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Program Purpose
Hear about the importance of public service from Dr. Janine Davidson, generous program sponsors, and former students in the program
In collaboration with MSU President, Dr. Janine Davidson, the Institute for Public Service is proud to offer the Presidential Federal Internship Program (PFIP). As the Institute enables MSU Denver students to be the next generation of public service leaders, PFIP offers a unique opportunity for students to live and work in Washington, DC, gaining invaluable leadership experience and skills while completing a ten-week summer internship in the nation’s capital.
This program provides meaningful experiential learning for students that significantly impacts their academic pursuits and career trajectories, thus bringing their experience at MSU Denver to life in the context of public service. It also provides significant financial and programmatic support for students during their internship.
The program is open to all majors and disciplines.
Program Overview
Living and Working in Washington, DC
Students in PFIP will represent MSU Denver in Washington, DC while interning at a government office, national agency, or non-profit organization. This internship will provide first-hand experience in policy making, public service, networking, and much more. Interning in the nation’s capital will guide a student’s career trajectory, grow their professional network, and change lives!
Students in this program increase their understanding of how policy, research, and government converge to affect all facets of life—and this benefits any future career. Internship placements vary, and there is no set description of the daily life of an intern. But know this: every day in Washington, DC differs and is an opportunity to learn something new—at the office and around the city after work.
Living in Washington, DC for the summer is an opportunity to enjoy one of the most diverse and culturally rich cities in the US. Learning opportunities are seemingly endless. Most museums are free. And, it has what is considered the best mass transit system in America—and that’s good, because interns report they use it, a lot.
When and how do students get involved?
Eligible students can apply to this program during the application cycle that opens each Fall semester. Three to four students will be selected as “PFIP finalists” for the following Summer Cohort. After their selection, these finalists will work with program staff to prepare applications for Washington, DC-area internships that match their interests. Finalists are encouraged to research organizations, agencies, and offices to explore what internships might interest them, and to apply to multiple options; furthermore, finalists can expect to spend 15 to 20 hours of paid time throughout the spring semester on resume and DC-specific internship applications, orientation sessions, and pre-departure trainings.
Finalists should know this: the DC experience is contingent on securing a summer internship. Institute staff work diligently to help finalists find an internship placement, but without an internship offer, the program cannot send a finalist to Washington, DC.
IMPORTANT: Read each section below to learn about specific eligibility requirements, to see if the program timeline works for you, and to see the financial resources provided to students in this program.
Eligibility requirements must be met for an application to be considered; Qualifications make a strong candidate
The eligibility requirements below must be met to ensure student employment:
- Current MSU Denver Full-time or Part-Time Student
- Must be eligible for Student Employment at MSU Denver (including 6 credit hours Fall 2026)
- Must return for Fall 2026 classes (at least 6 credit hours)
- Sophomore or Junior Standing at time of application, with some “Senior” status eligible (will not graduate prior to Dec 2026)
- Currently in Good Academic Standing
- DACA Students are eligible to participate
- Able to travel outside of Colorado
- Open to ALL Majors
The list below outlines skills and characteristics that make good candidates
- A commitment to exploring a career in public service
- Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
- Experience and comfort with Microsoft applications; Word, Power-Point and Excel Strong work ethic
- Flexible and adaptable
- High level of personal responsibility
- Comfortable sharing personal/professional experiences via social media channels (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
PFIP Application and DC Internship Placement Process
Students must apply in the MSU Denver Student Employment Portal, in Workday. A completed application includes a resume, cover letter, and the answer to any supplemental questions. The application cycle for the 2026 PFIP is now closed. Check back in late summer or early Fall 2026 to apply for the Summer 2027 program.
Program staff will review applications and they will determine who will advance to the interview phase of the selection process. 30-minute TEAMS interviews are conducted for these students selected for this phase. After the interviews, program staff determine who will be selected as finalists for the Summer 2026 cohort. Students will be notified by program staff of their decision.
Upon selection as finalists, these students will work closely with program staff to secure an internship placement for the summer. The program cannot guarantee an internship for finalists, or an internship of their choice—this is up to the student. It is the student finalist’s responsibility to research and apply for internships throughout the late fall and early spring semester.
This means finalists must apply for the actual DC internship in addition to the program. Finalists must secure an internship to experience the summer in Washington, DC.
Financial Support for Students in the Program
The program provides the following financial support:
- Up to $6,000 over a ten-week internship, paid as MSU Denver student employee salary; directly from the internship placement; or a combination of the two.
- Round-trip airfare (Denver-DC).
- Funding for ground transportation in DC and relocation expenses.
- Paid shared housing (double, triple, quadruple occupancy) in dormitory-style living arrangements.
- Academic credit for the internship (if applicable)
- Compensation for attending required pre-departure training and orientation sessions (Student hourly, $20/hour).
Students selected for the program will be onboarded as MSU Denver student employees. Students receive pay for all the required training and orientation sessions—as student hourly employees of the program. Payment for the internship comes as MSU Denver student hourly employment; from the internship placement; or from a combination of the two.
Preparing for the Program and Departure for DC
Student finalists can expect to commit 15 to 20 hours in mandatory training and prep sessions throughout the spring semester, prior to departure. This includes time for preparing applications for internships. Additional time will be needed for interviewing for internships (students often interview for two or three, maybe even more). These sessions will begin in mid-January 2026, prior to the start of the Spring 2026 semester.
Students generally leave Denver for Washington DC on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, accompanied by program staff. The staff ensures smooth arrival at their DC housing and a welcome orientation to DC over the weekend. Students can expect to begin their internships the following week.
All Fall 2026 Info Sessions have concluded
Note: Applications are now CLOSED for the 2026 PFIP.
Thank you for your interest in the Presidential Federal Internship Program. Please stay tuned, and revisit this page in Fall 2026 about taking part in the next class of Summer 2027 interns.
Meet the interns!
Click here to read bios, access first-hand experiences, and more!
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Questions? We are happy to help!
If you have any questions about the application process or the program itself, we are happy to answer.
EMAIL US!Campus Location:
King Center, 484
Mailing Address:
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Campus Box 37
P.O. Box 173362
Denver, CO 80217-336
