In This Issue

• Internships and job opportunities

• Connect with JMC’s April Alumnus in Residence, Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court

• Career-related events

• Drop-in advising hours for field experience questions

• Internships Spotlight: Bree Bogan

Inclusion of any internship opportunity listed here does not constitute MSU’s/JMC's endorsement or support of any candidate, party or ballot measure. 

Internship & Job Opportunities

Michigan Senate Democratic Fund Summer Fellowship 
The Michigan Senate Democratic Fund Summer Fellowship (April to August 2026 in Lansing) is seeking fellows to support fundraising and operations for Michigan Senate Democratic campaigns and 2026 election efforts. This part-time role (10–15 hours per week) includes a $3,250 semester stipend and a hybrid schedule with at least one in-office day in Lansing. Fellows assist with donor research, fundraising communications, event support and campaign finance work. Apply by April 19 by sending your resume, a short paragraph about yourself and why you want to work in Democratic campaigns, and your availability to Sarah Fenno sfenno@senatedems.org with subject line “MSDF Summer.” 

City of East Lansing Community Engagement Internship 
This City of East Lansing intern position will support community engagement and placemaking efforts in downtown East Lansing through event coordination, public interaction and creative programming. Responsibilities include assisting with events, managing placemaking activities and engaging with local businesses and visitors, with required availability for select Friday evening concerts and special events. Part-time (20 hours/week), $15/hour. Apply by April 23 via City of East Lansing.

USDA Agricultural Research Service Research Internship Program 
Participate in agricultural research projects supporting food systems, environmental sustainability and scientific innovation. Interns contribute to real-world research activities including data collection, laboratory work and analysis while working alongside USDA scientists in a collaborative research environment. Salary is $36,000 to $49,000 yearly. Open to students pursuing degrees in biological sciences, agriculture, environmental science or related STEM fields. Apply by April 24 via USDA Application.

Air Force Institute of Technology: Center for Directed Energy Summer Internship Program 
Participate in applied research projects supporting national defense and advanced technology development in atmospheric and optical systems. Interns gain hands-on experience working alongside federal researchers while contributing to real-world STEM research in engineering, physics, chemistry and related fields. Apply by April 30 via AFIT Application.

Global Safety, Operations & Logistics Coordinator / Study Abroad Program Coordinator 
This full-time role, based at MSU in East Lansing, focuses on supporting international health and safety operations, including travel preparedness, risk analysis and response planning to protect MSU travelers. Ideal candidates will have strong communication, collaboration and systems-thinking skills, along with experience in presentation and writing. Learn more and apply via MSU Careers by April 24. 

Teach For America 2026 Fall Ignite Internship 
Teach For America offers paid, purpose-driven opportunities for college students and recent graduates to lead and serve in schools and communities. The Fall Ignite program is a part-time, remote tutoring opportunity open to all college students, where participants support K–12 students during the school day while building professional skills with training and guidance from experienced educators. Apply and learn more via Teach for America by April 29. 

Institute for College Access & Success Fellowships

• Student Advocacy Fellowship: This one-year program is a paid opportunity for students in Michigan to learn and practice policy research, analysis and advocacy skills. Students will receive training in relevant skills, complete a research project and publication, participate in meetings with legislators, receive support towards their career and postsecondary goals with success coaching, and receive a stipend. Apply by May 1 via TICAS.

• Leaders of Color Fellowship: This two-year program is an opportunity for practitioners and leaders of color in Michigan to learn and practice policy research, analysis and advocacy skills. Participants will receive training in relevant skills, complete a research project and publication, participate in meetings with legislators, manage a mini-grant opportunity, and attend a national conference. Apply by May 1 via TICAS.

Student Mental Health Ambassador Program 
Join MSU Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) as a Student Mental Health Ambassador and support inclusive, student-led mental health programming on campus. Participants will engage in outreach events, receive training on topics like communication and suicide prevention, and explore career pathways in mental health. This volunteer opportunity includes monthly meetings and trainings, requiring no more than 30 hours per week for peer counselors. Apply by May 1. Learn more via CAPS Qualtrics Form 

GIFFORDS Courage Fellowship 
The GIFFORDS Fellowship is a program for young people interested in gun violence prevention advocacy. Fellows participate in training with national leaders, build skills in organizing and advocacy, and create a community engagement project while networking with other young activists. The program also includes in-person and virtual sessions, mentorship and a fully funded opportunity to lobby at their state capitol. Apply by May 10. Learn more and apply via GIFFORDS Fellowship. 

Summer & Fall 2026 Election Administration Internship 
Gain hands-on experience in election administration by participating in a full election cycle in Bloomfield Township. Responsibilities include voter registration, absentee ballot processing, election worker coordination and Election Day operations, while building knowledge of election laws and systems. This role requires 30–40 hours per week, with increased hours as the election approaches. Submit resume and cover letter to elections@bloomfieldtwpmi.gov. Learn more via Bloomfield Township

New Jersey Courts Paid Internship Program 
The New Jersey Courts Paid Internship Program offers students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the court system while supporting administrative and case-related operations. Interns assist with clerical, research, and customer service tasks including document preparation, data entry, and court support activities while working alongside judiciary staff. This opportunity is open to students enrolled in an accredited college or university with at least 30 completed credit hours. Learn more via Government Jobs.

