Public Policy Internship

Nebraska Corn Board and National Corn Growers Association Internship

Washington, D.C. (Summer 2027)

Position Summary

Public Policy and Analysis Internship in Washington, D.C.

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Sponsored by the Nebraska Corn Board and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA).

The Nebraska Corn Board manages the corn checkoff investment by working to increase the value and sustainability of Nebraska corn through promotion, market development and research.

The National Corn Growers Association is a membership organization and a federation of states that works with and for the corn states in the U.S. NCGA exists to coordinate the focus, interest and power of its dual membership into a national effort for the corn farmers in the U.S.

Timeframe

Mid-May through Mid-August 2027, for at least 10 consecutive weeks on location 

Duties & Responsibilities

Intern would be mentored and assigned responsibilities on a day-to-day basis by the NCGA staff. Students will obtain a working knowledge of the following: 

• Office operations of the NCGA 
• The importance of grower membership lobbying 
• Various bills and policies important to corn growers 
• Inter-relationships of ag industry groups in D.C. 
• The process of influencing legislation
• Hands-on work and lobbying experience on the Hill 
• Opportunities to represent NCGA as assigned in meetings and reporting back to staff
• Meeting NCGA leadership and supporting their efforts 
• Knowledge gained on Farm Bill, Trade Policy, Energy Bill, Rural Development, Conservation and Transportation issues 

Qualifications

Any student enrolled in a four-year university with the following qualifications:

• Preference will be given to students who are junior standing or above 
• Agricultural background beneficial but not required
• Interest in the political process, agricultural policy, economics, agronomy, data analysis and/or communications 
• Proven written and verbal communication abilities
• Preference will be given to students attending a college or university in Nebraska

Recommended Coursework

Agricultural Statistics, Agricultural Policy, Agricultural Economics, International Agriculture/Marketing, Political Science or Marketing

Stipend
The Nebraska Corn Board will provide a stipend which will be distributed by the NCGA, as well as one flight to and from Washington, D.C., or mileage reimbursement for one trip to and from Washington, D.C. for the move. Housing suggestions will be provided. 

Application Process

Resume, three reference names and cover letter of application should be submitted on the Nebraska Corn Board’s website, nebraskacorn.gov/internships, or the application may be submitted at this link. For questions, please contact Jill Bookhout at jill.bookhout@nebraska.gov.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on October 9, 2026.