Student 2026 Fall Internship Program
Fall 2026 Internship Program (Approximate Dates: August 24, 2026 – December 11, 2026)
Overview
Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration. Learn more about the Bush Center at bushcenter.org.
Objectives
The George W. Bush Presidential Center is seeking professional, dependable, and enthusiastic students for paid internships for the 2026 fall semester. The objectives of the internships are to provide students with opportunities to:
- Engage in substantive projects and tasks that augment their in-classroom studies;
- Develop meaningful relationships that will enhance their professional development and future opportunities; and
- Gain broad exposure to the ongoing work of President and Mrs. Bush and the Bush Center.
Projects undertaken during the internship may be eligible for academic credit based on individual agreements established between interns and faculty members.
Focus Areas
Internship duties will include providing support to two focus areas at the Bush Center and/or Bush Institute. The potential focus areas are listed below. Please note that the below focus areas are not guaranteed to be available for the semester as we assess our organizational needs each semester.
Projects/tasks may involve research, drafting documents/correspondence, event support, hosting guests, preparation for and participation in meetings, and general office/administrative support.
BUSH CENTER
Communications
The Communications team supports all aspects of media relations, marketing, and communications at the Bush Center including social media, content creation, membership, and publications.
Development
The Development Team manages donor relations and development operations, focusing on solicitation and stewardship for all Bush Center donors.
Event Operations
The Event Operations team is responsible for the execution of all events for the Bush Center and Bush Institute to advance fundraising objectives.
Executive
Consisting of high-level, senior administrative management, the executive area touches all aspects of the Bush Center, the Bush Institute, and certain activities of President and Mrs. Bush.
Museum Operations
The Bush Museum promotes a greater understanding of the American presidency and examines the consequential times during which President and Mrs. Bush served. Our Museum team oversees daily operations and strategic initiatives to engage our Bush Center audience across all platforms. The team also manages our exhibits, Guest Services desk, and Volunteer Program.
Operations
The Operations team is responsible for aiding in the management of the day-to-day operational functions of the organization including, but not limited to facilities, broadcast, and other general operations.
BUSH INSTITUTE
Economic Growth
The Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative combines the public policy expertise of the Bush Institute and the academic expertise of SMU. The joint initiative draws from economic policy-making experience and academic research to identify ideas for promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and faster, more inclusive growth through global competitiveness and sound immigration policy.
Education
The Education team works to ensure all young Americans can access a quality education. This area focuses on creating pathways to opportunity, advancing accountability, and accelerating literacy.
Freedom and Democracy
The Freedom and Democracy team supports democratic values at home and around the world by elevating institutions that serve their people and promote human dignity, human rights, and market economies.
Global Health
The Global Health team works to promote the health and well-being of people around the world by supporting continued U.S. engagement abroad by building on the success of programs like the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), and through the Go Further partnership saving women's lives from cervical cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Leadership Programs
The Leadership Programs team works to develop a generation of leaders that are seeking solutions to the most challenging issues through the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program and Presidential Leadership Scholars Program.
Research and Evaluation
The Research and Evaluation team partners with each program in the Bush Institute to measure and assess strategies, policies, tools, and procedures. This team also manages all day-to-day research activities for the Bush Institute.
Strengthening our Democracy
The Strengthening our Democracy team is identifying ideas and actions that strengthen democracy including civics education, trust in democratic institutions, and citizenship.
Veterans and Military Families
The Veterans and Military Families team works to help veterans and their families thrive in civilian life, focusing on informing the veteran employment, education, and health and well-being space.
Eligibility
- Currently enrolled in a college or university; junior or senior year is preferred.
- GPA of 3.0 or higher.
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Available to work 15-20 hours per week (in at least 3-4 hour blocks of time).
- During normal business hours, Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm.
- Available to work onsite; provide own transportation to get to and from Bush Center.
- Subject to necessary pre-employment background checks and willingness to sign a confidentiality and non-disclosure agreement, along with other required policies.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Discretion and a professional demeanor
- Excellent writing and research abilities
- Strong communication skills
- Social networking knowledge
- Dependable and punctual
- Keen attention to detail
- Organizational skills
- Sound judgment
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with research databases
- Commitment to values, mission, and vision of the George W. Bush Presidential Center
To Apply
- Apply online by going to https://www.bushcenter.org/about-us/employment and clicking on the Internship Opportunities link. Application deadline is 5:00 pm CST on Friday, July 10.
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One letter of recommendation is also required as part of the application process.
- The letter can be written by either school faculty, a school staff member, or a former employer.
- This letter must be sent by the author no later than 5:00 pm CST on Friday, July 10, to Senior Manager, Human Capital, Olivia Waidmann at owaidmann@bushcenter.org.
- Please include applicant’s name as the subject line.
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Please direct questions to owaidmann@bushcenter.org or call the Bush Center at (214) 200-4300. For more information about the George W. Bush Presidential Center, please visit: www.bushcenter.org.