For dynamic, capable and ambitious UH-Mānoa students in any major program, six types of political internships are available to complement academic and professional goals. These internships offer a rare opportunity to work at the top levels of government. Through meaningful hands-on work experiences, combined with an enriching academic program, students gain an up-close view of state and federal government and gain skills to advance their careers in a variety of fields. The Mānoa Political Internships serve two primary purposes:
- To provide governmental offices with additional qualified personnel who assist the agency in fulfilling its objectives by performing meaningful tasks.
- To provide qualified students with an applied learning environment that validates previously learned academic concepts.
Alongside what is learned in the curriculum, the educational fieldwork experience will result in the following learning outcomes:
- Identify key roles and responsibilities within a productive office or work setting.
- Summarize the ethical guidelines and professional conduct expected in a professional setting.
- Apply effective communication strategies (e.g., written, oral, interpersonal).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of different strategies for achieving collaborative goals.
- Correlate real-world experience and case studies with academic learning and critical theories.
- Self-assess personal strengths and areas for growth as a future professional.
- Develop a professional portfolio showcasing skills and experiences gained during the internship.
Perspectives
Insights and experiences of our Spring 2025 Cohort. How do you learn about the program? What kinds of students should apply.? What happens when you are accepted? How do you prepare for the workload and make the most of the experience?
Located in the nation’s capital of Washington, D.C., the U.S. Congressional Internship Program invites UH-Mānoa students to work in one of four congressional offices in a city rich in historical and cultural significance. Interns are immersed in directed, intense public service. Interns work an average of 40 hours per week while earning 12 academic credits: 9 in Political Science internship courses and 3 in applicable courses.
What the Internship Offers
- Funding to cover the cost of attendance for the semester of the internship (based on resident tuition).
- Airfare to and from Washington, D.C.
- Placement in and payment for a suitable dormitory for the semester.
- Professional clothing and incidental amenities allowance (when applicable).
Please note: Accepted students are required to consult with Financial Aid Services at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa. They should create a personal budget to understand how this funding may adjust their overall financial aid package. The final amount of the award will be determined by Financial Aid Services in consideration of your actual cost of attendance and financial need. This number will vary for different students.
Applicant Qualifications
Eligible students must be at the following levels by the starting date of the internship program.
- Junior or Senior
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Residency: U.S. residents
- Enrollment Status: Full-time
- Excellent writing, communication, and people skills
- Prodigious work ethic and impeccable reliability
- Office computer and diverse software experience (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, SharePoint, etc.)
- Basic research capabilities
- Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Professional demeanor
- Desire to learn
- Interest in public service
Please note: To maintain full-time enrollment, Washington D.C. Interns must enroll in POLS 408 for 6 credits, POLS 386 for 3 credits, and either POLS 399 or a directed reading in their Major or Minor department for 3 credits.
Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office Internship Program (Spring Semester only)
The Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office Internship Program provides UH Mānoa students with the rare opportunity to work at the top level of state government under the direction of office staff members. Interns will be assigned tasks in the areas of communications, operations, or policy and will take on an array of tasks, including policy and legislative research, note-taking at meetings and hearings, constituent relations, and event coordination. Interns will work an average of 20 hours per week while earning 6 program credits.
Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor’s Office Internship Program
The Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor’s Office Internship Program provides UH Mānoa students with the rare opportunity to work at the top level of state government. Interns will be involved in all aspects of the office, including policy and legislative research, constituent correspondence, consular and name change processing, note-taking at meetings, and event organizing. They will be able to work with the Lieutenant Governor and their staff. Interns will work an average of 20 hours per week while earning 6 program credits.
Hawaiʻi State Legislature Internship Program (Spring Semester only)
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature Internship Program provides UH Mānoa students with the rare opportunity to work with legislators in both the state House of Representatives and state Senate. Interns will be involved in an experiential learning process that provides insight into elective politics and the opportunity to observe first-hand the dynamics of legislative decision-making. Interns will work an average of 20 hours per week while earning 6 program credits.
