In This Issue

• Internship and job opportunities

• Funding opportunities

• Grad school resources

• Internship Spotlight: Ava Justice

Internship & Job Opportunities

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

JMC Student Assistant Recruitment Coordinator
JMC is seeking students to join as Student Assistant Recruitment Coordinators for the 2026-27 academic year. This paid role spans two semesters, with potential for further re-appointment dependent on availability and performance. Help enhance JMC's outreach and recruitment, liaising with prospective students, high schools and community organizations. Training provided. Apply via Handshake (#10691165 or search JMC) by Feb. 15.

Virginia Department of Health: Summer Internship Academy
Interns work within a program area or at a local health department (internship based in Virginia). Opportunity is open to students with a broad range of specialties, from accounting to graphic design. Interns will work closely with public health programs, as well as other critical areas, such as finance or accounting, human resources, communications and technology. Apply by Jan. 31.

Bureau of Land Management: Education and Outreach Intern
This six-month internship at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area (Newport, Oregon) focuses on education and interpretation through a partnership with Environment for the Americas. Qualifying interns can also receive a Public Land Corps Non-Competitive Hiring Certificate, which lasts two years. Apply by Feb. 2.

Smithsonian Institution: Internship Information Session
Feb. 3, 12 p.m. Learn about internship opportunities from staff at the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. Advance registration is required. This event is open to all majors, school years and alumni. Register to attend via Zoom.

City of San Francisco: San Francisco Fellows Program Information Session
Feb. 9, 1 p.m. Learn about an 11½-month opportunity to work full-time in local government (opportunity for recent graduates). Register to attend via Zoom.

Acton Institute Emerging Leaders Program 
The Emerging Leaders Program is an eight-week (June 3-July 29) summer leadership development internship designed to equip students to thrive at a high level. Each domestic participant will receive a $4,500 stipend plus housing at Grand Valley University – Downtown Campus. Apply by Feb. 13. Learn more and apply via Acton Website.

OAS Summer Internship Program 
The Organization of American States (OAS) Internship Program offers in-person and virtual opportunities during its 2026 Summer Session, with placements at OAS Headquarters and National Offices. The internship runs from June 4 to Aug. 14, 2026, and provides participants with hands-on experience supporting the OAS’s mission to promote democracy, human rights, security and integral development through dialogue and collective action. Learn more and by Feb. 13 via OAS Website.

MSU University Advancement Student Engagement Team Member
MSU University Advancement is looking for Student Engagement Team Members to help lead student events, service initiatives, and campus partnerships. On-campus/hybrid positions. Approx. 12 hours/week, $15–20/hour. Open to current MSU undergraduates. Apply by Feb. 26 via Handshake.

Summer 2026 Student Ambassador Job Opportunities
The Visiting International Professorial Program is recruiting a team of MSU students to take part in the program as Cultural Ambassadors and Class Assistants. Great opportunity to practice German and other languages, participate in collaborative learning, and engage with a meaningful international experience through academic and cultural exchange. Apply by Feb. 27.

2026-2027 Undergraduate Research Ambassadors
Ambassadors facilitate workshops, assist at UURAF, and represent the Undergraduate Research Office at events and programs throughout the academic year. Apply by March 8 via Handshake.

Yazaki Government Relations Summer Internship 
Yazaki’s Government Relations Summer Internship is a full-time opportunity based in Canton, Mich., running from May 11 through Aug. 15, 2026. Interns will gain hands-on experience researching government affairs and public policy issues impacting the automotive industry, including tariffs and trade, while supporting policy summaries, briefing materials, and advocacy efforts with government and industry stakeholders. Learn more and apply via Yazaki Website 

Bond Campaign Support Opportunity – Ingham Intermediate School District 
This opportunity supports a school bond campaign for the Ingham Intermediate School District and is ideal for a Madison student interested in public affairs, communications or civic engagement. Responsibilities include sorting data, assisting with mailings, making phone calls and conducting research. This is an unpaid experience designed to provide hands-on learning, with gift cards provided to participants in appreciation of their time. The commitment is approximately five hours per week. Contact Michele Strasz at Mpstrasz@outlook.com or (517) 712-2014. 

Benson for Governor Campaign: Spring Internship Opportunity 
The Jocelyn Benson for Governor campaign is seeking interns to support its Political, Communications and Digital teams. Interested applicants should email their resume to raenah@jocelynbenson.com. Applications are rolling but applying as soon as possible is recommended.  

Joey Andrews Campaign Internship 
The Joey Andrews State Rep Campaign Internship will take place May through November 2026. It offers hands-on experience supporting a political campaign, with opportunities available both in person and virtually. Complete the Internship Interest Form via Google Forms.

