Student Volunteer Trainee Program

The Department of Education (ED) offers internships for students and recent graduates interested in seeking valuable work experience in government and federal education, policy, and administration. Program participants have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions to the Department's mission to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

ED offers internships in the fall/winter, spring, and summer. The length of time that an intern is with the Department is based on the internship program that they are participating in and/or circumstances. Please read the programs information below.

An eight to ten week program that offers volunteer opportunities to students enrolled in accredited educational institutions. Students who participate in the program will gain educational experience in their field of study or career interest and will develop personal and professional skills.

ED offers internships in the fall, winter/spring, and summer. Depending on circumstances, program opportunities may be reduced or extended.

Internship Program — provides students who are enrolled in or accepted for enrollment in a wide variety of qualifying educational institutions with paid opportunities to work either part- or full-time in agencies and explore career paths related to their academic fields of study or career interests.

Recent Graduates Program — a one-year developmental program that promotes careers in the Federal Government to recent graduates.

Presidential Management Fellows (PMFs) Program — a two-year leadership development program for advanced degree (i.e. Masters, PH.D., etc.) candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, possess management and leadership potential, and have a clear interest in and commitment to public service.

Please note that availability of internships within given offices varies throughout the year. Some offices require specialized subject knowledge to qualify, and some programs have a positive education requirement.

In addition,
Pathways Programs positions may be non-competitively converted to a permanent position; however, conversions are not mandatory or guaranteed.

For additional information on the Pathways Programs, please  .

The Department works to tailor each intern's experience to the interests and skills of the student against the needs of the Department Program Offices. ED offers internship opportunities in the following areas:

• Human Resources Management;
• Data Analytics;
• Project Management;
• Training and Development;
• Grants Management;
• Communications;
• Information Technology; and
• A host of other areas.

ED offers internship opportunities in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. The duration of ED's internship opportunities can vary depending on the program that the student or recent graduate is participating in. See below for typical program durations:

• Student Volunteer Trainees — eight to ten weeks (the length of the program can be reduced or extended depending on circumstances.)
• Pathways Interns not-to-exceed (NTE) (temporary appointment) — a current student who has been appointed to the internship program for an initial period that is not expected to last more than one year. However, appointment can be extended in 1-year increments if the student continues to meet the program requirements.
• Pathways Interns (indefinite appointment) — a current student who has been appointed to the internship program for an initial period that is expected to last more than one year.
• Pathways Recent Graduates — 1-year program
• Pathways PMF — 2-year program

In addition to the opportunities within their offices, students and recent graduates are encouraged to participate in ED-sponsored intern events, such as but not limited to:

• Brownbag lunch series with senior ED officials.
• Tours of D.C. landmarks.
• Professional development and resume‑writing workshops.
• Social activities.

Interning at ED makes it easy to take advantage of the Department's location in the heart of the nation's capital.