D.C. Scholars Program

This is a program for public and charter high school students in the District of Columbia committed to public service and learning more about the White House. The D.C. Scholars internship program is an unpaid part-time internship inside the Obama White House.

In addition to having a hands-on experience with government at the Federal level, D.C. Scholars will also have an opportunity to attend a weekly lecture series led by White House staff, interact with college-aged White House interns, be paired with a mentor, and work on a summer service project.

The deadline for the Summer 2011 D.C. Scholars application period was April 24, 2011. No application materials will be accepted after April 24.

Am I eligible to apply to be a D.C. Scholar?

All D.C. Scholars must be:

• United States citizens
• At least 17 years of age on or before the first day of the program
• Graduating from a public or charter D.C. high school in the spring of 2011

Am I available for the Summer 2011 D.C. Scholars program?

The D.C. Scholars program will begin June 27, 2011 and end August 12, 2011.

• The deadline for the Summer 2011 D.C. Scholars application period was April 24, 2011. No application materials will be accepted after April 24.
• The D.C. Scholars program is a part-time program.
• D.C. Scholars will be expected to work 30 hours per week.
• Applicants are encouraged to contact educational, municipal and other non-profit organizations to apply for funding. Any funding must be pre-approved by White House Counsel.

Do I have all my application materials?

A completed application includes:

• Two Essays: Each answer should be between 300-500 words in length
• Current Resume: Your resume should not exceed one page
• High School Transcript
• Two Letters of Recommendation

How do I submit my application correctly?

All application materials must be submitted online.

• The deadline for the Summer 2011 D.C. Scholars application period was April 24, 2011. No application materials will be accepted after April 24.
• When an applicant enters a recommender’s email address into the application, the recommender will be sent an email with instructions on how to submit a recommendation for the applicant.
• When a letter of recommendation has been successfully submitted, both the applicant and the recommender will receive an email confirmation with the name of the recommender who has submitted a letter on the applicant’s behalf.

See what some of our D.C. Scholars have to say about the program:

"Working in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs gives me the opportunity to serve in the office that functions as the link between the White House and local and state governments. Working in this department, I have the opportunity to work with and for some very exciting and notable staff."
— D.C. Scholar in the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs

"As a D.C. Scholar, I have an amazing opportunity to intern in the White House Photo Office. I get a chance to help sort and edit historical photographs and snapshots during President Obama's Administration. This opportunity is one that I will never forget because I finally feel as if I can help others by using my talent."
— Photo Office D.C. Scholar

"Working in the Office of Correspondence as a D.C. Scholar has been an eye-opening experience. Every day I learn more about the views and problems facing Americans through mail sent to the President. It has been really interesting to be part of this new administration’s dedication to listening and responding to the American people."
— Office of Correspondence D.C. Scholar