2026 Development or Communications Summer Internship

Intern at DC’s Top Tech Policy Think Tank this Summer! 

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is now accepting applications for internships for the summer of 2026. We welcome applications from students currently enrolled in graduate and undergraduate programs with an interest in the internet and technology policy, human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. The summer internship program is a 10-week opportunity for students to apply the principles they have learned in the classroom in real policy and non-profit environments.

Summer interns work closely with CDT operations, development, and communications staff on an array of projects across our policy areas. Typical tasks for these roles include the following: editing CDT reports, drafting social media copy, staffing in person and online events and supporting strategic communications, researching development prospects, supporting grant applications, and otherwise supporting fundraising for a 50+ person organization. CDT works on a number of issues related to technology, including AI governance, consumer privacy, online expression, digital surveillance, civic technology, and elections & democracy. When appropriate, summer interns are also able to join meetings with outside stakeholders. 

This listing describes the application process for two types of internships:

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  Communications Internship

  
  


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  Development & External Affairs Internship

  
  

General Qualifications

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  Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

  
  


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  Ability to work independently when assigned projects.

  
  


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  Genuine curiosity and motivation to work at the intersection of technology, policy, civil rights, and civil liberties, with an imaginative approach to their work.

  
  


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  Undergraduate, MA, and any other degree candidates are encouraged to apply.

  
  

Communications candidates typically have: 

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  Superb writing skills (and a deep personal commitment to grammatical pedantry)

  
  


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  A passion for exploring a wide range of new topics and sharing what they learn with others

  
  


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  A can-do attitude and a creative approach to problem solving

  
  


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  An interest in media, journalism and policy communication

  
  

Development & External Affairs candidates typically have:

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  Interest in helping develop and execute strategies to engage external stakeholders—including tech company contacts, nonprofit and academic leaders, and philanthropic funders.

  
  


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  Desire to learn about nonprofit management and operations.

  
  


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  Readiness to jump into a team-first atmosphere and have some fun!

  
  

Please apply below by submitting a current resume and a cover letter. In your cover letter please explain your interest in interning at CDT and answer the following prompt. Please specify in your cover letter which of the internships you are interested in (see above). If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. 

Writing prompt

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   Describe a time where you distilled a complex policy topic for different audiences and tell us about how you approached this?

   
   

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning on November 1st, 2025. Applications for this role will close on February 1, 2026. In general, it takes 4-12 weeks to review applications after they are submitted and offers for internships are typically sent between March-May. Interviews will begin in January 2026. 

All internships are slated to begin right after Memorial Day and run for about 10 weeks. Interns who are not receiving funding from another source such as a school stipend or fellowship will receive a stipend of $7,500 over the course of the 10-week program. 

Due to the large number of applications we receive, only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.