The Massachusetts Democratic Party is committed to developing the next generation of leaders! Apply today to the MDP JFK Scholarship & Joe Moakley Internship Program.
The MDP is offering scholarship and paid internship opportunities to students enrolled in college or post-secondary programs and 2023 college graduates and post-secondary certificate holders who are residents of Massachusetts and registered Democrats.
Please note that the internship program is a part time, in person internship that averages about 15 hours per week.
JFK Scholarship recipients are expected to be active participants in democratic organizing or other political work. JFK Scholarship recipients may intern with the MassDems.
Joe Moakley interns will learn about voter registration, organizing events, assisting the delegate selection process, and preparing for the 2023 Convention. In the data realm, interns will assist Party staff by maintaining the state’s voter file; by gathering election and polling place data; by supporting projects aimed to help build organizing plans for campaigns; and by providing support to local party organizations. Interns will also work with our communications and social media team in developing and designing original content, learning how to develop a consistent and comprehensive brand identity and assisting with high priority rapid response activities.
The ideal intern has had some exposure to a Democratic campaign or progressive cause and an interest in Democratic politics along with a strong desire to learn more about campaigns and the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applications with the following documents must be received no later than March 10th, 2023 at 5:00 PM (no exceptions) and must be submitted here.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:
- Applicant must be a Massachusetts resident
- Must currently be enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university, a trade or apprenticeship program, or be a 2023 high school student (with pending college/post-secondary application), or 2023 college or post-secondary program graduate.
- Applicants eligible to vote must be a registered Democrat in Massachusetts (Register Here!). Applicants ineligible to vote should provide proof of engagement in a Democratic Organization (e.g. Young Democrats of Massachusetts, College Democrats of Massachusetts, Bay State Stonewall Democrats, etc.) or in a service organization (i.e. a food bank, community-based organizations, etc.)
- 2.5 minimum GPA
- Commitment to public service and desire to be politically active
- Ability to work with diverse communities
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
- Cover Letter of Application
- Essay (300-word limit)
- One-page Resume
- Unofficial Transcript
- 2 letters of Recommendation
Please note that ALL components of your application must be submitted by the deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
- For Internship Applicants: 8-week, part-time commitment to work as an intern with MDP and/or policy organization or local community-based organization working on issues that advance MDP platform goals.
- Please note that interns that this internship is expected to run from June 12th through August 4th.
- This is an in person internship based out of the MassDems office in Boston. This date is flexible, however, as we realize that school schedules vary.
Essay for JFK Scholarship Candidates: Share a favorite quote by President John F. Kennedy and describe how this quote speaks to your own activism and interest in public service.
Essay for Congressman Joe Moakley Internship Candidates: Discuss how Congressman Moakley or any other Massachusetts Member of Congress or the U.S. Senate has inspired your political beliefs and values. What would you do in your internship to ensure that they are reflected in your work?
Additional Duties
- Basic office functions such as answering phones, checking and responding to emails and data entry. General administrative office tasks and duties.
- Greeting guests and volunteers as they enter the office, answer general questions.
- Actively participating in canvasses, phone banks, and voter registration drives.
SELECTION PROCESS:
- The Selection Committee will select candidates based on the application package and interviews.
- Interviews are mandatory and will be scheduled for March 20th and 21st.
- Candidates may apply/be eligible for the JFK Scholarship, Moakley Internship or both; however, only one application package and only one essay is required. Candidates may only be selected for one program.
- Successful candidates will demonstrate leadership skills; proven commitment to public service; past political activity or desire to become active members of the Democratic Party; a strong commitment to MDP values; and an ability to work with diverse communities.
- Disability accommodations may be requested.
- Successful candidates will receive a $3,000 scholarship or $2,000 internship stipend.
