Program Overview

Panetta Congressional Internship Program

The Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program is a selective, fully funded semester-long opportunity that places nominated CSU undergraduate student leaders in U.S. House of Representatives offices in Washington, D.C. The program combines rigorous academic instruction, hands-on Capitol Hill experience, and weekly policy seminars led by national practitioners. Students from any major may be nominated by their campus president.

Program Overview

The Panetta Internship is a fully funded, semester-long academic and professional experience that places nominated CSU undergraduates in congressional offices in Washington, D.C. Each CSU campus president may nominate one upper-division student; students from any academic major may apply.

The program unfolds in three phases: a two-week academic orientation at the Panetta Institute at CSU Monterey Bay; an eleven-week, full-time internship on Capitol Hill; and academic completion after returning to California. Interns earn twenty (20) full-time academic units upon successful completion of all requirements. All program costs are covered.

Course Components & Position Tasks

Typical academic and professional components include:

• Two-week, in-residence academic orientation at the Panetta Institute (CSU Monterey Bay)
• Eleven-week, full-time internship in a U.S. House office (California delegation) in Washington, D.C.
• Weekly policy seminars with nationally recognized practitioners
• Weekly written reports and required meetings with Panetta Institute staff
• A twenty-page research policy paper and a twenty-page reflective journal
• Final letter grade for twenty (20) full-time academic units posted to the student transcript

Typical congressional office tasks may include:

• Answering phones, greeting constituents, and handling correspondence
• Drafting written materials and compiling news clippings
• Attending hearings and briefings and preparing summaries or reports
• Conducting legislative and issue-based research
• Supporting legislative aides and office staff as assigned

Interns are supervised by Panetta Institute staff in Washington, D.C., and supported academically by Panetta Institute faculty in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are program costs covered?
Yes. The Panetta Institute fully funds the entire program, including housing during the Monterey orientation and Washington, D.C. internship, travel to and from Monterey and Washington, ground transportation, and partial reimbursement or stipend support for living expenses.

What kind of work will I do?
Responsibilities vary by office and typically include administrative support, constituent correspondence, legislative research, and attending hearings or briefings.

Will I have support and community?
Yes. Interns participate as part of a CSU cohort, are supervised by Panetta Institute staff, and attend weekly seminars and cohort activities.

Are there networking opportunities?
Yes. Interns participate in seminars and informal networking with congressional staff and public service professionals.

Minimum Requirements and Eligibility

• Upper-division undergraduate status (junior or senior during the internship)
• U.S. citizenship and California residency
• Overall GPA of approximately 3.5 or higher
• Demonstrated leadership and commitment to community and public service
• Willingness to commit full time to the program (no outside courses, employment, or exams)
• Ability to meet health insurance, background check, and conduct requirements

Position Qualifications

Panetta Institute interns are selected based on leadership, academic performance, and readiness for full-time professional work.

Experience

• Outstanding student leader with demonstrated commitment to community and public service

Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

Professional Expectations

• Exemplary conduct at Cal Poly and in the community
• Willingness to accept a range of assignments, including administrative tasks
• Full-time commitment to the program during the internship period

Application Information

Important Dates

• Online application deadline: Friday, February 13, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. PST
• First-round campus interviews: Week of March 2, 2026
• Finalist interviews: March 19, 2026
• Cal Poly nomination announced: April 2026
• Panetta Institute interviews: May 2026
• Intern appointments announced: June 2026
• Orientation at Panetta Institute: mid-August 2026
• Interns depart for Washington, D.C.: late August 2026
• Interns return to California: early November 2026
• Policy paper and journal due: early December 2026
• Final grades submitted: late December 2026

Application Process Qualified applicants will be evaluated by the campus selection committee and finalists will be interviewed. The Panetta Institute makes final program appointments and may reject nominees based on background investigation results or other eligibility standards.

Application Requirements

1. Two-page, typewritten essay
2. Current resume
3. Transcripts
4. A recently graded paper with professor comments and grade