Owls on the Hill DC Legislative Internship Program

 

OFFERED EVERY SEMESTER

Owls on the Hill is Florida Atlantic University's national internship initiative that places students in high-impact public service roles across Washington, D.C. The program provides an opportunity for students to experience first-hand how public policy is developed and to participate in the legislative process in Washington, D.C. while gaining full-time internship experience and course credit hours. This year-round program—available during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters—connects Owls with congressional offices, federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and national policy think tanks.

Interns who are admitted to the program are assigned to a member of Congress for one semester (Fall, Spring or Summer). During their semester-long experience, students will learn about the role and responsibilities of elected officials and the broader environment in which they work, while supporting the office with administrative and customer service-related tasks and projects.

Students selected for the internship will move to Washington, D.C. for the semester in which they are admitted for, and are expected to report to their assigned legislator’s office in the Capitol.

PROGRAM INFORMATION Apply Here

Rolling Admission

All applications must be submitted through Handshake and must include all required documents in order to be accepted. Students are admitted to one semester (either the Fall, Spring or Summer) depending on the date they complete their application.

  • Apply by November 1 for Spring 2026 semester
  • Apply by March 1 for Summer 2026 semester
  • Apply by June 1 for Fall 2026 semester

 

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students who successfully complete the internship will:

  • Develop a deeper understanding of the federal legislative process
  • Read, understand and interpret policy and constituent related research
  • Understand the daily activities and functions of a federal legislative office
  • Develop professional competencies in life skills, such as time management, task prioritization and organizational networking
  • Understand federal institutions and policymaking
  • Build professional and civic leadership skills
  • Gain experience in real-world public service environments
  • Create lasting networks in national policy fields
  • Develop written and oral communication skills while interacting with legislators, professional staff, constituents and lobbyists
  • Gain knowledge of how federal government and the legislative process works, while making lifelong career contacts and friendships

 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Legislative interns function as support staff to legislators and their staff and perform a wide range of tasks, such as researching policy issues, analyzing bills, tracking legislation, attending meetings, responding to constituent letters, answering phones and more. During the semester, legislative interns are also encouraged to participate in supplemental learning and networking experiences outside of their legislator’s office.

 

CONTACT

Camila Mychalczuk

561.405.5054