’s work during the 152nd General Assembly. Additional advocacy materials will be updated and strengthened.
Location: Dover, DE (hybrid)
Description: The Office of Women's Advancement and Advocacy (OWAA) stands as an authoritative and indispensable resource on the well-being of women and girls in Delaware. With a deep commitment to advancing gender equity, OWAA is uniquely positioned to serve as a critical thought partner to the Governor's Office, the Legislature, and the Secretary of the Department of Human Resources on issues impacting women. Part of OWAA's mandate is to provide comprehensive technical assistance, including data analysis, research, best practices, and public policy recommendations. This expertise enables OWAA to offer informed guidance and strategic input on policies that affect Delaware women and girls, assuring that decisions are grounded in evidence and aligned with the best interests of the community. The Office of Women's Advancement and Advocacy also oversees the Delaware Commission for Women and the Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Committee. The Delaware Commission for Women advises OWAA on strategic planning, project development and programming. The Delaware Women's Hall of Fame Committee fosters an understanding of, and an appreciation for, the many contributions Delaware women have made to their homes, communities, the state, and nation, and annually recognizes the achievements of remarkable Delaware women.
Responsibilities: The OWAA policy intern will primarily focus on researching and drafting a memo of policy and program ideas to address the needs of women and girls in Delaware. Since OWAA approaches “women’s issues” in a broad and intersectional way, this memo will include a wide range of issues, including health, education and economic security. And since OWAA is housed within the Department of Human Resources, this memo will also include ideas for addressing the needs of women within the state workforce.
- Assess and analyze any gaps in the policy and program landscape for Delaware women and girls.
- Identify new and emerging policies and programs to improve the lives of Delaware women and girls.
- Draft a persuasive and well-research policy memo of policy and program ideas for consideration.
- Represent OWAA at offsite meetings and events, take notes, and report back.
- Assisting with the staffing of OWAA events.
Location: Delaware (hybrid)
Department/Unit: Policy and Government Affairs
Description: The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America's largest civil rights organization working to achieve LGBTQ+ equality. By inspiring and engaging individuals and communities, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people plus community members who use different language to describe identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
Responsibilities:
- Play an active role in the nation's largest LGBTQ+ equality organization.
- Gain valuable professional skills while developing your voice as an LGBTQ+ advocate and leader.
- Find your role in program areas, ranging from political to development, communications to education.
- Connect with some of the foremost LGBTQ+ and allied leaders through educational brown bag seminars and other events.
Interns must complete and pass a background check.
Location: Washington, DC (in-person or remote)
Description: McLarty Associates, an Ankura Company, is the global strategy firm led by former Clinton White House Chief of Staff Thomas F. “Mack” McLarty, III, former Deputy Secretary of State John D. Negroponte, and President Lee Feinstein. Since 1998, MA has built a team of nearly 100 seasoned international specialists to help corporate and non-profit clients manage policy and government issues around the world. With offices in Washington, Beijing, and Brussels, our people can be found in over twenty countries. In 2022, McLarty Associates joined Ankura Consulting, an independent global expert services and advisory firm. The Ankura-McLarty combination delivers comprehensive solutions to handle disputes, navigate distress, manage risk, address financial and operational challenges, and execute programs that resolve policy, regulatory, government, and diplomatic issues that companies face anywhere in the world.
Responsibilities:
As a fellow, your primary role will be to support the McLarty Trade Policy Practice in support of client needs, as well as work on a variety of projects with different engagement teams. The program aims to give you exposure to the breadth of our services and client work. You will work closely with our professionals – Associate through Director – and gain first-hand experience in geopolitical advisory. Your assignments may involve work in news tracking, political analysis, memo writing, and/or note-taking at client meetings.
Interns perform a wide range of functions that may include monitoring news outlets; preparing presentations and other client deliverables; conducting research and analysis of economic, political, trade, technology, public policy, international, financial, and business issues; assisting firm-wide communications; assisting professional staff with general office and administrative support; and other duties as assigned.
• Current students who possess an understanding or interest in international politics, economics, trade, and government relations.
• Strong research skills;
• Excellent writers;
• Exceptionally organized with an independent and creative nature;
• Strong critical thinkers;
• Inclined to take initiative and anticipate the needs of the team;
• Attentive to details;
• Able to operate in a fast-paced work environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality;
• Able to remain poised under pressure and juggle multiple projects at a time;
• Proficient with PowerPoint, Excel, Office 365, and other business applications and media platforms.
Location: Washington, DC
Department/Unit: Community Education Team
Description: Mental Health Association in Delaware is a non-profit mental health education and advocacy organization that provides knowledge, support and resources to create a welcoming community where everyone feels supported, valued, and cared for throughout their mental health and recovery journey.
Responsibilities: MHA is the legislatively mandated organization that houses Delaware Suicide Prevention Coalition (DSPC), so we work closely with the members of the coalition to support suicide prevention efforts in Delaware thus giving an intern the opportunity to attend various meetings, community helper trainings, and research policy around suicide prevention. (Since we hope by the time an intern would start Delaware’s Office of Suicide Prevention position will be filled). MHA works closely with interns to be able to tailor tasks and responsibilities that will help prepare them for future career goals.
