2027 Legal, Policy, Research, or Technologist Internships (Graduate Students)

Center for Democracy & Technology•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is accepting applications for its 10-week summer 2027 graduate student internship program. The opportunity is for candidates enrolled in MA, MPP, JD, PhD, or dual-degree programs with an interest in technology policy, human rights, civil rights, and civil liberties. Undergraduate candidates are directed to apply for separate Communications, Development, or State Engagement internships. Interns work closely with CDT policy experts, researchers, technologists, and lawyers on civil rights, civil liberties, and international human rights issues related to technology policy. Areas include AI governance, consumer privacy, online expression, digital surveillance, equity in civic technology, competition, and elections. Depending on their skills and background, interns may conduct qualitative or quantitative research, legal research and analysis, and research and writing about technical and policy issues. Students generally join roles aligned with their studies: PhD students in policy or research, law students in legal or policy, technologists in technical and policy, and policy students in policy. Interns work with at least one CDT team or project: AI Governance Lab; Equity in Civic Technology; Elections & Democracy; Free Expression; Privacy & Data; Research; or Security & Surveillance. Interns conduct research, produce independent writing, attend events, participate in strategy meetings, and may join meetings with outside stakeholders. Internships usually begin after Memorial Day and last 10 weeks. Remote participation can be accommodated, though in-person participation at CDT’s Washington, DC office is encouraged for a more engaging experience. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning November 2, 2026, and close January 18, 2027. Interviews begin in January 2027; application review generally takes 4–12 weeks, and offers are made between March and May. Applicants submit a current resume and cover letter explaining their interest in CDT and answering one of the specified writing prompts. International applicants authorized to work in the U.S. may apply; CDT cannot sponsor employment visas. Interns without funding from another source, such as a school stipend or fellowship, receive a $7,500 stipend for the 10-week program.

Requirements

Be currently enrolled in an MA, MPP, JD, PhD, or dual-degree program; undergraduate candidates are not eligible for this internship.
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, with an imaginative approach to work.
Understanding of how technology, policy, and law may have disparate impacts on people and communities based on race, gender, disability, income, immigration status, or other circumstances or characteristics.
International applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; CDT cannot sponsor an employment visa.

Responsibilities

Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, depending on skills, expertise, and background.
Perform legal research and analysis, as appropriate to the role.
Research and write about technical and policy issues.
Produce independent writing and attend events.
Participate in strategy meetings and, as appropriate, meetings with outside stakeholders.
Work with at least one CDT team on technology-policy issues related to civil rights, civil liberties, or human rights.