Overview

Princeton Internships in Civic Service (PICS) are substantive summer internships for Princeton students in non-profit organizations located across the country and around the world. All of the organizations in the program are carefully chosen for their commitment to effecting systemic social change. Each internship is created exclusively for a Princeton student, and the goal of the program is to provide an educationally enriching experience for the intern.

Internships are 8-10 weeks in length, and an intern will receive a weekly stipend of $450, unless otherwise noted in the organization's internship description, for the duration of the internship. Work-study funding may be different;  please click here for more information about Princeton financial aid requirements over the summer.  International funding differs.

All Princeton students are encouraged to apply.  Some internships are not open to seniors and are noted as such.  Please note: if you will be abroad in the spring, you must meet with us prior to leaving campus if you plan to apply.  We will not accept applications from students who do not meet with us.

International students are welcome to apply for any internship.   However, as PICS interns are generally placed on the payroll of the host organization, students are responsible for their own visa status and must determine before they apply whether they will be eligible to work in the United States through Optional Practical Training.   Please contact the Davis International Center for more information.

Detailed internship evaluations written by former interns are available in the PICS office (Frist 201G).

Internship Experience

Once an intern is placed with an organization, the intern is paired with an alumni partner. This Princeton graduate provides support and guidance to the intern over the course of his/her internship.  Many interns have formed long-lasting relationships with their alumni partners.

Interns are required to work with their host organizations to determine pay schedule and internship dates. PICS interns are typically placed on the payroll of their host organization and are responsible for any and all tax liabilities. Federal work-study students may be paid through the Office of Student Employment. International funding differs.

Most of our internships do not provide housing. Please consider travel and housing expenses before submitting an application. Reasonably priced housing can often be obtained from universities, alumni networks, regional associations, and other programs in the area. For more information about summer housing, please visit Career Services' housing resource.  A mandatory orientation session will be held in early May. At orientation, interns will learn about how to make the most of their internship experiences, meet fellow PICS interns, and hear from former interns.

Summer seminar series may be organized in New York, Boston, and Chicago. These seminars give interns the opportunity to learn about other non-profit organizations. Interns in Washington, DC, are encouraged to participate in the Princeton-in-Washington program administered by Career Services. These summer programs provide great networking opportunities and enrich the internship experience.

Each PICS intern must submit an evaluation of the internship within two weeks of completing the internship. Once back on campus, interns will attend a fall reception and share their experiences with other interns as well as with alumni and University staff.