Location: Wilmington, DE (hybrid)
Description: Congresswoman Sarah McBride proudly represents the greatest state in the nation, and our country’s First State, Delaware, as its sole member of Congress. She is deeply committed to expanding access to health care, advocating for paid family and medical leave, and protecting Delaware’s workers and families. She is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. With deep roots in the first state, Congresswoman McBride is a passionate advocate for the needs of every community which informs her work in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities: Interns in Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s office will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight into Congress and the legislative process. Interns may be asked to answer phones, research legislation for the staff, take notes at briefings and hearings, or complete other administrative duties for the office.
Location: Wilmington, DE or Washington, DC (in-person) - please indicate in your cover letter your preferred office.
Department/Unit: Communications or Policy
Description: The Office of the Governor includes policy, legal, constituent relations, communications and other activities in order to coordinate across state agencies and branches of government and communicate with constituents across the state.
Responsibilities: Interns will assist the Office of the Governor staff by serving Delaware residents and gaining knowledge about state government. Potential projects and responsibilities include drafting proclamations, tributes, and event memos; answering constituent calls; conducting policy research; and attending events such as a cabinet speaker series and legislative hearings.
Location: Wilmington, DE or Dover, DE (hybrid options available)
Description: The Office of the Lieutenant Governor is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support policy, legislative, and programmatic work across a range of issue areas. This internship offers hands-on exposure to state government operations, legislative processes, and interagency collaboration. The intern will work closely with the Chief of Staff to support ongoing initiatives while developing research, writing, and policy analysis skills.
Responsibilites:
- Attend legislative committee hearings and other relevant meetings
- Prepare clear and concise post-hearing summaries and reports
- Track legislation relevant to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and assigned program areas
- Learn about and support the work of office iniaitives and committees, including but not limited to:
○ Behavioral Health Consortium
○ Food Is Medicine Committee
○ Board of Pardons
○ Interagency Resource Management Committee
○ State Employee Benefits Committee - Assist with preparation for meetings, briefings, and policy discussions as needed
- Attend office events and external meetings as required
- Identify a policy issue within one of the office’s program areas and:
○ Conduct a policy scan and background research
○ Analyze best practices or comparable approaches
○ Develop a written proposal outlining an opportunity for policy or programmatic advancement
- Current enrollment in or recent graduation from an undergraduate or graduate program in public policy, political science, public administration, law, health policy, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in state government, public policy, and legislative affairs.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work independently.
- Professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.
Location: Delaware
Description: As a U.S. Senator for more than a decade, Chris Coons has worked hard to find bipartisan solutions to the issues facing Delaware, the nation, and the world. Putting pragmatism ahead of politics, Chris has partnered with Republicans and Democrats alike to address key issues like economic competitiveness, foreign policy, climate change, and intellectual property. He sits on the Appropriations, Judiciary, Foreign Relations, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committees, and vice chairs the bipartisan Select Committee on Ethics. A longtime New Castle County resident, Chris served as New Castle County Council President and New Castle County Executive prior to his election to the U.S. Senate. He lives in Wilmington with his wife, Annie. They have three children: Michael, Jack, and Margaret.
Responsibilities:
- Wilmington - State office interns interact with Senator Coons, his staff, and Delaware constituents on a daily basis. They act as support to Senator Coons and the office staff through a wide variety of duties, including addressing constituent concerns, assisting the casework team, researching legislative issues, monitoring relevant news outlets, preparing memos and helping to organize outreach events.
- Washington, DC - Legislative interns work with the Senator and staff in his DC-based office. Interns support Senator Coons and staff through projects, including researching legislative issues, drafting memos and addressing constituent concerns. Interns also attend constituent meetings and congressional hearings, help organize outreach events, lead Capitol tours for constituents and assist with office operations.
Location: Wilmington, DE (in-person) or Washington, DC (in-person)
Please indicate on your cover letter which location you would like to apply for.
Description: Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester was born in Philadelphia but was raised in Wilmington, Delaware. Her father, Ted Blunt, was an educator and served on the Wilmington City Council as Council President. It was through his advocacy on the City Council that she first witnessed the power of public service to transform lives and uplift communities.
She made history in 2016 after being elected as Delaware’s House member at large. This marked the first time Delaware sent a woman or person of color to Congress. In 2024, she was elected to the Senate after serving four terms in the House of Representatives.
Responsibilities: The Office of Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) seeks motivated, organized, and hardworking college students and recent graduates committed to public service to serve as interns in our Delaware offices this Summer.
Interns in the Senator’s offices in Delaware work closely with staff throughout the State to develop a thorough knowledge of local issues and constituent needs. Interns support office staff and answer constituent calls, conduct research, and monitor local news outlets for daily developments. State interns have the opportunity to attend events with Senator Blunt Rochester, such as constituent events and town hall meetings.
Successful candidates will possess excellent written and oral communication skills, willingness to contribute to a team environment, and eagerness to learn about the political process and congressional affairs. Delaware ties are preferred.
Location: Delaware
Description: The United States Conference of Mayors (USCM) is the official non-partisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are over 1,400 such cities in the country today. Each city is represented in the conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. The conference serves as the leading advocacy group for cities. Mayors contribute to the development of national urban policy by serving on one or more of the conference’s standing committees. Cities are invited to share best practices on how they tackled challenges in a variety of issue areas. These are collected and showcased in various reports, surveys, forums and on our website.
Responsibilities: Policy interns will work with USCM staff on an issue of interest to the student. This could be a particular urban policy or best practice. Interns will also assist USCM staff in preparation for the annual meeting.
Location: Washington, DC (remote or in-person)
