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Political Science

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Panetta Congressional Internship Program

The Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s annual Congressional Internship Program is held from August  to December each year. This program  provides real-world engagement in the exploration of Congress, civic leadership, community and public service. Open to juniors or seniors from all majors, the program includes a two-week training session at the Panetta Institute at CSU Monterey Bay, followed by eleven weeks in Washington, D.C. Students earn 20 units of credit during this full-time internship. 

The cost of the program is fully covered by the Panetta Institute and includes program courses, travel and lodging.

Fresno State can nominate one student to be considered for this opportunity, with the final decision made by an interview with the Panetta Institute.

Applications for the Fall 2026 internship are now open!  The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm, Wednesday, March 25, 2026. 

See the Congressional Internship Program Description.

Requirements

The Panetta Institute Requires the Following:

  • be a current Fresno State student in academic year 2026-2027
  • be a California resident
  • be proficient in English (written and spoken)
  • provide proof of a government issued photo identification card
  • provide proof of health insurance (Covered California/MediCal coverage can meet this requirement)
  • complete interview with the Panetta Institute during the month of May

See Checklist of all Required Criteria 

2026 Application Timeline

  • March 25, 2026      Application due by 5:00 pm 
  • March 27, 2026      Two finalists will be selected and advanced to the President
  • April 6, 2026           President Jiménez-Sandoval will interview finalists
  • Week of April 13.   Campus candidate will be notified 
  • May 4 - May 22       Interviews with the Panetta Institute

See more Important Dates       

Application Information

The Panetta Institute requires the following electronically submitted documents (no exceptions):

  • Two-page personal statement of interest (single or double-spaced, single-sided only)
    • Please review the Checklist of Required Criteria (under the requirement above) for items to address in your statement
  • Updated resume or CV (single-sided only)
  • Three-page (3) graded paper, including your professor’s comments.
    • See this video for instructions on how to retrieve papers with comments submitted on Canvas.
  • Transcripts from all higher education institutions – unofficial copies accepted

UPLOAD MATERIALS HERE USING THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM

*Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Email Dr. Lisa Bryant or Dr. Thomas Holyoke with any questions.

Program Expectations

If Selected, Students Must: 

  • make a total commitment to the program (e.g., no pursuit of other employment, no enrollment in LSAT, MCAT, GRE or other graduate school preparation classes and/or exams during the internship)
  • work full-time in a congressional office
  • attend required Panetta Institute seminars in Washington, D.C.  
  • submit a brief weekly report to the Panetta Institute
  • maintain a journal
  • and write a twenty-page research paper.

See Congressional Internship Position Description

Interview Process

Qualified applicants may be asked to interview with the campus Panetta committee to assess clarity of speech, overall demeanor and character, leadership potential or experience, and commitment to community and public service if needed. Selected finalists advance to interview with President Jiménez-Sandoval, who makes the final determination on the campus nominee. Those interviews will take place the week of April 6, 2026.

Fresno State’s nominee will then interview via Zoom with the Panetta Institute team between May 4 and May 22, 2026. The nominee will also meet with the CSU Monterey Bay campus police department to begin the process for a background investigation. The Panetta Institute may not accept students who fail to meet participation standards or due to the findings of the background investigation. 

See Request for Live Scan Service (only needed if selected by President Jiménez-Sandoval)

*The Panetta Institute makes the final determination for all program participants.