Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, D.C.

• Stipends, Free Housing, and Experience: Accepted students receive a stipend for completing a hands-on summer internship in public service where they make a difference, contribute to solutions of societal problems, view the workings of the government from a fresh perspective, and develop a better understanding of practical politics.
• Knowledge and Scholarships: Accepted students participate in a course designed to explore and engage with the topic of public service while building their career readiness and professionalism skills. Scarlet Service students also receive a scholarship to cover the expense of the 3-credit course.
• Networking and Events: Before the summer, accepted students will participate in an in-person event where they will hear from guest speakers from the world of public service and build fellowship with one another. After their summer internship experience, students will share their stories and experiences at a September celebration with the broader university community. Scarlet Service students in DC are also required to attend weekly professional development events and community-bonding programming in Washington, DC, where they will have the opportunity to engage with Rutgers alumni, friends of the university, and others!

The application process for Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC is open to current Rutgers sophomores and juniors from all campuses and schools. Applicants must have an overall cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be in good standing with the university. Applicants must also be able to live in Washington, DC for the duration of their internship. They must also have a passion for government work and/or a desire to engage in public service.

• Candidates will have to complete an application form, attach a resume and unofficial transcript, and respond to the essay prompts. The application form also asks for the names, titles, and contact information of two references, with at least one being an academic reference.
• Student applications will be reviewed by a selection committee and administrators. Student applicants are usually notified of their status in the program by the end of January.
• Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, DC program will assist students in their internship search, but students are encouraged to begin the internship search process before selection to the program is made, and will be responsible for taking the lead on their internship applications throughout the spring semester. Specific information about the internship search process will be shared with applicants upon admission to the program.

Yes, though it will need to be approved by Rutgers Scarlet Service. Specific information about this process will be shared with applicants upon admission to the program.

The internship course is a 3-credit, in-person internship course. This course is meant to ground students’ experience at their public service internships, providing them with the theoretical foundation and professional and civic skillset to thrive in their work and take advantage of all that Washington, DC has to offer. Through readings, reflections, and guest speakers, students will explore and engage with the topic of public service while building their career readiness and professionalism.

International students are welcome to apply but must confirm with Rutgers Global they would be eligible for Curriculum Practical Training (CPT). Please visit the Rutgers Global CPT site to learn more.

Yes, undocumented students are welcome to apply. Rutgers Scarlet Service is open to all students regardless of immigration status. Please email rss-dc@rutgers.edu with any questions or visit the following resources:

• New Brunswick Office of the Dean of Students
• Newark Office of Undocumented Student Services
• Camden Center for Advising and Academic Success

The Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program provides financial support and meaningful professional development opportunities to outstanding Rutgers undergraduate students from all campuses and majors pursuing in-person summer internships in government, nonprofit, or advocacy organizations in Washington, D.C.

This year, the Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Award Program is proud to partner with the Rutgers Scarlet Service in Washington, D.C. (RSS-DC) to offer students interested in public service careers an even more enriching internship experience. Beginning in Summer 2027, the Rutgers-Eagleton Washington Internship Program will be part of RSS-DC.