Political Consulting Internship
Political consultant Megan Crane is seeking interns to help the most competitive races in Michigan at the local, state, and federal level. Internship can be hybrid or completely remote. Start date and duration is flexible. Campaign interns will learn the ins and outs of field, finance and communications operations on political campaigns. Interns’ tasks include donor research, social media, building for fundraisers, research projects, staffing candidates, and more. Apply via Google Forms.

Research Data Associate (Remote)  
AidData at William & Mary is seeking remote, part-time Research Data Associates for spring 2026 to support three interconnected projects within the Tracking Underreported Financial Flows (TUFF) Unit. Associates will systematically review and extract key information from government information from documents, NGO reports, academic literature, media articles and other materials. Workloads will vary based on project timelines with an average of 25 hours per week. Pay for this position ranges between $15 to $25 per hour. Apply by sending your resume and cover letter to Ameya Joshi (ajoshi@aiddata.org).

Flint Summer 2026 Study Away 
The Flint Study Away internship is a credit-bearing summer internship program where MSU undergraduate students live, work, and study within the City of Flint for eight weeks. Internships cover a range of disciplines, such as policy, justice, arts, and community development. Areas of placement include Economic & Housing Policy, Public Defense & Legal Support, Human Resource & Labor Relations, and more. Contact Cathy White (gamperca@msu.edu) to learn more.

CWGI Internship 
CWGI is a campaign fundraising and compliance firm based in Lansing, providing bookkeeping, compliance services, fundraising, and event planning for conservative state and federal candidates. Interns provide support for scheduling, bookkeeping, event planning and other tasks. This internship is paid. Hours are negotiable, and school credit can be arranged. Email a resume, cover letter and three references to amanda.cwgi@gmail.com to apply.

Michigan Senate General Services Courier 
Essential job functions include attending senate sessions, receiving and delivering documents, assisting with postal duties and performing other duties. Interns work 25 hours per week (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) with a salary of $15/hour. Please note that this opportunity will not count towards the JMC Field Experience requirement. Send cover letter and resume resume@senate.michigan.gov to apply.

Funding Opportunities

JMC Field Experience Scholarships
Applications for the JMC Field Experience Scholarships are now open. Students who are planning to do their field experience (internship for credit via MC 400 & 401 or approved equivalent) in Spring 2026 are eligible to apply. Apply via Qualtrics by Jan. 31. Learn more online.

Gordon and Norma Guyer Public Policy Internship Award
Applications are now open for MSU students of any major completing an internship in public policy this semester. Scholarships of at least $1,000 will be applicable towards a student’s tuition. View the scholarship announcement and submit your application by Feb. 6. Learn more on JMC’s website.

Grad School Resources

Law School Admission Council (LSAC)
The LSAC Plus, Guided Journey is a free, year-long (about 14 month) cohort-based support program designed to help aspiring law students — especially those who face structural barriers or systematic challenges — successfully navigate the law school journey from preparation to application. Applications for the Plus, Guided Journey 2026 close on Jan. 31.

LSAC Digital Law School Forum 
Feb. 10, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. held virtually. Experience an invaluable opportunity for aspiring law students to learn about law school and connect with law school representatives. By attending, you’ll be able to connect with law school representatives from across North America, learn about financial aid, and the law school admission process. Register to attend by Feb. 8. Register via LSAC.

Georgetown's Undergraduate Summer Law Institute
Capitol Law @ GU: Georgetown Undergraduate Summer Law Institute is a five-week, eight-credit program designed specifically for undergraduate students interested in law. Students gain first-hand exposure to legal education and the legal profession through immersive experiences in the heart of Washington, D.C. Attend information sessions on Feb. 5 or 10 and apply by March 6.

CLEO Inc. Pre-Law Summer Institute 
Prelaw Summer Institute (PLSI) is a rigorous, residential program designed to familiarize and better prepare students for success in law school. PLSI 2026 will begin with a two-week (May 23 – July 2) virtual introduction to law school, followed by immersive on-campus experience hosted by Penn State Dickenson Law in Pennsylvania. The PLSI 2026 program cost is $2,500 per person with a $200 deposit. Apply by April 1. Learn more and apply via CLEO Inc.

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).

Internship Spotlight: Ava Justice

Ava is a junior studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy with a minor in Religious Studies. Learn more about Ava’s internship below!

“Since August, I’ve been working as the Grassroots and Events Intern for MAPSA, Michigan’s Charter School Association. In this role, I support our Operations Manager (a JMC alum!) with our large events, which host over 500 people. My work also deals with our grassroots strategy by conducting research, talking with members, and educating people through social media. This position has helped me gain experience in event management while furthering my passion for education policy. I'm grateful to the staff for letting me take on projects and have new experiences!”

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