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The White House Internship Program: Application Information

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White House Internship Program

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLY
Please complete all aspects of this application thoroughly and honestly. Providing the information requested is voluntary. However, failure to provide complete answers to all questions contained in the application may affect the review and consideration of your application.

Your Social Security number is needed to keep accurate records, due to the fact that people may have the same name and birth date. Executive Order 9397 also asks Federal agencies to use this number to help identify individuals in agency records.

Your application must include all of the following in order to be considered:

  • Application cover pages PDF Information (67 kb)
  • Current resume
  • One page statement of intent describing why you want to be a White House Intern
  • Answers to each of the following questions in 150 words or less:
    1. Describe a formative experience in your life.
    2. What is one of your greatest accomplishments?
  • Writing sample (The topic should relate to your major, personal history, or current events, and be 500 words or less. A paper excerpt with the thesis clearly stated is acceptable).
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • An unofficial transcript

All requested materials must be submitted together in the application.

All requested materials should be submitted directly to the White House Intern Office.

Send one original and one copy of everything except sealed recommendations.

The application should be collated together once with a staple or clip. No internal staples.

Please keep a photocopy of your completed application for your files. We will not be able to return any of the materials we receive.

Failure to meet any of the above mentioned requirements will result in a delay in the review or disqualification of your application.


SESSION DATES AND APPLICATION DEADLINES

Summer 2000 Session
May 17 - August 25, 2000
Early Decision Deadline Application Deadline: February 15, 2000

Fall 2000 Session
September 4 - December 22, 2000
Early Decision Deadline Application Deadline: June 23, 2000

Deadlines
For the fall and spring sessions, the application deadlines represent the date by which applications must be postmarked, in order to be considered for early notification. Applications received after the deadline will be considered and accepted on a rolling basis. For the summer session(s), the deadline represents the date by which applications must be postmarked in order to be considered. Applications postmarked after the deadline for the summer session(s) will not be considered. Please do not call the White House Intern Office to inquire about the status of your application (except to confirm that your application has been received). Notification of the status of your application will be mailed to you.


MAIL TO:

White House Internship Program
Old Executive Office Building
Room 84
Washington, DC 20502
Phone (202) 456-2742
Fax (202) 456-5123


ELIGIBILITY
In order to be eligible to apply you must meet the following requirements:

  • be 18 years of age or older at the time at which you submit an application
  • be a U.S. citizen
  • submit a completed application


FUNDING
White House Interns are unpaid volunteers. Some students may need assistance to finance their expenses (e.g., housing, transportation, board) during the period of their internship in Washington, D.C. If you are considering applying to a foundation or not-for-profit organization for a grant or stipend, you should review the requirements of the foundation organization before completing the White House Internship application.

The bylaws of some foundations and not-for-profit organizations do not permit them to give grants or stipends to aid persons who are, or potentially might, engage in partisan activities. If you will be applying for financial aid for this internship from a foundation or not-for-profit organization that is precluded from providing stipends to individuals who may engage in partisan activities, check the box in the lower left corner of the application page.


ACCREDITATION
If you would like to pursue the internship for credit, accreditation is at the discretion of your college or university. The White House Internship Program will assist you in providing appropriate information as requested by your college or university. Arrangements for accreditation by your university should be made before you begin the internship.


BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION AND DRUG TESTING
If you are selected as a White House Intern, you will be asked to complete paperwork as part of a standard security investigation, in order to determine access privileges to the Executive Office of the President complex. The paperwork requires that you provide extensive personal information about you and your family. It is important that you be truthful and comprehensive in answering such questions. Applicants selected for intern positions may also be required to submit to urinalysis, in order to screen and confirm no illegal drug use. A negative drug test result is required for appointment.


OFFICE PLACEMENT
More than 30 offices within the White House Office, Office of the Vice President, and Office of Policy Development participate in the White House Internship Program. Please see the enclosed list of the participating offices for further information on the nature and variety of offices available through the program. In addition, please note the request for placement information on the application. We suggest you list four options in order of preference. Efforts will be made to accommodate your preferences in regards to office placement; however, no guarantees can be made about your placement. Placement will be announced during orientation on the first day of your internship.

INTERN SELECTION CRITERIA

  • Demonstrated commitment to community service
  • Leadership potential
  • Academic progress or accomplishment
  • Accomplishments in extracurricular activities
  • Writing ability
  • Ability to pass an appropriate background investigation to determine access privileges to the Executive Office of the President complex

No other factors will be taken into consideration in selecting interns under these criteria.


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