Portman Center DC Internship Program
The Portman Center DC Internship Program provides high-achieving University of Cincinnati undergraduate students with ongoing professional development for summer internship experiences in the nation’s capital. The Portman Center provides guidance throughout the internship search process, including application assistance, workshops, and structured one-on-one support, to ensure students successfully land an internship and are in a position to succeed once in Washington. To prevent financial barriers to accessing internships in DC, the Portman Center provides housing accommodations and transportation support while students complete internships in DC.
DC Internship Program – Summer 2027
The Portman Center will support ten undergraduate UC student internships in Washington, DC during Summer 2027. Applications open on Monday, September 21 and close on Sunday, October 18.
Selected students will be guided through the internship search, application, and placement process with:
- One-on-one support
- Internship search resources
- Resume, cover letter, and application assistance
- Interview tips and prep
- Regular check-ins with Portman Center staff
Once selected students have secured an internship placement, the Portman Center will support internship experiences in Washington, DC through:
- Portman Center-provided student intern housing
- Portman Center-provided transportation assistance
- Regular check-ins with Portman Center staff
- Professional development and networking opportunities
The Portman Center DC Internship Program is open to any currently enrolled undergraduate UC students who have completed at least one year of studies prior to the start of the 2026–27 academic year. Second-, third-, and fourth-year UC students, as well as transfer students who have completed at least one year of studies, are eligible to apply. Current first-year students are not eligible for the Summer 2027 program.
No prior affiliation with the Portman Center is necessary. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.0.
Students with a demonstrated interest in public policy, as well as commitment to the Portman Center’s main tenets of civility, open and inclusive dialogue, and bipartisan engagement, are encouraged to apply.
No prior internship experience is required, though students who have already completed public policy-related internships will be more competitive applicants.
Applications for Summer 2027 close on Sunday, October 18. Students must complete a full application by October 18 to be considered.
The short application consists of the following:
- Short-answer questions
- Resume submission
- Relevant writing sample submission
- Contact information for one professional or faculty reference
Applications will be screened by Portman Center staff based on the following criteria:
- Academic and writing ability
- Internship placement potential
- Maturity and professionalism
Ten undergraduate UC students will be selected for the Summer 2027 cohort and receive support throughout the entire search, placement, and internship process.
Selection to the cohort does not guarantee an internship placement, but will provide the tools to successfully land an internship in Washington, DC.
Previous Portman Center DC Internship Placements
The Portman Center has supported placements with organizations including:
- American Action Forum
- American Forest and Paper Association
- United States Congress
- United States Department of Agriculture
- United States Department of the Interior
- United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
- National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations
- Peter G. Peterson Foundation Fiscal Internship Program