Public Service On-Ramps
Government agencies at all levels are operating at significant staffing deficits. Vacancy rates in state and local government are extraordinarily high, and, in general, have not yet returned to pre-pandemic staffing levels despite significant infusions of federal funds. At the same time, the pipeline of young talent into government has slowed to a trickle. This trend has real consequences for service delivery and public confidence.
Internships and fellowships are proven pathways to full-time employment, where early exposure can demystify complex systems and inspire lasting commitment. Yet, they are not widely used across governments, often unpaid or underpaid, and can be difficult for young people to find.
The Volcker Alliance is committed to facilitating government internships as on-ramps to public service careers. We connect early-career talent to government employers at scale, reduce financial barriers for those seeking internships, and suggest improvements to the quality of these opportunities at all levels of government.
Internships and Fellowships Database
The Volcker Alliance has created a new tool to explore internships and fellowships for those looking to begin a career in public service.
GovReady
A one-stop shop for early-career talent to find opportunities in government and the resources to secure them.
Paul A. Volcker Government Internship Award
Funding for current and former participants of Volcker Alliance programming who have secured an internship with local, state, or federal government.
The Internship Imperative: Building Pathways into Public Service
Drawing on a panel of exemplary public-sector internships, this paper offers five replicable strategies to strengthen internships and bolster the early-career pipeline into government.