The USDA Internship Program 2027 in USA offers an unpaid, in-person professional experience in Washington, D.C., for U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and interested in public service, agriculture, science, policy, and community development. Interns work at the USDA Whitten Building, where they take on guided assignments and join department-wide programming while building practical federal service skills.
Key facts
- The internship is based in Washington, D.C., at the USDA Whitten Building.
- It is an in-person program with Monday-Friday hours, generally from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- The opportunity is unpaid, and interns must arrange their own housing and relocation.
- Eligible applicants are U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old.
- Participants may work on research, program operations, data analysis, communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement.
What does this mean for students and recent graduates?
For students, recent graduates, and young professionals who meet the citizenship and age requirements, the main value of this internship is direct exposure to federal work inside USDA. The role combines hands-on assignments with mentorship, so it can help applicants develop practical skills in public service and understand how a major department operates.
The catch is that the program is unpaid and based on site in Washington, D.C. That means applicants need to plan for housing and relocation costs themselves. The program also includes department-wide lunch and learn sessions with USDA leaders and subject-matter experts, which may be useful for networking and learning across mission areas.
- Who can apply: U.S. citizens age 18 and older.
- Where it takes place: USDA Whitten Building, Washington, D.C.
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, generally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Cost: unpaid; housing and relocation are the applicant’s responsibility.
What kind of work do interns do?
Intern responsibilities can vary by office and mission area, but the program includes research, program support, data analysis, drafting communications, outreach, and stakeholder engagement. Those assignments are paired with mentorship and department-wide sessions, which suggests the internship is designed to be both operational and developmental.
Where is the internship based?
The internship is an in-person program in Washington, D.C., located at the USDA Whitten Building. Interns are expected to work onsite rather than remotely, making location and living arrangements an important part of the application decision.
Who is eligible to apply?
The program welcomes U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old. The evidence also frames the opportunity for students, recent graduates, and young professionals who are interested in agriculture, public service, science, policy, and community development.
Can applicants get help with costs?
The internship itself is unpaid, and interns are responsible for arranging housing and relocation. Applicants may contact their educational institutions or relevant nonprofit organizations about possible funding or academic support.
Frequently asked questions
Is the USDA internship paid?
No. The program is unpaid, and interns must handle their own housing and relocation arrangements.
Where do interns work?
Interns work onsite at the USDA Whitten Building in Washington, D.C.
