Government Affairs Intern at NHSA (Head Start alumni only)

Fall 2026 Internship Availability with the National Head Start Association 

For Former Head Start Students

About NHSA

The National Head Start Association (NHSA) is a nonprofit organization that champions the Head Start program, advocating on behalf of nearly 700,000 children and families it serves each year. NHSA works with Congress, federal agencies, and partners across the country to strengthen Head Start and Early Head Start programs. 

About the Internship

NHSA's Government Affairs team is seeking a motivated, mission-driven intern who has personally experienced the Head Start program. This internship offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of early childhood policy and federal advocacy,  gaining hands-on experience in how national policy decisions are shaped and how nonprofits engage with government to advance opportunities for young children and families.

What You'll Do

• Monitor Congressional activity, executive branch actions, and federal rulemaking relevant to Head Start
• Conduct policy research and help prepare briefs, fact sheets, and talking points for advocacy efforts
• Support preparation for Congressional meetings, hearings, and advocacy days
• Attend relevant hearings, briefings, and coalition meetings (in-person or virtual)
• Contribute to special projects as needed across the Government Affairs team

Who We're Looking For

Required

• Must be a Head Start or Early Head Start alumnus — this is a firm requirement for all applicants
• Currently enrolled as a rising junior or senior undergraduate student, recent graduate (class of 2026), or a master's-level graduate student
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to commit to 15 hours per week for 10 consecutive weeks

Preferred

• Background or coursework in public policy, political science, early childhood education, or a related field
• Prior experience in advocacy, community organizing, or public service
• Familiarity with the federal legislative process
• Ability to work in-person from the Washington, DC area — remote candidates will also be considered

A note on eligibility: This internship is open exclusively to Head Start alumni. NHSA created this internship to provide opportunity for former Head Start children who are now in college to gain experience in the workplace, and to invest in the next generation of advocates who have lived experience with the program.

Compensation

Interns will receive a $3,000 stipend for the 8-week program, paid on a schedule to be determined at the time of offer. 

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following materials to Tamar Epps at tepps@nhsa.org 

• A current resume (no more than one page)
• A cover letter (no more than one page) describing your Head Start experience and why you are interested in government affairs and advocacy
• A brief writing sample (1–3 pages) — policy memo, research paper, or similar