The Washington State Legislative Internship Program (WSLIP) invites motivated college juniors and seniors to spend a winter quarter working side-by-side with elected officials in Olympia. Participants become non-partisan legislative staff receive a monthly stipend, and earn university credit while observing the complete law-making cycle. The program is designed for students from any major who want a real-world glimpse of state government without prior political experience.
In-person and virtual information sessions
Prospective interns can meet program coordinators during a series of drop-in sessions held in Smith Hall, room 40A. The schedule runs from September 7 to September 8, with slots every half hour between 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (no sessions from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Students simply sign up for a time that fits their calendar and learn about duties, stipend details, and the application process. For those unable to attend on campus, a live virtual session is offered on Thursday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.; registration is available via the provided link.
Program structure, stipend, and timeline
The internship starts Monday, January 5, and runs the full winter quarter through April 25. It is a full-time, five-days-a-week placement in the state capital. Each intern earns a $2,400 per month stipend for the 2027 session, providing financial support while they contribute to legislative research, constituent communications, and policy analysis. Interns are matched with either a House Representative or a Senator based on their policy interests and political leanings, and there are additional roles for those who wish to serve as caucus staff in policy or communications.
Eligibility, academic credit, and major-agnostic recruitment
Applicants must be enrolled as juniors or seniors, maintain good academic standing, and register for credit while interning. The program welcomes students from every discipline—law, business, environmental studies, public health, communications, and more. Diversity of background and political viewpoint is encouraged, as the internship seeks active campus leaders who can thrive in a collaborative, bipartisan environment. University of Washington students who are admitted must enroll in 15 credits of Pol S 497, Political Internship in State Government during the winter quarter. Five of those credits count toward the Political Science major (Field D, American Politics, or elective requirement) and are graded numerically; the remaining ten are graded on a credit/no-credit basis and satisfy graduation credit requirements.
Application deadlines and sponsor information
Interested candidates should submit their applications by the priority deadline of October 21, 11:59 p.m. A final deadline of October 28, 11:59 p.m. follows for late submissions. When completing the online form, applicants must indicate a faculty sponsor by selecting “Political Science Advising” in the designated field. For any questions about the program, eligibility, or the application portal, prospective interns are encouraged to reach out directly to the WSLIP coordination team.
