Who can apply to PSIP?
While sophomores and juniors typically comprise the majority of participants, first-year students and seniors are welcome to apply, and we accept students of any major or college! (PSIP is for undergraduate students only.)
How many students does PSIP admit each year?
The number of students selected is largely determined by the number and strength of received applications. While there is no pre-set number of participants, generally anywhere from 80 to 90 students are selected for DC and 20-30 students are selected for PSIP-MI.
Are internships guaranteed?
PSIP is an internship preparation program, not an internship placement program, so participation does not automatically guarantee an internship. What sets PSIP apart from other programs -
- Tailored 1-on-1 advising from a team of advisers who have interned in DC and Lansing
- Exclusive access to resources not found elsewhere - job postings shared by close employers, 1-on-1 mentorship from PSIP alumni, employer site visits and speaker panels, and scholarship opportunities!
Our program is focused on working with you to help identify internships and areas in the public sector that are a strong fit for you and your professional path. We coach students around developing strong career-readiness skills to present themselves as the best possible candidate, and we continue to support them over the summer during their internships. Students who fully engage in PSIP have tremendous success in obtaining summer internships (since 1969!)
How long are the internships?
Because PSIP enables you to select your own internships, how long you work is up to you. Most students opt to spend the end of May through the beginning of August as interns. A common length is 8-10 weeks. However, some internships are shorter. Even past PSIP participants who stayed a month in DC still report a rich and exciting experience as a summer intern.
Does PSIP pay for housing? If not, how much does it cost?
Housing costs are your responsibility. For those participants who stay with the PSIP sponsored housing option, the cost is around $3,000.00. Students are not required, however, to stay in PSIP sponsored housing. The program works with all participants to educate them on the cost of living in DC and ways to maintain a cost-effective budget. Staff also inform students about scholarships and other financial assistance opportunities.
What does pay/stipend typically look like for interns in PSIP?
It depends on the employer and their internship program. While paid public service internships had been traditionally less common, there are many paid internships and some employers offer general, travel, or housing stipends. Additionally, some employers will offer ways to obtain academic credit in lieu of payment.
Is financial aid available?
Current PSIP students with financial need who secure unpaid or underpaid internships can seek out funding through their school/college (such as the LSA Internship Scholarship), and can also apply for a limited amount through the need-based PSIP Scholarship. For more information, please visit the PSIP Scholarship section.
Can I participate in PSIP if I am planning to study abroad?
Because PSIP requires students to attend all bi-weekly seminars throughout the fall and winter semesters, students who applying and also plan to study abroad will be considered on a case-by-case basis for admission.