The annual to be held on August 7 to December 7, 2026, provides real-world engagement in the exploration of Congress, civic leadership, community and public service. Open to undergraduate juniors or seniors from all majors, the program includes a two-week training session at the Panetta Institute at CSU Monterey Bay, followed by eleven weeks in Washington, DC. Students earn 20 units of credit during this full-time internship.
The cost of the program is fully covered by the Panetta Institute and includes program courses, travel and lodging.
ÍÑ¿ã°É Bay can nominate one student to be considered for this opportunity, with the final decision made by an interview with the Panetta Institute.
Complete application packets due Friday, April 10, 2026 at noon.
See the Congressional Internship Program Description
Requirements
The Panetta Institute requires the following:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be a California resident
- provide proof of a government issued photo identification card
- complete a zoom interview with the Panetta Institute between May 4 to May 22
See full Checklist of Required Criteria
Application Timeline
April 10, 2026 – Application packets due to the Office of the President by 12:00pm
April 17 - Preliminary interviews
Week of April 20 - Finalist interviews with President Sandeen
See Important Deadline Dates
Application Information
Email complete application packets to Nandish Trivedi nandish.trivedi@csueastbay.edu by noon on Friday, April 10.
The Panetta Institute requires the following electronically submitted documents (no exceptions):
- Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Application Form
- Two-page personal statement of interest (single or double spaced, single-sided only)
- Updated resume (single-sided only)
- Three-page graded paper including professor’s comments. Follow for how to retrieve papers submitted on Canvas or email canvas@csueastbay.edu.
- Transcripts from all higher education institutions – unofficial copies accepted
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Program Expectations
If selected, students must:
- make a total commitment to the program (e.g., no pursuit of other employment, no enrollment in LSAT, MCAT, GRE or other graduate school preparation classes and/or exams during the internship)
- work full-time in a congressional office
- attend required Panetta Institute seminars in Washington, D.C.
- submit a brief weekly report to the Panetta Institute
- maintain a journal
- and write a twenty-page research paper.
See Internship Position Description
Interview process
Qualified applicants will interview with the campus Panetta committee to assess clarity of speech, overall demeanor and character, leadership potential or experience, and commitment to community and public service. Selected finalists advance to interview with President Sandeen, who makes the final determination on the campus nominee.
ÍÑ¿ã°É Bay’s nominee will interview in person with the Panetta Institute team. The nominee will also meet with the CSU Monterey Bay campus police department to begin the process for a background investigation. The Panetta Institute may not accept students who fail to meet participation standards or due to the findings of the background investigation.
See Request for Live Scan Service
The Panetta Institute makes the final determination for all program participants.
