The Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award is offering a $3,000 stipend to students and recent graduates who have secured qualifying government internships. The program is designed to support public-sector experience while helping recipients build career-relevant skills in government and public service.
Key facts
- The award provides a $3,000 stipend for approved government internships.
- Eligible applicants include enrolled undergraduate or graduate students, junior or senior undergraduates, and recent graduates within the last two years.
- Applicants must already have a government internship with a local, state or federal government office or agency.
- The program gives priority to first-generation students, nontraditional students and Pell Grant recipients.
- Applications are accepted three times a year, with 2026 cycles listed for summer, fall and spring.
What does this mean for students and recent graduates?
It means eligible applicants can receive financial support while completing internships in government. That can make public-service experience more accessible for students and recent graduates who have already secured a qualifying placement and want to strengthen their careers in public service.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program, be a junior or senior undergraduate, or have graduated within the last two years. They also must already have a qualifying government internship in place. The internship must be with a local, state or federal government office or agency.
What internships qualify?
The internship must be with a government employer at the local, state or federal level. Internships at universities and nonprofit organizations are not eligible. For fall and spring internships, the position must require at least 10 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks. For summer internships, it must require at least 15 hours per week for at least 8 weeks.
How does the application process work?
Applicants submit an application form that asks for personal information, a resume, three short-answer responses and details about the secured internship. Each short answer must be between 100 and 300 words. The program says strong applications are well organized, clear, authentic and motivated by a genuine interest in public service.
When are the deadlines?
For 2026, the summer cycle opened on February 23 and closed on April 17. The fall cycle opened on June 1 and closes on September 14. The spring 2027 cycle opens on October 16, 2026, and closes on November 20, 2026.
When will applicants hear back?
Applicants can generally expect a decision about three weeks after the deadline. Award funds are typically sent no later than one month after decisions are announced.
Frequently asked questions
Does the award accept nonprofit or university internships?
No. The internship must be with a local, state or federal government office or agency. Internships at universities and nonprofits are not eligible.
What are recipients required to do after being selected?
Recipients must sign an acknowledgement letter, complete a W-9 form, provide a headshot and biography for promotional purposes, participate in a virtual cohort check-in and complete an exit survey.