Van Buren County Democratic Party Internships 
The Van Buren County Democratic Party offers flexible, experience-building internships for students interested in politics, communication, organizing and community engagement. These primarily remote roles are open to applicants regardless of location and include opportunities across campaigns, communications, fundraising, membership, events, data, and more. Applicants may apply for multiple positions using a single form submission. Learn more via Van Buren County.

Abdnour Weiker, LLP Executive Assistant  Internship 
This full-time Executive Assistant (35–40 hours per week) will support attorneys in a student rights-focused law practice. This role involves calendaring and scheduling, client and court communications, file management, travel coordination and general administrative support. The position is remote but requires candidates to be located in MI, OH or PA and able to travel for occasional in-person tasks. The salary for this opportunity is $20–$25 per hour with benefits. Please submit a resume and cover letter to Liz Abdnour at liz@education-rights.com with “Executive Assistant position” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Candidates will only be contacted if selected for an interview. 

Jocelyn Benson for Governor Campaign Internship 
Jocelyn Benson is running for Governor of Michigan and looking to build a hardworking team of interns. This internship is available across four campaign departments: Communications, Digital, Finance and Political. These positions offer hands-on experience on a Michigan statewide campaign, with exposure to media relations, content creation, political fundraising and coalition building. This part-time opportunity will take place in the Metro Detroit area and includes a salary of $1,000/month during the months of May/June through August/September.  Applications are rolling until all positions are filled. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews. If interested, please submit your resume and cover letter to maggie@jocelynbenson.com with subject line: Communication Internship Application: Last Name. 

TurnUp Youth Activism Remote Internship 
Fully remote, unpaid opportunity for students interested in civic engagement and social justice. Participants work 5 to 30 flexible hours per week on teams with peers across the U.S., contributing to initiatives like voter engagement, advocacy and grassroots activism while building skills in communication, leadership and collaboration. The program offers flexible start dates, opportunities for course credit or community service hours, and valuable experience to strengthen resumes and networks. This opportunity is open to MSU students, with applications accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply via Google Form.

Summer Internship Opportunities with AHCA/NCAL 
The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) is offering paid summer internships for students interested in healthcare policy, technology and the senior living sector. Interns will gain hands-on experience and insight into the organization’s work supporting long-term care providers nationwide. The eight-week internships begin after Memorial Day and pay $20/hour. Available internship opportunities include: 

• Government Relations Intern: Support policy research, advocacy initiatives and communications related to federal legislation impacting long-term care. Apply via AHCA/NCAL Website 

• Information Technology Intern: Assist with data analysis and system improvements to strengthen internal data quality. Apply via AHCA/NCAL Website 

• National Center for Assisted Living Intern: Conduct research and support programs related to assisted living policy and industry initiatives. Apply via AHCA/NCAL Website

Career Events

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: Join USPTO Live Info Session 
April 28, 1 to 1:30 p.m. held virtually. Learn about the patent examiner application process and connect with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s Office of Human Resources during a live presentation and Q&A session. Attendees can ask questions in real time and gain insights into applying for roles that support innovation and intellectual property protection. This session is for individuals who have applied or are preparing to apply and are interested in careers at the USPTO. Register and learn more via USPTO  

Alumnus in Residence: Tom Boyd

Tom Boyd, State Court Administrator for the Michigan Supreme Court, is JMC's April Alumnus in Residence. Current JMC students are invited to schedule a one-on-one virtual meeting with Boyd to discuss their career journeys and life after Madison.

Schedule a virtual 15-meeting with Tom Boyd via Calendly.

Express Advising: Internships & Education Abroad

Students with questions about internships and education abroad programs can meet with Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak for drop-in advising on Wednesdays from 1 to 4 p.m. in 329 South Case Hall.

Internships Spotlight: Bree Bogan

Bree is a senior majoring in Social Relations and Policy and Criminal Justice. Learn about Bree’s internship below!

“My name is Bree Bogan, and I am a senior majoring in SRP. Since the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester, I have had the honor of serving as a legislative intern with the Michigan Senate for Sarah Anthony and her incredible team at the State Capitol in Lansing. In this role, I support day-to-day tasks and projects focused on constituent services, community engagement and state policy initiatives. My responsibilities include tasks such as conducting legislative research and attending committee hearings, which have allowed me to stay up-to-date on legislation moving through the Senate and gain valuable insight into the legislative process. Through observing budget discussions, I have also developed a deeper understanding of the behind-the-scenes considerations that shape state funding decisions.

“One of my favorite parts of this experience has been working alongside such a knowledgeable and service-driven team. I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and guidance I have received from Senator Anthony and her staff, and I will always value the opportunity to have been part of the A-Team.”

Learn more about JMC’s field experience requirement on the JMC website. Students interested in planning their internship can connect with JMC Field Experience Coordinator Lauren Michalak (schedule an appointment with her via student.msu.edu).

Have a suggestion or submission for this newsletter? Contact Jane Deacon (locket20@msu.edu).