USDA Internship Program 2027 in the USA | Volunteer Internship

Overview

The USDA Internship Program is an in-person volunteer internship offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Washington, D.C. The Spring 2027 cohort runs for 14 weeks, from January 25 to April 30, 2027. Interns work at the USDA Whitten Building and learn how a major U.S. government department operates while building professional skills.

Tasks may include supporting research, data analysis, communications, outreach, program operations and stakeholder engagement. Interns get hands-on experience, guidance and mentorship from USDA staff and experts, and can attend department-wide learning sessions with USDA leaders.

What you get

The internship is unpaid, and USDA does not provide housing or relocation assistance. In return, interns gain real work experience, mentorship, professional skills and an understanding of federal public service.

Who can apply

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years old when they apply. They do not need to be current students or hold a college degree, and people from different educational and professional backgrounds are welcome. They must be available for the full period from January 25 to April 30, 2027, and able to attend in person in Washington, D.C.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online through the USDA application portal. Applicants complete the form and provide all required information, including contact details for at least two references. Recommendation letters may be uploaded as PDFs, but they are optional. The complete application must be submitted before the deadline.

Key dates

The application deadline is November 13, 2026. The internship runs from January 25 to April 30, 2027.