Deadline: January 5, 2026
The OCA Summer Internship Program 2026 is a prestigious, paid summer internship based in Washington, D.C., offering undergraduate students and recent graduates the opportunity to gain hands-on professional experience while engaging in public service, advocacy, and leadership development.
Hosted by OCA National Center, this programme is one of the longest-running summer internships in the U.S. capital, designed for individuals interested in issues affecting the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community.
This article provides complete details about the OCA Summer Internship Program 2026, including benefits, eligibility criteria, programme structure, and application information.
About the OCA Summer Internship Program 2026
The OCA Summer Internship Program 2026 places interns in congressional offices, federal agencies, non-profit organisations, corporations, and advocacy institutions across Washington, D.C.
Interns not only gain professional work experience but also participate in leadership training, policy engagement, and community advocacy activities coordinated by OCA National Center.
Internship Location
- Washington, D.C., United States
- Fully in-person programme
- Interns must be able to relocate for the full duration of the programme
Internship Duration
- Start Date: Monday, 1 June 2026
- End Date: Friday, 7 August 2026
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Work Schedule: Up to 35 hours per week
Interns must complete the full 10-week programme to be eligible for the complete stipend.
Financial Benefits
Participants in the OCA Summer Internship Program 2026 receive the following benefits:
- USD 5,250 pre-tax stipend for the full programme
- Some host organisations may directly match or pay the stipend
- Professional development and leadership training
- Access to OCA National’s extensive alumni network
- One-year free OCA membership upon successful completion
Internship Responsibilities and Activities
In addition to working at their host organisations, interns will participate in structured programme activities, including:
- Weekly leadership and professional development workshops (Sama Sama sessions)
- Advocacy and policy engagement training
- Participation in the OCA National Convention
- Advocacy Day meetings with Members of Congress
- APIA-U leadership training and civic engagement activities
These components are designed to strengthen leadership skills, policy knowledge, and professional capacity.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a full-time undergraduate student or a recent graduate (within one year) from an accredited institution
- Have completed at least one year of college by the programme start date
- Demonstrate a strong interest in AANHPI issues, advocacy, or public service
- Be able to relocate to Washington, D.C. for the duration of the internship
- Must not be a former OCA National Summer Intern
- Must not be an immediate dependent of OCA National leadership
Eligibility for International Applicants
- Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply
- Applicants must have valid work authorisation (such as SSN or ITIN)
- Some placements may require U.S. citizenship, depending on the host organisation
Application Deadline
- Final application deadline: 5 January 2026
Early submission is strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the programme.
Why Apply for the OCA Summer Internship Program 2026?
The OCA Summer Internship Program 2026 offers a unique opportunity to:
- Gain real-world experience in public service and advocacy
- Build professional networks in Washington, D.C.
- Develop leadership, policy, and civic engagement skills
- Contribute meaningfully to community-focused initiatives
- Strengthen academic and career pathways through nationally recognised experience
Application Links
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