USDA Spring 2027 Internship Program in Washington, D.C.: Applications Open for U.S. Citizens Interested in Public Service, Agriculture, Policy and Rural Development

Applications are open for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Spring 2027 Internship Program, an unpaid, in-person volunteer opportunity based in Washington, D.C. The program offers emerging professionals a public-service and leadership-development experience inside one of the largest departments of the U.S. federal government.

Running from January 25 through April 30, 2027, the internship provides direct exposure to public service and federal government operations across areas including agriculture, food systems, natural resource conservation, rural economic development, public policy, research, communications, and stakeholder engagement. Unlike many federal student opportunities, this volunteer internship does not require applicants to be currently enrolled in school or to hold a college degree.

Interns work onsite at USDA's Whitten Building in Washington, D.C., typically following a Monday-to-Friday schedule (approx. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., full-time equivalent of 4.5 days per week). Responsibilities vary by assigned mission area or staff office and may include conducting research, analyzing data, drafting communications, supporting outreach, preparing briefing materials, and assisting with project coordination. Interns also participate in department-wide professional development events, such as lunch-and-learn sessions with USDA leadership.