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Student Internships

The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life offers unique internship opportunities to UT Austin students, designed to foster career and skill development while advancing civic engagement. Our goal is to educate, inspire, and connect the next generation of civic leaders. As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting outreach and programming for our K-12 and collegiate initiatives, while building valuable skills in the civic engagement field.

Applications Open February 9, 2026

The Annette Strauss Institute for Civic Life is excited to announce that applications for the ASI Internship Program will officially launch on Monday, February 9th! The priority deadline to apply is March 25, 2026 and the regular deadline to apply is April 3, 2026. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to civic education and student engagement.

Internship Opportunities

  • Summer 2026 Internship (20 hours per week)
  • 2026-2027 Academic Year Internship (10 to 15 hours per week)

To Apply

Please follow the link to submit your application information. You will be asked to upload the following documents labeled with your first and last name:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

 

 

 

Apply Here

Interns at Tribfest taking a selfie
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An intern talking to a crowd of students
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Staff in front of the Texas Captiol
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Intern with other students at Together We Dine
Interns with TCAs
Interns with Bingo Cards
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Intern at Great Conversations
TX Votes Intern with TX Votes Members
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Internship Details

Assist Institute staff with planning events aimed at helping students discover their civic voice, gain insights into the political process, and contribute to their communities. Tasks include brainstorming and researching new ideas to motivate student civic engagement, contributing our social media platforms, devising creative strategies to inform students and educators about our programming, and assisting in the planning and execution of civic engagement outreach events.

Interns have access to: 

  • Impactful civic spaces, such as the Texas Tribune Festival (TribFest), where interns engage with influential journalists, politicians, public officials, and thought leaders across Texas.
  • Assist in planning civic events hosted by ASI, such as Great Conversations, where students gain exposure to elected officials and national leaders, including City Council Members, Texas House Representatives, statewide officials, and speakers such as the Lieutenant Governor of Texas and Nobel Laureate Eric Maskin.
  • Hands-on training in political communication, campaigning, and civic leadership, with sessions that emphasize practical skills, civic discourse, and ethical leadership.
  • A collaborative community of intellectually driven UT Austin students, gaining a network of like-minded students who are some of the most civically engaged on campus.
  • A proven launchpad for future careers, with alumni going on to work in Washington, D.C., leading political campaigns, and joining organizations such as the Obama Foundation and other major public service institutions.

Qualifications

  • Must be a UT undergraduate student enrolled in the 26-27 academic year (not graduating before December 2026)
  • Strong research skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to write under deadlines and for diverse audiences
  • Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Strauss Institute and a genuine interest in civic life
  • Personable, well-organized, resourceful, mature, reliable, and a collaborative team player
  • Previous work in an educational, political, or non-profit setting is a plus

Academic Credit

While not mandatory, students have the option to earn academic credit through internship courses provided by Liberal Arts Career Services should they choose to do so.