Selection decisions are made on a rolling basis until the program is full or the program deadline is reached. Student selection is based on a completed application, cover letter, resume, transcript, one letter of recommendation from a UK faculty member, and an interview with the selection committee. Materials should be sent to wildcatsintern@uky.edu. Candidates for interview will be notified by the selection committee. The following dates are approximate and may shift slightly given the academic calendar. The committee will continue to accept applications (beyond the deadline) until all placements are made.
Selection Process
Selection and Placement Process
1. Submit A Completed Application
A completed application includes: an application, two short answer essays, a cover letter, a resume, a transcript, and at least one letter of recommendation.
2. Steering Committee Interview
Candidates will be invited to participate in a 30-minute interview with a panel of university faculty, staff, and student government association leaders. After interviews are complete, the panel will then select who will advance to the next step in the process.
3. Securing An Internship
If selected, participants will work closely with the steering committee in securing an internship for the semester. The program cannot guarantee selection into the internship of your choice as this is entirely up to the hosting organization. Keep in mind that certain organizations (White House Internship Program, State Department, etc.) have their own application process and deadlines that you will have to navigate on your own before applying to this program.
4. Pre-Departure Orientations
You will be required to participate in several mandatory orientation meetings before your departure. These will address what is expected from you during your time in the program, as well as what is expected from your hosting offices/organizations.
5. Depart For Your Internship
Once you arrive in Washington, DC, participants will meet for one last orientation to kick off the semester!