Internship at The White House Office of Science and Technology
Posted: 02/05/2026
About the Company/Organization:
The White House Office of Science and Technology
Type: Other
Size:
https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/
Congress established the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) in 1976 to provide the President and Executive Office of the President (EOP) with advice on the scientific, engineering, and technological aspects of national policy and the work of the executive branch. This includes matters of the economy, national security, homeland security, health, foreign relations, the environment, education, and resource management.
The OSTP Director oversees the development and execution of the nation’s science and technology policy agenda, leading White House efforts in critical and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum information sciences, and biotechnology, with the aim of safeguarding US leadership in these fields and ensuring they advance in ways that bolster American economic competitiveness, national security, and human flourishing. The OSTP Director co-chairs the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), an advisory board whose members are drawn from outside the Federal Government, typically from industry, academia, and research institutions. The Director also chairs the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), which coordinates the science and technology policymaking process across the executive branch to ensure delivery of the President’s agenda.
In addition to leading interagency science and policy coordination, OSTP assists the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with annual reviews and priority setting for the Federal research and development budget, and evaluates the scale, quality, and effectiveness of Federal science and technology efforts. OSTP also serves as a source of scientific and technical analysis and judgment for the President with respect to any major strategies, plans, and Government programs.
Internship Project/Opportunity
Location: Washington DC
Anticipated internship dates: Year round
Target intern experience level: Undergraduate Students, Graduate Students
https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/internships/
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Internship Program
Serving as an OSTP Intern provides students a unique opportunity to work closely with senior White House officials and science and technology staff in OSTP’s policy divisions or on OSTP’s legal team.
More information about the application process can be found here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/OSTP-Intern-2026-Guidance.pdf
Policy Internships
Students interested in working on the development of national science and technology policy are recommended to apply for a policy internship. Ideal candidates have a passion for science and technology, strong research and writing skills, the ability to work while prioritizing several projects at once, a willingness to support outreach events and a desire for public service. Policy internships are open to interested students from all majors and academic programs. Any student, including law students, may apply for a policy internship.
Internships are also available with OSTP’s communications team. Students interested in Communications or Public Affairs should inquire about opportunities to work primarily with OSTP’s communications team in their policy application.
Policy internship applications only should be sent to: internships@ostp.eop.gov
Questions about your policy internship application should be sent to: internships@ostp.eop.gov
Eligibility
All applicants must be U.S. citizens. Permanent residents and students who do not currently hold U.S. citizenship are not eligible.
Applicants must be enrolled, at least half-time, in an accredited college or university during the desired internship term. Students in undergraduate, graduate, law, LLM, and professional programs in all fields are encouraged to apply.
Preference will be given to applicants available for 30+ hours per week.
Timeline
Summer Semester (May – August): Applications due February 28, 2026
Fall Semester (September – December): Applications due June 14, 2026
Spring Semester (January – April): Applications due September 20, 2026
Contact: Email