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Join HIP This Summer – Applications are Open!
The Humanitarian Internship Program (HIP) is a paid summer internship initiative that connects GW students with leading humanitarian organizations. HIP is designed to assist students in exploring humanitarian careers, building practical skills, and contributing to organizations working on urgent humanitarian needs.
To learn more about HIP, please visit the Program Overview page. To hear from past students about their experiences, explore stories featured in the Latest Updates section.
If you’re planning to apply for the Summer 2026 HIP cohort, review the eligibility requirements below. The program is open to current sophomores, juniors, and graduate students. Applications are open now and will close on January 12, 2026.
Information Sessions
If you have questions about the application process or HIP, we encourage you to register for one of our upcoming information sessions:
Program Benefits and Expectations
HIP is built to equip students with meaningful experience, professional guidance, and a strong peer community while they work with humanitarian partners.
Hybrid or Remote Paid Internship: All HIP interns receive paid summer positions with partner humanitarian organizations.
Cohort-Based Experience: Students participate in a structured cohort model that offers community, shared learning, and coordinated programming throughout the summer.
Career and Sector-Specific Training: Interns receive training led by professionals.
Mentorship: HIP provides access to mentors who offer guidance, feedback, and professional support.
Summer Housing : Undergraduate students may request housing for the summer.
Transportation Support: Students may be eligible for public transportation support.
Time Commitment: Interns are expected to work 40 hours per week for 10 weeks during Summer 2026.
Summer 2026 Selection Timeline
Applications open on December 5 at 12 p.m. and close on January 12 at 12 p.m. All eligible applications will be reviewed in January, and select students will proceed through the following steps:
January – Application Review (Blind Review)
February – Selected Students Interview with GW’s Selection Committee
March – Final Interviews with Humanitarian Partner Organizations
Early April – Final Decisions Announced
Summer – 10 weeks, from early June to early August 2026
How to Apply
The application form will open on the HIP website on December 5 at 12:00 p.m. and must be submitted by January 12 at 12:00 p.m. The application includes the following required components:
Confirm Eligibility: Review the eligibility requirements at the bottom of this page to ensure you qualify before beginning your application.
Application Form: The online form includes basic information about your academic program, interests, and background, as well as two short essay questions (300 words each) and required document uploads.
Required Document Uploads (Redacted): You must upload a résumé and an unofficial transcript. Because all applications are reviewed blindly, you are required to redact your name and any identifying information before submitting these documents. Applications with unredacted materials cannot be considered.
Eligibility Requirements
The Humanitarian Internship Program is open to students from any academic background or program:
- Full-time undergraduate students must be in the class of 2027 or 2028 with at least one completed semester by January 2026
- Currently enrolled graduate students with at least one completed semester by January 2026
To be eligible, students must:
- Not be graduating in the spring semester prior to the internship period
- Have completed at least one semester at GW by January 2026
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the time of application and at the start of the internship
- Be in good standing with the university, including a clear disciplinary record
- Ability to be physically present in DC for the Summer 2026 semester
International students must be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT). CPT eligibility requires full-time enrollment for at least one academic year (two consecutive semesters, excluding summer) and completion of at least one full academic semester at GW prior to the internship.
