Jobs, Internships & Volunteering Opportunities

NARA Voluntary Internship Program

Learn more about this internship program and our opportunities.

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What Is a Voluntary Internship?

A voluntary internship is an occupational experience designed to complement your formal academic training. Although these internships are unpaid, they can be completed for academic credit or internship requirements required by your school.

Internships are scheduled for a duration of 10 weeks, and interns are expected to work between 10 and 40 hours per week, accumulating a minimum of 100 hours. The summer internship period will start in late May or early June and end in August. Interns are required to be on-site for at least 70 percent of the time. Work schedules will be determined collaboratively between interns and their supervisors.

NARA invites interested candidates to submit their applications for our voluntary internship program. Our internships provide exceptional opportunities for individual interested in:

  • Archival Processing
  • Business
  • Communications & Marketing
  • Digitizing Archival Materials
  • Editorial
  • Education & Exhibits
  • External Affairs & Public Relations
  • Facility Operations & Logistics
  • History
  • Legal
  • Legislative
  • Museums & Public Programs (including at Presidential Libraries)
  • Human Resources
  • Information Technology
  • Photo Services
  • Reference Services
  • Special Events

What Is NARA? What Do We Do?

NARA, established in 1934, is a federal government agency dedicated to aiding the government in cataloging and storing documents. Its extensive collection comprises records documenting significant events in U.S. history. NARA is responsible for preserving and maintaining these materials, making them accessible to the public. Whether you are exploring your family's history, verifying a veteran's military service, or conducting research on a historical topic, NARA provides valuable resources and information for diverse interests. NARA also:

 

This one-minute video shows some of our archivists' work:

Coming soon: Learn more about our NARA offices here

Eligibility Requirements

  • Current high school, undergraduate, and graduate students
  • Former students who graduated within the past three years
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Must complete background check
  • Must be at least 16 years old

How to Apply

All voluntary internships require completion of an application form, a cover letter, resume, and an unofficial transcript with your GPA. Some opportunities may require a letter of recommendation, a writing sample, or references.

What to Expect Next

Individual offices will review applications and contact eligible candidates for interviews and references. If selected for an internship, you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship and complete a background check.  A final offer will be made after these steps are completed.

Contact Us

If you have questions, email internships@nara.gov.

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