Volunteer Student Internship Program (VSIP) Opportunities

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Visual Information Intern
Component:
Washington Headquarters Services
Announcement Period:
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 to Friday, May 29, 2026
Handshake #:
11002866

Are you looking to use your creative talents to make a real-world impact? The Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) Graphics and Presentations Division (GPD) is seeking motivated student volunteers to join its team! This division provides top-tier consultation, design, and production services for the OSW, utilizing advanced technologies to deliver outstanding visual solutions that support critical national security missions.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you will gain incredible hands-on experience and build a high-impact portfolio by:

  • Designing visual imagery for complex, crucial, and varied programs across executive, technical, economic, and scientific fields of interest to the Department of War.
  • Analyzing requirements, conducting research, and preparing graphic media for comprehensive multimedia presentations.
  • Designing and producing web graphics, publications, branding and logos, varied signage, and corridor exhibits.
  • Analyzing completed work to ensure the highest quality of the product and the successful accomplishment of project objectives.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Master’s Student or Undergraduate Student
Desired Major(s)
Graphic Design, Communication

Desired Skills

  • Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
  • Strong foundation in typography, color theory, layout design, and visual communication.
  • Familiarity with presentation software (PowerPoint, Keynote) and translating complex data/concepts into clear, engaging visual narratives.
  • Basic understanding of web graphic optimization and print production processes.
  • Strong attention to detail, adaptability, and a commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Flexible. OSW GPD will work around your class schedule.
Estimated Internship Start & End Date
Flexible.

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (Northwest Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11065490

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the Northwest Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the Northwest region (Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the Northwest footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within Northwest jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research.
  • Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Demonstrated interest in supporting the military community.
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote/Hybrid (Preference to students in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, or Wyoming and/or major military communities in the region).

Part-Time (10-15 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (Mid-Atlantic Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11064653

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the Mid-Atlantic Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the Mid-Atlantic region (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the Mid-Atlantic footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within Mid-Atlantic jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research. Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Ability to manage concurrent assignments under deadlines, including extended hours during legislative crunches.
  • Discretion handling pre-decisional and CUI material (training provided).
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote, Full-Time (minimum of 30 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (Pacific Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11065134

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the Pacific Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the Pacific region (Hawaii, Guam, CNMI).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the Pacific footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within Pacific jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research.
  • Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Demonstrated interest in supporting the military community.
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote (preferably resides in Hawaii), Part-Time (10-25 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (South-Central Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11065425

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the South-Central Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the South-Central region (Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the South-Central footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within South-Central jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research.
  • Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Demonstrated interest in supporting the military community.
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote/Hybrid (Preference to students in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas and/or major military communities in the region).

Part-Time (10-15 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (Great Lakes Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11064395

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the Great Lakes Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the Great Lakes region (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the Great Lakes footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within Great Lakes jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research.
  • Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Demonstrated interest in supporting the military community.
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote/Hybrid (Must reside in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin).

Part-Time (10-15 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)

Volunteer Student Internship Announcement

Internship Title:
Intergovernmental Relations Research & Engagement Intern (Southeast Region)
Component:
Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness
Announcement Period:
Until Monday, June 1, 2026
Handshake #:
11065189

The Office of Under Secretary of War for Personnel & Readiness, Federal & Resource Office is seeking a highly motivated student intern to support the Southeast Regional State Liaison at the Defense-State Liaison Office (DSLO). The DSLO acts as the primary bridge between the Department of War and state governments, focusing heavily on personnel and readiness issues that impact service members and their families.

This internship offers a unique, front-row experience in intergovernmental relations and state-level policy development within the Department of War.

What You Will Do

As a volunteer student intern, you play an active role in tracking legislative movements, conducting substantive policy research, and assisting in the drafting of critical policy documents. This role is ideal for students passionate about public policy, defense, legislative affairs, and government relations. Some of the tasks you will be performing:

  • Develop an Engagement Strategy: Assist in the development of a comprehensive outreach and engagement plan tailored to the Southeast region (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee).
  • Implement Outreach Initiatives: Support the execution of the engagement plan to foster mutually beneficial relationships between the Department of War and local, state, and territorial leaders.
  • Community Integration: Research and identify opportunities to strengthen community ties and better support the unique needs of the military population in the Southeast footprint.
  • Advocacy Support: Assist regional liaisons in promoting DSLO’s key legislative and regulatory priorities within Southeast jurisdictions.

Qualifications

Desired Education Level
Undergraduate (junior or senior) or higher. Law Students are encouraged.

Required Skills

  • Strong writing and analytical skills, particularly the ability to summarize complex policy material concisely.
  • Comfort with legislative tracking platforms, state legislature websites, and public-records research.
  • Attention to detail in citation, formatting, and quality control.
  • Demonstrated interest in supporting the military community.
  • Sound judgment when supervision is minimal and tasking is ambiguous.

Position Details

Work Schedule
Remote/Hybrid (Must reside within the Southeast region; preferably in North Carolina to facilitate potential in-person mentorship and experiences in NC legislature).

Part-Time (10-15 hours per week).

How to Apply

Submit application and other required documents by email or via Handshake. (Remember to include the Handshake # when applying.)