[Hiring] Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships @Center for Democracy & Technology

Role Description

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is now accepting applications for graduate student internships for the summer of 2027. We welcome applications from students currently enrolled in graduate, law, and PhD programs with an interest in technology policy, human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. The summer internship program is a 10-week opportunity for students to apply the principles they have learned in the classroom in real policy environments.

Summer interns work closely with CDT policy experts, researchers, technologists, and lawyers on an array of civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights issues related to technology policy, including:

• AI governance
• Consumer privacy
• Online expression
• Digital surveillance
• Equity in civic technology
• Competition
• Elections

Interns and fellows conduct research, produce independent writing, attend events, participate in strategy meetings, and join meetings with outside stakeholders as appropriate.

This listing describes the application process for our Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships (Graduate Students) . This internship is for MA or MPP, JD, PhD, or dual degree candidates only . Undergraduate candidates are eligible to apply for our Communications, Development, or State Engagement Internships.

Interns in the Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships will work closely with at least one of CDT’s teams, which include:

• AI Governance Lab: Develops practical, technically-grounded resources to advance AI auditing, accountability, and safety.
• Equity in Civic Technology: Provides balanced advocacy that promotes the responsible use of data and technology while protecting privacy and civil rights.
• Elections & Democracy: Supports secure, accessible, informed, and trustworthy elections by working with various stakeholders.
• Free Expression: Dedicated to protecting free expression from censorship and preserving access to a free and open internet.
• Privacy & Data: Covers issues related to commercial or consumer privacy, including legislative work on these topics.
• Research: Conducts rigorous, independent, and empirical research to address emerging technology policy challenges.
• Security & Surveillance: Focuses on protecting civil rights and liberties in the face of government surveillance.

Depending on an applicant’s skills, expertise, and background, the tasks and projects performed over the course of the internship could include qualitative and quantitative research, legal research and analysis, and research and writing about technical and policy issues.

Qualifications

• Experience with legal or academic research tools.
• Excellent writing skills for technical, policy, and lay audiences.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects.
• Genuine curiosity and motivation to work at the intersection of technology, policy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
• An understanding of how technology, policy, and law may have a disparate impact on individuals and communities.

Requirements

Please apply below by submitting a current resume and a cover letter . In your cover letter, please explain your interest in an internship at CDT and answer one of the following prompts:

• What is one technology policy problem you would be interested in working on during your time at CDT and why do you think it is important?
• Describe a time where you advocated for or supported a specific technology policy or issue. What motivated you to get involved, and what impact did your efforts have?

Benefits

• Interns who are not receiving funding from another source will receive a stipend of $7,500 over the course of the 10-week program.

Company Description

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis beginning on November 2, 2026. Applications for this role will close on January 18, 2027. In general, it takes 4–12 weeks to review applications after they are submitted, and internship offers are made between March and May. Interviews will begin in January 2027.

Internships usually begin after Memorial Day and last for 10 weeks. Although we can accommodate remote participation, we encourage all interns to join in-person at CDT’s office in Washington, DC, for the most engaging experience.

Due to the large number of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee communication with candidates unless they are selected for an interview.

We would be happy to consider applications from international applicants who are authorized to work in the U.S. (like on a practical training program through an F-1 visa). Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor an employment visa at this time.