APAPA INTERNSHIP PROGRAMS
Advancing Our Next Generation of Leaders
We Appreciate our 250+ Hosting Legislators & Public Officials
Since 2001, APAPA has provided leadership training and internships to thousands of students, cultivating emerging leaders from across the country. The APAPA Internship Program is mission focused to advance the next generation of leaders by providing professional mentoring and leadership development workshops in partnership with community and industry leaders in the public and private sectors.
We also provide internship placements in the offices of hosting legislators and public officials to promote civic engagement with the goal of fostering future public service leaders. The program has grown with over 250+ public officials who have hosted an outstanding APAPA student intern since the program’s inception.
The 8-10 week program integrates professional development workshops and seminars, with public service experience. The internship program is provided at no cost to high school and college students, with financial assistance available to students as needed. Students from across the country have the opportunity to learn from community leaders, public officials, and industry professionals.
Applications are due March 15th at 11:59pm PT, each year.
Summer Internship Program dates: June 1st - August 31st. Dates may vary based on placement considerations, and the program selected.
To apply, please fill out the form linked below, and an APAPA team member will contact you.
APAPA Internship Program
Intern projects and reports
Check out the projects that our APAPA student interns have prepared for the CA Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, CA Black Legislative Caucus, and greater community!
Demographics & Voting Profile (CA State Legislators)
Prepared by APAPA student interns.
APAPA Intern Success Stories
Grace Fang
Grace is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Applied Psychology at USC. She aspires to work in consumer insights or UX research. As a Program Manager during the APAPA internship program, she worked closely with interns across the country. She is grateful for the opportunity to expand her leadership and civic engagement skills.
Camryn Chen
Camryn is currently concluding the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship, where she served as a Fellow in Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel’s office. Through this fellowship, she gained valuable insights into the legislative process and what it takes to pass a bill through the legislature. She hopes to leverage this experience to continue shaping future public policy.
Dhruv Muralidhar
Dhruv was hired as a project manager by Epic Systems, a leading national healthcare company. He attributes his career in large part to his experience as an APAPA intern. He graduated from UC Berkeley in 2024 with dual degrees in Business Administration and Political Science. He enjoys mentoring other students and pursuing new experiences.
Aidan Kato
After completing his APAPA internship, Aidan Kato graduated from UC Davis and started working with a public affairs firm in Sacramento. Through this firm, Aidan had the opportunity to support a number of political campaigns across the country. He has applied the skills he learned as an APAPA intern to help his firm's clients win local, state, and federal elections.
Megan Pagaduan
Megan graduated from UC Berkeley with Highest Honors in Political Science, and is pursuing law school at the University of Michigan. Through the intership program, she worked at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco, focusing on civil rights, and corporate and securities fraud. She credits the internship program for inspiring her to pursue a legal career.
Jade Faircloth
The APAPA internship provided Jade with an incredible opportunity to collaborate with fellow college students from across the nation while gaining professional experience. She gained valuable exposure to essential research and advocacy skills. This program was an excellent platform for networking with professionals and peers alike
what our interns have to say…
Sophia Smith
University of California, Davis
I am a fourth year at UC Davis majoring in International Relations and minoring in Communications and Human Rights. I am from Sonoma, CA. From working at the capitol, I have learned how to be approachable, available, and helpful to constituents to ensure I am serving them to the best of my ability.
Isabella Tolentino
University of California, Davis
I am a current UC Davis International Relations, French and Education student from Livermore, CA. My experience in the office of Assemblywoman (D11) and Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus Lori D. Wilson has been incredibly rewarding and enriching. Now, more than ever before, I recognize the crucial role that collaboration plays in driving change, increased equity, and justice.
Rachel Nguyen
Cal Poly Pomona
Throughout my internship, I was involved in various projects that directly impacted the community. From conducting policy research on the ethnic diversity of California judicial appointments to planning the first annual reception for the AANHPI Legislative Caucus in Nevada, I felt like an integral part of the team. The mentorship I received was invaluable, helping me to hone my professional skills and build a robust network of contacts. The program equipped me with the tools and confidence to make a meaningful impact in my community. I highly recommend this program to anyone passionate about making a difference.
Aaron Pilapil
University of California, Davis
I'm a second year at UC Davis majoring in Cognitive Science with a minor in Political Science. I'm from Union City. During my time with Assemblymember Haney, I've learned a lot about the legislative process and behind the scenes actions that make it all work. I've gained a very valuable insight into what a career in politics would look like and the kind of work that's available.
Doris Lee
UCLA
If you're looking to gain experience in civic engagement, APAPA truly encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and learn about legislative policies. Through this program, I have had the wonderful opportunity to connect and network with various civic leaders as well as like-minded peers. Thankfully, I have also had the opportunity to develop my leadership skills through project management and case competitions.
Sedona Peri
Boston University
My internship with APAPA was fulfilling both professionally and personally. I acquired valuable professional skills that I have applied to future endeavors, while collaborating to create meaningful and important work. I recommend the program to any college student or graduate looking to gain experience and expand their professional network by working with other passionate, supportive, and driven individuals.
Vrinda Vutukury
University of California, Davis
Working as an intern in the Lt. Governor's Office has been an extremely fulfilling and inspiring experience. Yesterday, the Lt. Governor took me under her wing, and I had the honor of meeting Vice President Kamala Harris. Each day in the office was different and exciting, and I learned so much about state politics. Great mentors helped to guide me toward achieving my goal of joining the foreign service. I am also extending my time with the office into the summer and grateful to APAPA for helping me get here.
Diya Simha
University of California, Davis
Through my internship in Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains’ office, I have gained valuable insights into legislative processes, and developed skills in policy research and constituent communication. I have really enjoyed working at the California State Capitol and it has deepened my passion for public service and advocacy.
Karen Wantanabe
Fordham University
My time as an APAPA intern was a fantastic experience. I started as a committee member and soon advanced to project manager. During those experiences, I was honored to work with various peers nationwide. Together, we have worked and led initiatives to register people to vote and conduct research work to prepare reports. Moreover, through networking opportunities and meeting amazing community leaders, I have learned about many initiatives in government fields.