CRS accepts a limited number of volunteer interns each year. Although most interns are graduate students, exceptional undergraduate students are also welcome to apply. Volunteer interns assist professional CRS staff in performing research and reference in response to public policy-related issues and questions. Through this work, volunteers have an opportunity to participate in the legislative process and to develop valuable research skills in a public policy setting.

CRS is organized into six interdisciplinary research divisions: American Law; Domestic Social Policy; Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade; Government and Finance; Knowledge Services Group; and Resources, Science and Industry. Within each division, CRS staff are organized into smaller sections, which focus on specific areas of public policy.

The work of the CRS research divisions is supported by five infrastructure offices:Congressional Affairs and Counselor to the Director; Finance and Administration; Legislative Information; and Workforce Development.

CRS is headed by a Director, who is appointed by the Librarian of Congress with the consent of the Joint Committee on the Library. The current Director of the Congressional Research Service is Daniel P. Mulhollan. His Deputy Director is Angela M. Evans.

Nature of Appointment: CRS internships are highly competitive and offered on an as needed basis as determined by the divisions within CRS. Internship applications are accepted on an ongoing basis; there are no application deadlines. Internships can last from three months to one year. Hours are determined by the needs of individual divisions and the applicant.

The American Law Division accepts interns for the Fall and Spring academic terms and for the Summer. Internships are limited to current law school students who have completed at least one year of law school. Strong writing and analytical skills are critical. Initial offers for Spring and Summer internships are made by late Fall, those for Fall by late Spring.

Application Procedures: Please send your resume to Nina Anzures, CRS Volunteer Internship Coordinator, via fax at 202-707-4094 or email: ranzures@crs.loc.gov. Please include a cover letter indicating your dates of availability and areas of interest or expertise.

For volunteer internships in the American Law Division send inquiries, resumes, writing samples to lawintern@crs.loc.gov.

Benefits: Although CRS volunteer internships do not offer financial compensation, students may be able to earn college credit. Interested applicants should check with their college placement office/career center to learn more about how to receive credit for volunteer internships.