Encourage your students to apply for the Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s fall semester Congressional Internship Program! The program combines a rigorous two-week academic orientation to national politics in Monterey, CA, with an eleven-week experiential education as a Panetta intern in a Washington, D.C. office of a California member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Interns will also attend special seminars with government leaders, journalists, and policy experts. Upon completion of all requirements, interns will earn 20 academic credits toward their degree. Program expenses will be paid for the student selected for this internship. 

Student leaders with a strong academic record and a commitment to public service –  from any major – are encouraged to apply. To qualify, a student must be a U.S. Citizen and California resident, be a junior or senior enrolled at Cal Poly Humboldt, who has not yet completed their degree requirements, and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The recommended applicant must also pass a background check.

To apply, the applicant should submit the following as one packet in pdf format: a resume, complete college transcript (unofficial is fine), a two-page essay addressing the student's interest in participating in the Panetta Congressional Internship Program, and a sample of a graded college essay (minimum 3 pages, must show grade and instructor comments).

Qualified applicants will be interviewed by a campus committee, which will forward their feedback to President Carvajal, who will recommend a finalist to the Panetta Institute. To confirm their selection, the finalist will be interviewed via zoom by a panel at the Panetta Institute in May.

For additional information consult the position description,  detailed program description, and list of important dates.

Submit any questions and application materials to: panetta@humboldt.edu.

Applications are due electronically in pdf format no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.