Welcome to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Intern website, and thank you for your interest in volunteering your service with OSTP. An internship at OSTP provides an opportunity to experience science and technology policy firsthand while working closely with senior policy makers on a variety of tasks and projects.

Interns are accepted for one of three annual terms (Spring - January through April; Summer - June through August; or Fall - September through December), which will last no more than 90 days.  While these positions are without compensation, the assignments provide educational enrichment, practical work experience, and network opportunities with other individuals in the science and technology policy arena.

Internship Applications for the upcoming summer 2009 term must be submitted by April 30, 2009.

Below, please find more general information about OSTP, details about each of the divisions of OSTP, and information on how to apply.

General Information

The Office of Science and Technology Policy advises the President on the effects of science and technology on domestic and international affairs. The office serves as a source of scientific and technological analysis and judgment for the President with respect to major policies, plans and programs of the Federal Government. OSTP leads an interagency effort to develop and implement sound science and technology policies and budgets. The office works with the private sector to ensure Federal investments in science and technology contribute to economic prosperity, environmental quality, and national security.

Office of Science and Technology Policy Structure

Director's Office - The focus of the Director's Office is to promote and support the Administration's position on science and technology and preserve research and development funding within the federal budget. Therefore, a large portion of the OSTP's duties is to convey those messages through media, community, and business/industry outreach programs.

The Director's Office is looking for interns who can facilitate these programs by coordinating and managing events and writing press releases and media advisories. Daily activities include maintaining an OSTP calendar of events for our Home Page on the World Wide Web, compiling a press digest for the President and Vice President, writing response letters to general inquiries and administrative support.

Intern candidates must possess strong written and verbal communication skills along with a desire to work in a busy office. The high volume of work requires individuals who respond well under pressure and who have the ability to handle several projects simultaneously. Although an interest in science and technology issues is preferred, we would not turn away candidates with proven writing skills, maturity, professionalism and a clear record of academic and/or personal achievement.

Law students who would like to apply for this program have a unique opportunity to garner insights into the practice of law at the highest levels of the United States government.  Prior interns worked on a wide range of challenging substantive matters, including employment, appropriations, fiscal law, government contracts, ethics, information disclosure, international agreements, litigation and pending legislation.  OSTP’s small firm environment provides law student interns with the opportunity to work closely with senior attorneys, gain practical legal experience, and network with other up-and-coming members of the legal profession.  1Ls, 2Ls, 3Ls and LLMs are encouraged to apply. 

Homeland and National Security (HNS) - Homeland and National Security (HNS) - The Homeland and National Security Division (HNS) of OSTP leads the White House effort to ensure appropriate application of science and technology in homeland and national security initiatives throughout the federal enterprise. This not only requires the ability to understand the scientific foundations of potential technologies, but also the ability to explain scientific nuances to non-scientific policy and operational personnel. HNS initiatives are not performed in isolation; they must support the security of our Nation while also working in a manner that promotes commerce, travel and privacy protection. OSTP’s HNS activities span the entire threat domain (war zones, border and transportation security, daily domestic law enforcement, and catastrophic events), as well as the technology domain (basic/advanced/applied research, standards, test and evaluation, and collaboration with public and international partners).

HNS interns can expect to provide support to multiple OSTP staff, and to work on multiple projects simultaneously. Expected tasks include performing background research, preparing briefings and talking points, facilitating staff and interagency meetings, and developing meeting minutes.

Science - The Science Division focuses on maintaining a broad Federal research program, based on excellence, which advances the frontiers of knowledge and supports critical national goals through a strong link to education. The division leads the White House effort to ensure that the United States continues to maintain global leadership in science, mathematics, and engineering research. It also ensures that science continues to provide support for the successful resolution of some of the most important problems in the areas of health, agriculture, the economy, energy, social well-being, education, and national security.

The Science Division is looking for interns with strong verbal and written communication skills, experience in research and presentation, and working knowledge of basic computer applications. A major or degree in one of the sciences (physics, biology, chemistry, social or behavioral sciences, etc) is preferable.

The intern will work primarily in one of the three science disciplines—life sciences, physical sciences, or social and behavioral sciences—on a major project. The intern also will be expected to assist with daily office activities (phones, faxes, copies, etc.) and any special division projects that may require additional help, such as Presidential awards events.

Technology -The Technology Division of OSTP leads the White House effort in the application of existing and emerging technologies to address national challenges, as well as the use of technology to inform and develop sound public policy.  Students may have the opportunity to participate in technology sectors like space and aeronautics, networking and information technology, hydrogen fuel cells, nanotechnology, and digital television.  Some prior knowledge of these issues is helpful.

Interns will be responsible for analysis of technology policy issues, providing background research, drafting memoranda, preparing briefings and talking points, facilitating staff events as necessary, assisting with daily office maintenance (faxes, copier, phone, reception), and running miscellaneous errands inside and outside the building. 

National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) - A primary objective of the NSTC is the establishment of clear national goals for Federal science and technology investments in a broad array of areas spanning virtually all the mission areas of the executive branch. The Council prepares research and development strategies that are coordinated across Federal agencies to form investment packages aimed at accomplishing multiple national goals. The work of the NSTC is organized under four primary committees: Science, Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, and Homeland and National Security. Each of these committees oversees subcommittees and working groups focused on different aspects of science and technology and working to coordinate across the federal government.

Interns will be responsible for working with the Executive Secretaries and chairpersons of his/her assigned committees and subcommittes to facilitate committee meetings, drafting reports and presentations, drafting minutes, and performing background research or applying subject area knowledge when requested.  Interns may also be asked to staff events as necessary, assist with daily office maintenance (faxes, copier, etc.) and run miscellaneous errands inside and outside the building. 

Open Government Initiative - The open government initiative is a tremendous opportunity for interns to help transform government to be more transparent, participatory and collaborative. This office leads the President’s initiative to develop and implement Government-wide policies and strategies for increasing transparency, participation and collaboration in Government through innovative technologies. This is a historical shift in the relationship between Government and citizens.

Interns will be responsible for analysis of technology policy issues, providing background research, drafting memoranda, preparing briefings and talking points, and facilitating staff events as necessary.

How to Apply

Eligibility:

Must be a U.S. citizen

Enrolled, not less than half-time, in an accredited college, university or other accredited educational institution

Requirements:
The following information is required when applying for an internship. You may apply to more than one division within the OSTP.

1.  Resume (with cover letter that includes the divisions of OSTP that interest you)

2.  A 2-page writing sample, addressing the area of science and technology policy in which you would like to focus your internship.  Please include a paragraph or two stating how you believe you can contribute to OSTP.  Law student candidates should submit a legal writing sample from 3-10 pages in length.

3.  Copy of transcript(s)

4.  Letters of recommendation (optional, 2 max.)

To apply, please email electronic copies to interns@ostp.gov.  All documents should be sent in the same message.