Internships

**Please note that if you are an organization hoping to place an intern with the Office of Senator Duckworth, you must complete an intake formThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab. 2-6 weeks prior to a session’s application deadline, and candidates should be encouraged to complete the Office’s Internship Application. Questions can be directed to internships@duckworth.senate.govThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.. 

Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth Internship Scholarship Program

The Office of U.S. Senator Duckworth created a scholarship program to provide access to our internship programs to applicants who cannot afford to work without pay or who cannot otherwise afford the living expenses in the city where the internship is located. The Scholarship Program is available in the following Office locations: Belleville, Carbondale, Chicago, Rock Island, Springfield and Washington, D.C. Scholarships are reserved for interns who can work full time (at least 32 hours), and they pay a salary of $17.50 per hour. Applicants receiving funding through a third-party program such as a university or nonprofit are not eligible for the scholarship program.

The Office can only provide a limited number of scholarships for individuals with demonstrated financial need. To be considered, please fill out the required information that follows the general internship application. Acceptance to the internship program is not a guarantee of funding. All internship applications will be evaluated independently from certification of financial need.

If you have any questions, please email internships@duckworth.senate.govThis link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab.This link opens in new window or tab..

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I apply if I am a high school student?
  • Interns must be at least 18 years old by their anticipated internship start date. Individuals younger than 18 who are interested in public service should consider applying for the U.S. Senate Page Program.

• Do I have to be a college student to qualify?
  • While most interns are college students or recent graduates, anyone who is over 18 is eligible to apply.

• Do I have to be from Illinois to apply?
  • Applicants from anywhere can apply; however, preference is given to candidates with Illinois ties.

• What if I am not available to start on the first day of the session?
  • Session dates are flexible within the range of dates listed. Interns cannot start before the first date of a session. The option to extend an internship beyond the end date of a session may be available to select interns.

• What are the typical working hours for an intern, and is there any flexibility in the schedule?
  • Part-time and full-time internships are available. Part-time interns must be available to work a minimum of 16 hours per week. All work is conducted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. local time Monday through Friday. To be considered full -time, interns must work between 32 and 40 hours per week. Interns will establish specific schedules with their intern coordinators.

• Are remote or hybrid internships available?
  • Remote and hybrid internships are available for Illinois interns. DC interns are required to work in the office except under special circumstances.

• Can interns receive academic credit for their internship, and if so, what is the process?
  • Interns must work with their academic institutions to determine if they are eligible to receive academic credit for their internship.

• When can applicants expect to hear from the office after they apply?
  • Applicants can expect responses within four to five weeks of application deadlines.

• Can international students apply?
  • International students can apply. However, to receive a scholarship, applicants must be eligible to receive pay from the federal government.