Hawaiʻi Judicial Internship Program
The Hawaiʻi Judicial Internship Program provides UH Mānoa students with the rare opportunity to work within the judicial system for a semester. Intern efforts will span both the Prosecuting Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices, offering a broad first-hand learning experience in criminal law, from arrest through conviction and parole. Students with an interest or educational background in criminal law and intentions to apply to law school are especially competitive. Interns will work an average of 20 hours per week while earning 6 program credits.
Graduate City Council Internship
The Graduate Student City Council Internship provides an opportunity for advanced students, particularly students at the end of their MA program, looking for experience within a policy environment, to hone their professional skills and develop insights beyond the campus. Interns will take POLS 696, work 20 hours per week, and receive an achievement scholarship to cover full-time, in-state tuition costs. Concurrent enrollment in POLS 696 and an additional course in the student’s degree program is required. The scholarship is renewable for one semester, depending on the needs of the agency.
What the Internships Offer
- Funding to cover the cost of program credits for the semester of the internship (based on resident tuition).
- An engaging learning opportunity that bridges classroom academics and the professional world.
- Professional development, including the building of communication and teamwork skills and the establishment of local networks and contacts.
Please note: Accepted students are strongly advised to consult with the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Financial Aid Services and create a personal budget to understand how this funding may adjust their overall financial aid package.
Applicant Qualifications
To be eligible, students must be at the following levels by the internship program’s start date.
- Level: Undergraduate
- Standing: Junior or Senior
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment Status: Full-Time
- Excellent writing, communication, and people skills
- Prodigious work ethic and impeccable reliability
- Office computer and diverse software experience (i.e., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, SharePoint, etc.)
- Basic research capabilities
- Well-organized and detail-oriented
- Professional demeanor
- Desire to learn
- Interest in public service
Please note: To maintain full-time enrollment, all Hawaiʻi State Interns must enroll in POLS 402, 403, or 405 (pending placement) for 6 credits as well as 6 more credits in support of their Course Program of Study. Candidates should plan their course schedule to accommodate full days in the office.
The application process for each internship involves submitting multiple documents and completing an interview(s):
- General Application Materials
- Two Letters of Recommendations
- Internship Specific Essay(s)
- Interview(s) with a faculty panel (and likely interview with host offices according to their needs)
- Final placement and orientation
Please note: All materials are submitted online through the UH STAR Student Scholarship system. Interviews will be scheduled upon submission. It is strongly recommended that applicants compile all finalized application materials prior to beginning the application process.
To apply, log in to the UH STAR Student Scholarships and locate the desired internship by keyword searching.
- Washington DC Congressional Internship Program – Keyword: B985
- Congressional Hawaiʻi Delegation Internship Program – Keyword: B915
- Hawaiʻi Governor’s and Lieutenant Governor’s Office Internship Program – Keyword: B962
- Hawaiʻi Judicial Internship Program – Keyword: B977
- Hawaiʻi State Legislature Internship Program (Spring Semester only) – Keyword: B984
- Graduate City Council Internship — Keyword: B806
1. General Application Materials
All internships require that the following materials be submitted through the UH STAR Student Scholarship system.
- PDF version of STAR transcripts
- Resume
- Current contact details (email and phone)
- Academic background, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and work/organizational experience
- Contact information for References
2. Letters of Recommendation
One letter from an academic instructor (past or present) attesting to:
- Qualifications
- Character
- Commitment to service
One letter from an employer (past or present) attesting to:
- Work ethic
- Maturity and judgment
- Ability to work with others
Please note: During the application process, applicants will specify the names and emails of their recommenders. Upon submission of the application, an automated request will be sent to the recommenders from starhelp@hawaii.edu. The request email will include a link allowing recommenders to submit their letters online. Applicants should neither collect nor expect to upload the required letters themselves. As a courtesy, contact recommenders early to request permission and inform them of the submission process and deadlines. Letters of recommendation are due 5 days after the application due date.
3. Internship Specific Essay(s)
The following internship-specific essays must be written with mindful consideration of both topic and word count. Like the materials above, essays are submitted through the UH STAR Student Scholarship system.
