The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) offers a paid internship program for students in undergraduate, graduate, law and medical schools, and we also consider postgraduates. These paid internships offer structured work experiences and an opportunity to:

• Gain substantial knowledge of the policy-making process and the role science plays.
• Participate in group meetings and strategy brainstorming sessions.
• Obtain general research and communication skills by working closely with science, policy, legislative and outreach experts.
• Meet with staff at all levels of the organization to discuss career roles and paths.
• Assess your own interests and skills.

About CSPI

CSPI is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest and working to improve the food environment for all. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, put calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.

About the Internship Opportunity

The Legislative Affairs team builds relationships and collaborates with national policymakers to drive meaningful policy change. The Legislative Affairs intern will work alongside the team to advance nutrition and public health policies in the annual appropriations process. The intern will have the opportunity to learn about advocacy across a range of food and health issues, such as healthy food access, child nutrition, and food safety.
 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• Submit requests to congressional offices, track deadlines and forms, and maintain database
• Support the team in developing well-written, persuasive materials on key nutrition and public health policies 
• Set up and participate in meetings with congressional staffers 
• Attend briefings/hearings and summarize policy conversations

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate (juniors and seniors) or graduate degree program in political science, public policy, public health, nutrition, or related fields
• Strong writing and communications skills
• Experience and/or demonstrated interest in food, nutrition, health equity, and/or public health issues
• Desire to learn more about the legislative policy process and advocacy
• Exceptional attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks effectively
• Leadership, organizing, or community engagement experience is a plus

What Else You Should Know 

CSPI pays interns $17.50 per hour. Our 10-week spring intern program is part-time (10 hours per week). The ideal start date is mid-to-late February, but we will work with applicants if there’s a schedule conflict. The internship program is remote within the US, with the opportunity to work from our DC office if desired.

CSPI requires all employees, including paid interns, to be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines as soon as they are eligible, and the vaccine is available to them, as part of our efforts to maintain a safe workplace for employees and visitors. Proof of vaccination is required during the onboarding process.
 

CSPI on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values: 

• We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We are not looking for everyone to think and look the same. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives. 
• We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization. 
• We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions. 
• We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way. 
• We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success. 

To Apply 

Please utilize CSPI's Paylocity Applicant Tracking System to apply for the Spring 2025, Legislative Affairs Internship. You must submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, and two references. The deadline to apply is 11/8/24, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

CSPI is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills and encourages people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.