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Civic Houston Internship Program

chip-lesley-briones

Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones with the fall 2023 CHIP Interns

The Hobby School of Public Affairs' Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) offers internships with government offices, nonprofit organizations, campaigns, and also with the private sector to University of Houston students each fall and spring semester. Since its inception over 25 years ago, the program has been a resounding success, placing more than 1700 interns in local offices throughout the greater Houston area, many of whom have been able to secure full time positions following their internships.

Meet the spring 2024 interns!

Spring 2024 Program Information

The Civic Houston Internship Program (CHIP) is open to University of Houston juniors and seniors, as well as post-baccalaureate students. Sophomores may apply as well but priority is given to upper level students. All majors are welcome. Students with a 3.0 GPA and higher will also be given priority in acceptance and assignment decisions.

Interns work an average of 8 hours per week over the 15-week semester and meet as a class four times during the semester. Grades are based on a daily journal, a term paper, and an assessment by the office supervisor. The internship course counts as 3 hours of upper level political science or public policy credit for University of Houston students. 
Renee Cross, Senior Executive Director and Researcher, is the instructor of record. 

Approximately 40 internships are available each semester, and the selection process has become increasingly competitive.

It is important to note that CHIP internship placements focus solely on government offices, nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and a few positions within the private sector. If you are seeking opportunities in international affairs or law, please see the International Affairs Internship Program or the Public Law Internship.

Application

Applications are now being accepted for fall 2024. To apply, please complete the Civic Houston Internship Program application here

The deadline to submit all documentation is Friday, May 10.

As part of the application process, you will need to include:

  • Typed application form
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume (please view an acceptable resume format here, on pg. 18)
  • Unofficial academic transcripts

General questions about the Civic Houston Internship Program may be directed to Jessica Ruland O'Connor at jlruland@central.uh.edu.

All registration questions should be directed to the political science academic advisors.

Check out the sample syllabus.

 

Civic Houston Internship Program Award

The CHIP Award was established in 2003 to recognize an outstanding local government intern.  A $1,000 award is presented to one recipient each fall and spring semester.  Read more.


CHIP Success Stories

Over one thousand students have participated in the Civic Houston Internship Program.  Read about their success after their internship.

Check out previous CHIP participants 

Fall 2023
Fall 2022 Spring 2023
Fall 2021 Spring 2022
Fall 2020 Spring 2021
Fall 2019 Spring 2020
Fall 2018 Spring 2019
Summer 2018 Spring 2018
Fall 2017 Spring 2017
Fall 2016 Spring 2016
Fall 2015 Spring 2015
Fall 2014 Spring 2014
Fall 2013 Spring 2013
Fall 2012 Spring 2012
Fall 2011 Spring 2011
Fall 2010 Spring 2010
Fall 2009 Spring 2009
Fall 2008 Spring 2008
Fall 2007 Spring 2007
Fall 2006 Spring 2006
Fall 2005 Spring 2005
Fall 2004 Spring 2004
Fall 2003 Spring 2003
Fall 2002 Spring 2002
Fall 2001 Spring 2001
Fall 2000 Spring 2000

CHIP group shot with Keith Wade

Hobby School of Public Affairs Advisory Board Member Keith Wade with the spring 2020 CHIP Interns