U.S. Congressional Internship Program
- Essay Topic: Identify a national political issue of concern to you. Explain the issue using clear and specific examples. Identify stakeholders involved and their positions. Using perspectives provided by your major program, evaluate how Congress might best serve these stakeholders. (500 words)
- Essay Topic: Research the special duties, constituencies, caucuses, and committees of Hawaiʻi’s US senators and representatives. Why are you interested in the specific duties and committees of these offices? How might your career goals align with their goals? How will your experience in their office enhance your education and/or help you achieve your career goals? (250 words)
Please note: Final placement is decided by the congressional offices themselves. Write these essays in a gracious and inviting tone, not an exclusionary one.
Hawaiʻi Governor’s Office Internship Program, Hawaiʻi Lieutenant Governor’s Office Internship Program, and the Hawaiʻi State Legislature (Spring Semester only) Internship Program
- Essay Topic: Identify a political issue impacting Hawaiʻi that is of concern to you. Explain the issue using clear and specific examples. Identify stakeholders involved and their positions. Using perspectives provided by your major program, evaluate how Hawaiʻi’s government might best serve these stakeholders. (500 words)
Hawaiʻi Judicial Internship Program
- Essay Topic: Identify a local and/or national judicial issue. Explain the issue using clear and specific examples. Identify stakeholders involved and their positions. Using perspectives provided by your major program, evaluate how the courts might best serve these stakeholders. (500 words)
4. Interview Guide
After the application deadline, the Program will contact applicants to schedule a mandatory online panel interview. Available times are limited. Applicants should schedule the interview according to their class schedule or notify their instructors that they will be absent from a class that conflicts with it. Applicants may be asked to participate in a second interview. It is the complete responsibility of applicants to respond to the office’s requests.
All applicants will receive the following interview guide and be asked to prepare answers in advance.
- What motivates your interest in civic engagement and public service? How will this internship contribute to your educational plans?
- What unique perspectives or methods will your major program provide you that future offices will find necessary?
- Review your resume for us. What skills have you developed through work or organizational experience that will contribute to your preferred office’s goals?
- Review your political issue statement briefly. What did you argue? Why is this issue significant to you? What future research or projects might you engage in related to this issue?
Please note: Applicants should prepare to answer these exact questions, rehearse beforehand, set up a suitable space for a remote meeting, and dress professionally. The interview will be recorded and sent to the offices as part of an application dossier.
5. Final Placement and Orientation
After successfully applying through UH STAR and interviewing with the panel, applicants’ dossiers will be sent to the appropriate offices. Final placement is decided by the offices themselves. This process takes several weeks. Applicants should remain patient and attentive. Updates will be sent regularly. If an office passes on an otherwise competitive applicant, their dossier will be sent to another office. Applicants should be prepared to be flexible with their appointments, accepting an internship in an unexpected office or a half-time internship after they applied for a full-time one. Students should update the Program on any communication they have with Government Offices.
Course Registration
Due to the extended placement timeline, students should initially register for a standard course load as if they were not participating in the Program. Upon official confirmation of a placement within a political office, the Registrar will automatically coordinate your enrollment into the required internship courses.
Financial Aid
Before this award is granted, it is the student’s responsibility to schedule a meeting to learn the specifics of how it will affect their financial aid status.
Travel
Participants are responsible for coordinating and financing their own airfare using their allocated Program award. While the award is designed to cover the cost of round-trip travel, funds may not be disbursed until 10 days before the start of the semester. Participants should plan their finances accordingly, as early-access travel funds are not available to secure advance pricing. There is no separate reimbursement policy for travel expenses.
Housing
The Program secures designated housing with convenient access to both Senate and House offices. Participants are responsible for the direct application and payment of housing costs using their Program award funds. Please be advised that Participants must strictly adhere to the established rules and regulations of the hosting dormitory or residential facility.
All materials, including letters of recommendation, must be submitted by the following deadlines:
- Fall Internships: February 15
- Spring Internships: September 15
For questions about the Mānoa Political Internship program, please contact mpin@hawaii.edu or:
