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State of Maryland NASPO Summer Internship Application

 

BACKGROUND: The NASPO Summer Internship Program at the Maryland Department of General Services (DGS), Office of State Procurement (OSP) offers a dynamic, hands-on experience for graduate students interested in public procurement, supply chain management, business operations, and policy implementation.

This 10–12 week paid internship program provides a comprehensive introduction to Maryland’s statewide procurement system. During this program, interns will:

  • Gain real-world exposure to contract management, vendor relations, and regulatory compliance.
  • Collaborate with procurement and policy experts to develop innovative solutions that support efficiency, equity, and transparency in state purchasing.
  • Receive mentorship from state procurement leaders and NASPO Fellows.
  • Contribute to strategic initiatives supporting Maryland’s Procurement Modernization efforts

This internship is ideal for students seeking meaningful public sector experience and a career in government operations, policy development, or supply chain management.

 

 

Graduate-Level Internship Opportunity – Junior Policy Associate

 

Estimated Dates: June – August 2026 (flexible start and end dates)

Compensation: Up to $20,000 total (roughly equivalent to MD Grade 17 hourly rate)

Format: Hybrid (1–2 days per week in Baltimore and Annapolis) or fully virtual – flexible based on candidate needs

Contact for Questions:

 

  • Yaa Ampofo, Policy and Training Manager

 

  • Lyudmila Bond, Policy Director

 

 

 

About the Internship

 

Maryland’s Office of State Procurement (OSP) is seeking a motivated graduate student to serve as a Junior Policy Associate. The intern will work closely with senior procurement and policy staff to support the State’s ongoing procurement modernization efforts. This role presents a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in policy development, legislative analysis, and public sector reform, while contributing directly to initiatives that enhance transparency, efficiency, and equity in state procurement.

 

Potential Key Projects and Responsibilities

 

  • Policy Development and Implementation: Assist in researching, drafting, and revising statewide procurement policies, statutes, and guidance documents to ensure alignment with best practices and legislative requirements.

 

  • Legislative Support: Conduct legal and policy research on procurement laws and regulations; contribute to drafting statutory revisions; and help prepare fiscal notes estimating potential impacts and costs of proposed legislation.

 

  • Procurement Reform Implementation: Support rollout of procurement reform initiatives by tracking compliance, gathering stakeholder feedback, and assisting in the preparation of communication and training materials.

 

  • Interagency Coordination and Training: Collaborate with internal teams and partner agencies to coordinate policy initiatives, participate in interagency workgroups, and develop training and informational resources to support statewide implementation.

 

 

Mentorship and Professional Development: The intern will receive individualized mentorship from members of the Policy and Training units. Mentorship will include regular check-ins, participation in executive-level policy discussions, interagency meetings, and professional development guidance in public procurement, policy analysis, and state government operations.

 

Expectations and Experience

 

This position is ideal for graduate or advanced undergraduate students (juniors and seniors) studying public policy, public administration, law, economics, or related fields. Applicants should be detail-oriented, comfortable with research and writing, and eager to learn about government operations and the implementation of policy.

 

Before accepting an offer, candidates will be thoroughly briefed on the scope of the internship, the expected deliverables, and the available professional development opportunities to ensure clarity and alignment with their academic and career goals.

 

  1. Age: At least 18 years old at the time of the application
  2. Residency: Maryland residents and students enrolled in state universities or HBCUs in the DMV region are strongly encouraged to apply.
  3. Work Authorization: Must be legally authorization to work in the United States
  4. Availability: Must be available for the full duration (10-12weeks) during the summer internship

 

Demographics Full Name:

Address:

City, State, Zip Code:

Phone Number:

Email Address:

 

Eligibility Questions:

  1. Are you at least 18 years of age? Yes No
  2. Are you a resident of Maryland or enrolled in a Maryland/DC/ VA university? Yes No
  3. Are you currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a graduate program? Yes No
  4. Do you have a valid driver's license or reliable transportation for travel throughout Maryland as needed? Yes No
  5. Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? Yes No
  6. Will you be available for the full duration of the internship (3 months)? Yes No

 

Education:

  1. College:
  2. Field of Study:
  3. Degree Program (MHA, MPA, MBA, MPP, etc.):
  4. Expected graduation year:
  5. Please attach a resume or complete the following fields:
    1. Employer/Organization Name:
    2. Position Title:
    3. Dates of Employment/Service:
    4. Brief Description of Duties:

 

Preferred Skills & Attributes

Candidates with the following qualifications will receive preference:

  • Coursework or practical experience in supply chain management, data analytics, business process improvement, or government policy
  • Strong research and analytical skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Commitment to diversity, transparency, and ethical public service

 

  1. References (Optional)

Please list up to two professional or academic references who can speak to your skills, character, and interest in public service.

 

Name:

Title/Organization:

Email:

Phone:

Relationship:

 

Submission Instructions

Please submit your application, resume, and essay in one PDF to: dgs.osp-mdpa@maryland.gov

 

Subject Line: NASPO Summer Internship – [Your Full Name] Application Deadline: [Insert date]

Program Duration: [June – August 2025]

Location: Hybrid | Maryland Department of General Services, Annapolis, MD