Deadline: February 28, 2026
The Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026 is now open for applications. This prestigious internship is offered by the Democratic staff of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the United States House of Representatives and is designed for students seeking hands-on experience in human rights, public policy, and international affairs.
The programme honours Eleanor Roosevelt’s historic legacy as a global human rights leader and her instrumental role in shaping the international human rights framework, including the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Programme Overview
The Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026 provides semester-length, full-time internships for students interested in human rights advocacy from a U.S. congressional perspective.
Each year, the programme offers three internship trimesters, allowing participants to work directly with the Commission’s Democratic staff in Washington, D.C. Interns gain exposure to legislative processes, human rights policy development, and congressional engagement on global human rights issues.
This internship is in-person and offers a professional environment within Capitol Hill.
Internship Responsibilities
Interns selected for the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026 will be expected to support the Commission’s daily operations and human rights initiatives. Responsibilities may include:
- Conducting research and analysis on international and domestic human rights issues
- Drafting background briefs, letters, talking points, and press materials
- Assisting with the preparation and execution of congressional briefings and hearings
- Taking notes during meetings and producing summaries or transcripts
- Maintaining databases and tracking human rights developments
- Supporting Commission events and outreach activities
- Assisting with website updates and social media content management
Interns may also engage with human rights advocates, policymakers, researchers, and foreign policy experts, as well as participate in professional development activities across Capitol Hill.
Internship Benefits
Participants in the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026 may receive the following benefits:
- A monthly stipend of $1,000 is available for one intern per trimester through the House of Representatives’ paid internship programme
- Eligibility to receive academic credit, subject to individual university requirements
- Practical experience within a congressional human rights commission
- Professional exposure to U.S. legislative and human rights policy processes
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026, applicants must:
- Be an upper-level undergraduate, graduate, or law student
- Demonstrate a strong interest in human rights, public policy, international relations, or the U.S. Congress
- Have authorisation to work in the United States
- Be available to work full-time and in person in Washington, D.C.
- Demonstrate professionalism, discretion, and strong communication skills
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit a single PDF document containing the following:
- A one-page cover letter
- A current résumé
- A writing sample (maximum of 500 words)
- Contact information for two to three references
Applicants are required to indicate the trimester they are applying for in the email subject line at the time of submission.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program is:
28 February 2026
Early submission is strongly encouraged due to the competitive nature of the programme.
Why Apply for the Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program 2026?
This internship is ideal for students seeking to build careers in:
- Human rights advocacy
- Public policy and governance
- International relations and diplomacy
- Legislative research and analysis
The Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to human rights work at the congressional level while gaining invaluable professional experience.
Need Support With Your Application?
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