USDA Internship Program Spring 2027

The USDA Volunteer Internship Program is a public-service and leadership-development opportunity organised by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The programme is designed to help emerging professionals gain practical experience while learning more about federal service and USDA’s work across agriculture, food systems, rural communities, science, policy and related areas.

For the Spring 2027 cohort, participants must be available from 25 January to 30 April 2027. USDA clearly states that the internship is unpaid and does not provide housing or relocation assistance.

Interns may contribute to different assignments depending on the USDA mission area or office in which they are placed. USDA gives examples including research, programme operations, data analysis, communications, outreach and stakeholder engagement. Participants also take part in department-wide activities such as learning sessions featuring USDA leaders and subject-matter experts.

The programme is particularly relevant for students and recent graduates interested in public service, agriculture, science, policy, community development, communications, data or related professional areas.

• Applicants should fall within the programme’s target group of students or recent graduates.
• Applicants must be available for the full Spring 2027 programme period from 25 January to 30 April 2027.
• Applicants must meet applicable USDA volunteer-service requirements.
• U.S. citizenship is not generally required for USDA volunteer service under USDA’s departmental volunteer policy.
• Non-U.S. citizens residing in the United States must provide appropriate documentation of lawful status. USDA’s volunteer policy states that this may include lawful permanent residence or, for eligible student volunteers associated with a higher-education institution, a valid student visa.
• USDA defines a student volunteer as someone enrolled at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.

• Gain practical professional experience within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
• Work on real assignments that may involve research, data analysis, programme support, communications, outreach or stakeholder engagement.
• Receive guided mentorship from USDA staff.
• Develop professional and public-service skills.
• Learn more about careers in federal service, agriculture, science, policy and community development.
• Participate in department-wide learning activities.
• Attend sessions featuring USDA leaders and subject-matter experts.
• Build experience that may support future academic and career goals.

• Completed official online internship application.
• Personal and educational information requested through the USDA application portal.
• Any supporting documents requested within the live application form.

• USDA states that a select group of students and recent graduates participate in the programme.
• Detailed scoring criteria or a formal selection rubric for the Spring 2027 cohort are not publicly stated.
• Placement responsibilities vary by USDA mission area and office.

• Gain first-hand exposure to the work of a major U.S. federal department.
• Build practical experience beyond classroom learning.
• Learn from USDA professionals and subject-matter experts.
• Explore potential careers in public service and federal government.
• Develop research, communication, data, outreach or programme-support skills.
• Strengthen your professional network and career awareness.
• Contribute to projects connected with agriculture, food systems, rural communities and public policy.