Intern in DC with a cohort of your SBS peers
SBS in DC is an exciting internship program that is offered in both the Fall & Spring semesters. It connects SBS students with UMass alumni working in Washington DC. The program has proven to be a stepping stone for students interested in careers in fields like policy, non-profits, international development, strategy, marketing, PR, government, campaign work and more.
Program participants live together as a cohort in DC and complete a semester-long internship. Students also participate in a class related to their major, have professional development, and exclusive networking opportunities – including a 1:1 alumni mentor. Students will earn 12-15 credits for the semester.
Program Design
Students must apply to be in the SBS in DC Cohort. Applications open a year in advance.
The SBS in DC Semester Program is carefully designed to support the professional growth of students and create a living and learning community among participants. SBS in DC will be partnering with The Washington Center’s (TWC) Academic Internship Program which for over 40 years has provide academic and internship programming in DC for Colleges and Universities nationwide. This exciting opportunity offers a robust program that works seamlessly with any SBS student’s pathway!
Past SBS in DC Internship Examples:
Trade Associations: American Gastroenterological Association, American Dental Association, National Governors Association, Recording Industry Association of America, National Education Association
Media: The Brown Girl’s Guide to Politics, Fox5 DC, The American Interest, Global Journalist Security, LLC
Data/Strategy/Consulting: Lincoln Park Strategies, New Blue Interactive, Berger Hirschberg Strategies, Trendency, Angerholzer Broz Consulting, The Sovereign Infrastructure Group
Social Media/Communications/PR: kglobal, Rational 360, Unstuck Labs, Pryze, Press Internships on the Hill, The Prism Group
Think Tanks/Research: U.S. Asia Institute, Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, Foundation of Economic Trends, Environment & Energy Study Institute
Legal: Grossman Young and Hammond, LLC, Stein IP, Washington Lawyers Committee, Dentons, The Law Office of Carrie Weletz, Center for Law & Social Policy
Capitol Hill: Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Minority Whip Katherine Clark, House Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, Hispanic Leadership Caucus, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congressman Jim McGovern
Nonprofit/Advocacy: The International Rescue Committee, Church World Service, Inclusive America, The Council for Opportunity in Education, Islamic Relief USA, Latin American Working Group
Government: Department of Justice, Department of Defense, Health and Human Services Administration, DC Department of Corrections
Government Relations/Public Affairs: 50State, Potomac Advocates, Kalik & Associates, Political Awareness, Mercury LLC
So many more…SBS in DC has over 200 alumni who interned at a variety of different organizations! Washington DC is the perfect place for any SBS student. Your dream organization is here!
How to Apply
The next application cycle will be for students interested in participating in the Fall 2027 cohort. Applications for Fall 2027 will open in Fall 2026.
Info Sessions
We highly recommend attending an info session to understand the program and application process. Fall 2027 sessions will be held in Summer/Fall 2026
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Application Drop-in Hours
We highly recommend getting your FALL 2027 application materials reviewed before submitting:
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Eligibility
Any SBS majors who will be Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors at the time of the program are welcome to apply. SBS in DC is a selective program, with a limited number of spots available. We are looking for applicants who are serious about representing SBS in DC with our alumni and hosts.
Cost
It is estimated that the cost for a semester in DC will be about the same or less than a semester on campus. The total cost to the student will depend on the amount of financial aid and scholarships a student receives. Scholarships that are available through TWC and SBS on AcademicWorks (dependent upon financial need).
I gained a lot of confidence in myself. For the first time, I was able to envision myself living outside of MA. I felt like I belonged somewhere for the first time in YEARS. I could see my future and envision how it may look a few years from now.
Before going to DC, I felt…fear of not making friends, feeling lost in my career choice, and for the first time, being far from my family. It was the COMPLETE opposite. I made friends with the best people ever, and I feel like we will continue to be close even after we’ve left DC and after we graduate.
I feel confident and happy that I can make the right decisions regarding my career choices.I feel bold and able to reclaim that fear and turn it into faith and hope for myself.”
Linda Toromo
political science major | interned at CHC Bold pac
SBS in DC offers…
Application guidance and support: Learn what makes you a competitive candidate by attending an info session and getting your application materials reviewed during drop-in hours.
The cohort model: Live and learn with a group of fellow SBS students, from a variety of different backgrounds and majors and explore a new city together!
Alumni mentorship: Gain access to a 1:1 mentor and other DC-area alumni who can help you navigate DC and professional networks!
Internship guidance and placement: Work with the SBS in DC team to explore opportunities for internships that align with your interests! In addition to the already robust internship opportunities available through SBS in DC, TWC is the largest, most established program of its kind with more than 600 higher education, corporate, government, foundation and internship host partners!
Networking opportunities: Participate in special events in DC to grow your networks and build up professional contacts!!
Hands-on support and professional development preparation: Receive individual guidance from the SBS in DC team, and participate in pre-departure training at UMass so you can hit the ground running in DC!
Access and affordability: A semester in DC won’t cost you more than a semester in Amherst–access special scholarships to help support your time in DC, and benefit from your Financial Aid throughout the semester!
Credit for your experiences: Stay on track with your degree completion by earning a semester’s worth of credits (12-15 credits) while in DC! UMass allows a maximum of 18 internship credits during your time here. If you are planning to do any other programs through UMass that will earn you internship credit, you must earn no more than 6 credits.
Academic coursework: Participate in one weekly class that is aligned with your SBS major in areas such as American Politics & Public Policy; Law & Criminal Justice, Media & Communication, Business & Administration; or International Affairs!
Housing managed by a dedicated housing team: Live in apartment-style housing with your fellow SBS in DC cohort. Within the building, there is a full gym, a business center, and lounges available for studying, relaxing, or catching up with your fellow interns. TWC’s housing also includes dedicated staff who live in the buildings and offer support 24/7 and organize events for the residents!
Please contact the Coordinator of Internship and Field Experiences Emma Aulenback, or the Director of High Impact Program Initiatives Rebecca Bell, for more information.
