Description
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) offers a paid internship program for students in undergraduate, graduate, law and medical schools, and we also consider postgraduates. These paid internships offer structured work experiences and an opportunity to:
- Gain substantial knowledge of the policy-making process and the role science plays.
- Participate in group meetings and strategy brainstorming sessions.
- Obtain general research and communication skills by working closely with science, policy, legislative, and outreach experts.
- Meet with staff at all levels of the organization to discuss career roles and paths.
- Assess your own interests and skills.
About CSPI
CSPI is one of the nation’s leading public health advocacy organizations with a 50-year record of fighting for science in the public interest and working to improve the food environment for all. We’ve led efforts to win passage of many state and local policies to improve school foods, put calories on chain restaurant menus and menu boards, and remove sugary drinks from children’s menus. National policy successes include the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act; Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act; Food Safety Modernization Act; and Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act.
About the Internship Opportunity
The intern will work with the legislative affairs team to support the advancement of CSPI’s federal legislative goals. During Spring of 2027 this will focus on outreach to incoming members of Congress to conduct education and build relationships with their offices. The intern will also have the opportunity to conduct research, policy analysis, and participate in coalition activities with CSPI Legislative Affairs staff.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide technical and research assistance to support our work on federal policy
- Help to identify and cultivate relationships with newly elected members of Congress
- Assisting the team in developing well-written, persuasive materials to advance CSPI’s policy goals
- Identify and track new bills within CSPI’s priority areas
Qualifications
- Currently enrolled in a public health, nutrition, public policy or related degree program
- Based in the DC metro area and available for in-person meetings with Congressional offices
- Excellent research and writing skills with ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize public health and nutrition research
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals
- Interest in federal policy advocacy
What Else You Should Know
CSPI pays interns $18.40 per hour. Our 10-week spring intern program is part-time (10 hours per week). The ideal start date is late January/early February, but we will work with applicants if there’s a schedule conflict.
CSPI on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
CSPI is committed to including and valuing diverse voices and fostering a culture that ensures all staff feel a sense of belonging and are encouraged to be their best selves. In that spirit, each of us is committed to putting in constant work to live up to our organization’s core values:
- We are inclusive. We seek to foster an environment where all staff feel a sense of belonging and are affirmed. We are not looking for everyone to think and look the same. We actively welcome and value staff with different experiences, backgrounds, attributes, abilities, and perspectives.
- We are open. We are honest and direct in how we communicate with each other in order to build trust and integrity within our organization.
- We are accountable. We acknowledge and assume responsibility for our actions.
- We are kind. We communicate and treat one another in a respectful, generous, considerate, and compassionate way.
- We are collaborative. We work together for the common good and shared success.
To Apply
Please utilize CSPI's Paylocity Applicant Tracking System to apply for the Spring 2027, Legislative Affairs Internship. You must submit a resume, cover letter, and two professional references (upload a doc with the reference information).
The deadline to apply is November 20, 2026, but applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
CSPI is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills and encourages people of diverse ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, disabilities, religions, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, work, and life experiences to apply.
Skills Required
- Currently enrolled in a public health, nutrition, public policy, or related degree program
- Based in the DC metro area and available for in-person meetings with Congressional offices
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and summarize public health and nutrition research
- Exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to work independently and manage tasks appropriately to achieve project goals
- Interest in federal policy advocacy
- Resume, cover letter, and two professional references
What We Do
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit nutrition education and consumer advocacy organization. CSPI advocates for evidence-based and community-informed policies on nutrition, food safety, and health. It works to hold government agencies and corporations accountable while empowering consumers with independent, unbiased advice and information to live healthier lives, serving as a leading public health watchdog.
